Oxy-acetylene welding, also known as oxy fuel welding, gas welding or blowpipe welding, is a time-honored technique that is commonly used to join metals for repair work or creative projects.
In this article, our industrial welding company explains how oxy-acetylene welding works. Keep reading to learn about the main steps in doing oxy-acetylene welding and the benefits and limitations of this trusted method.
How oxy-acetylene welding works
Oxy-acetylene welding is a type of gas welding that involves heating parts with a torch and joining them together with or without a suitable filler metal.
Oxy-acetylene welding creates a strong, durable bond. There are several different oxy-fuel welding methods, each suited to specific applications.
Autogenous welding
Autogenous welding is used to weld two parts made of the same metal, which therefore share the same melting point. Both parts are heated until they melt and bond, without the use of filler metal. To achieve a successful weld, it is essential to reach the melting point quickly without overheating the parts, to preserve their natural properties.
Soft soldering
Soft soldering uses tin wire as a filler metal, which has a melting point below 400°C. This technique is ideal for domestic repairs, electronics, electrical work and more. Soft soldering prevents oxidation and delivers a quality finish. Soft soldering involves heating the parts, applying the tin wire and allowing the assembly to cool. It creates a precise, strong solder joint.
Hard soldering (Silver soldering)
Hard soldering is similar to soft soldering, but uses a filler metal with a higher melting point (reaching up to 700°C) such as copper or silver. This process is used widely in the plumbing and heating industries. Positioning the parts is crucial to achieving a strong, high-quality weld. The process involves continuously applying the torch to the weld line while feeding the filler metal into the weld area.
Brazing
Brazing relies on an even higher soldering temperature, above 900°C. The preferred filler metal is coated brass. This method is ideally suited to larger-scale jobs. The process is similar to that of hard soldering but it results in stronger bonds.
Steps in oxy-acetylene welding
Oxy-acetylene welding must be performed following a well-defined, step-by-step process, to ensure a successful weld. Here are the main steps in ocy-acetylene welding:
1. Prepare the parts
The first step is to prepare the parts that will be joined. This involves carefully cleaning the surfaces of the metals and removing any traces of dirt, oil or paint. Thorough scrubbing with an abrasive will also create microgrooves that help the filler metal stick to the surface.
2. Select a torch and adjust the flame
Choosing the right torch for the welding method and metal type is just as important as the other steps in this process. Depending on the requirements of your welding project, you can choose between a low-pressure or injector type torch, and an equal pressure torch. Before beginning to weld, make sure the flame is properly adjusted so that you can control the temperature and make a proper weld.
3. Lighting the torch
Once you have chosen a torch an opened the gas supply, it’s time to light it. Depending on the type of torch used, there are different ways to do this. For low pressure torches, you will need to open a valve to let the gas flow out. Equal pressure torches require both gases to be ignited using a torch striker and not a match.
4. Heating the parts
This stage involves heating the parts you want to weld to the appropriate melting temperature. Aim the torch at the areas to be welded, and apply heat evenly to avoid distorting or overheating the parts. It is important to maintain the correct distance and angle between the torch and the parts. If you need a professional who can perform high-quality welding, contact us today!
5. Filler metal input
For brazing and soldering methods, the filler metal is added when the parts are hot enough to melt the material being used: tin, copper or silver wire. The filler is placed between the two parts to be welded. Capillary action allows it to penetrate the gaps and form the weld. For autogenous welding, no additional metal is required, as the original metals fuse together directly.
6. Cooling and finishing
Once the weld is complete, move the torch away from the parts and allow them to cool at room temperature. To avoid burns, never handle the parts while they are still hot. After the parts are cool, you can apply finishing touches and achieve a clean, attractive finish using a wire brush or abrasive.
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Benefits of oxy-acetylene welding
Oxy-acetylene welding offers a number of advantages, which is why it remains so popular with professional welders. Here are some of the main advantages of this technique:
Versatility
Oxy-acetylene welding offers great versatility, as it can be used on a variety of metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, brass and many others. This adaptability makes it an ideal solution for different applications and welding jobs. Whether for industrial machinery design, artistic projects or more, oxy-acetylene welding can be adapted to a multitude of materials.
Ease of use
One of the great strengths of torch welding is its ease of use. Even beginners can master this welding technique with a little practice and training. Thanks to simple flame and gas flow settings, you can learn to use a torch quickly and easily, and use it to make quality welds. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts who want to do welding jobs at home without any in-depth expertise.
Please note: don’t take any risks! If you aren’t sure you have what it takes to carry out this type of work, contact our experts anytime!
Affordability
Compared with other more complex and expensive welding methods, torch welding is quite affordable. Torches can be purchased at reasonable prices, making them an economical option for occasional welding jobs or for people who are new to welding. Maintenance and consumables costs are also relatively low, making them an affordable solution for many projects.
Handling
Torches are lightweight, compact tools that are easy to handle and transport. They are an ideal choice for welding work in confined spaces or outdoors, where it may be harder to use bulkier welding methods.
Limits of oxy-acetylene welding
Despite its many advantages, oxy-acetylene welding also has a few limitations. It might not be the right welding technique to use in some situations, for the following reasons:
Lack of precision
One of the main limitations of torch welding is that this method lacks precision. Compared with other welding techniques like TIG welding (GTAW) or MIG/MAG welding, torch welding may not be precise enough, particularly for doing soldering work on sensitive electronic components.
Variable weld quality
The quality of a torch weld can vary according to the experience and skill of the welder. Obtaining uniform weld quality requires good technique and an in-depth knowledge of torch handling. Beginner welders may find it difficult to achieve consistent, strong welds. Weld quality can also be influenced by flame settings, metal feed rate and the cleanliness of the welding surface.
Limited welding capability
Although versatile, torch welding may not be suitable for complex or large-scale welding tasks. Other specialised techniques will likely be required for jobs that demand extreme precision, high-quality welds or sophisticated assemblies.
HARtech: your partner for industrial projects
Oxy-acetylene welding is a versatile and accessible technique that offers many advantages to both private and professional users. It is easy to learn and affordable, making it a reliable choice for everything from home repairs to assembling complex industrial parts.
At HARtech, we understand the importance of offering welding solutions that are tailored to our customers’ specific needs. For over 20 years, we have specialized in providing industrial welding and machining services to companies in all sectors. Call us today to discuss your project!
