Oxyfuel technology and gas supply

Oxyfuel technology is a welding process in which only the heat of the arc is used to melt the base material. In this process, also known as oxyfuel welding or fusion welding, two metal parts are joined together using only the heat generated by the welding process itself. With this innovative technique, no filler materials are required, resulting in clean, homogeneous weld seams or soldered joints. By effectively utilizing thermal energy, oxyfuel welding provides exceptional strength, structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

The gas supply is an essential part of oxyfuel welding. The choice of gas plays an important role in the success and quality of the welding or brazing process. As a rule, shielding gases such as argon or helium are used as shielding gases to protect the weld pool or brazing zone from atmospheric contamination. These shielding gases create a stable and protective atmosphere that prevents oxidation and ensures excellent welding or soldering quality.

The gas supply system for oxyfuel welding and brazing must ensure an even flow of the selected shielding gas to the welding or brazing torch. High quality gas regulators, flow meters and hoses are used to ensure precise control of the gas flow rate and pressure. This control is crucial for a consistent weld, controlling the heat input and maintaining a stable arc or flame.

The gas supply for oxyfuel welding can be done in different ways. The most common way is to use a gas cylinder. Gas cylinders are filled with compressed gas and are equipped with regulators that control the gas flow to the welding torch.

Another way of supplying gas for oxyfuel welding is to use a central gas supply system. Central gas supply systems are generally used in large industrial plants. These systems consist of a compressor that compresses the gas, a storage tank in which the compressed gas is stored and a pipe network that feeds the gas to the welding torches.

Oxyfuel technology and gas supply are essential for welding thin and difficult-to-weld materials, as well as materials that require a clean and efficient weld. Knowing the basics of these processes will help you choose the right welding process for your needs and ensure that your welds are strong and durable.

Here are some other benefits of oxyfuel welding:

Lower costs: oxyfuel welding does not require filler metal, which can lead to savings in welding costs. Without filler materials, welders and brazers save on material costs, reduce set-up and changeover times and increase productivity. Oxyfuel technology enables faster welding or brazing speeds, resulting in shorter production cycles and higher throughput.
Higher productivity: Oxyfuel welding is a fast and efficient process that can increase productivity.
Improved quality: Oxy-fuel welds tend to be stronger and more durable than welds produced by other methods. The precision and control offered by oxyfuel technology, combined with a reliable gas supply, are particularly beneficial when working with delicate or sensitive materials. As no filler materials are used, there is no risk of incompatible alloys or impurities being introduced into the joint, ensuring the integrity of the base materials. This makes oxyfuel welding and brazing suitable for applications that require high purity, such as in the food, pharmaceutical or semiconductor industries.

One of the notable advantages of oxyfuel technology, supported by a reliable gas supply, is the ability to achieve clean and aesthetically pleasing welds or brazes. The absence of filler materials minimizes the risk of imperfections such as inclusions or porosity, resulting in visually appealing joints that require minimal cleaning after welding or brazing. This not only improves the overall appearance, but also streamlines subsequent processes by reducing the need for extensive grinding or polishing.