Oxygen Cutting Alloy SteelAlloy steel is a name applied to a range of alloys with different characteristics depending on the specific alloy. The alloy steels most frequently encountered are Ni steel, Cr-Mo and Cr-Mo-V steels, and some high strength alloys containing Cr, Ni, Mo and other elements. Alloy steels frequently need to be cut to size or shape. Oxygen cutting is usually the most readily available process and uses oxygen with acetylene or other appropriate fuel gas. The process can be operated manually or mechanised, with a single cutting torch or multiple torches. Cutting alloy steel is not as easy as cutting mild and low carbon steels. Edges can be cut accurately but are more difficult to cut through and the quality of the cut depends on the alloy steel being cut. Some alloy steels have a high carbon equivalent making them very hardenable and prone to edge cracking. Preheat may be necessary to prevent cracking. Dressing of the cut edges to remove dross and other damage is usually necessary before welding can begin. The main safety issues are naked flames, compressed gas, flammable gas, and hot metal.
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