Welding is an extremely important skill and it is used in a variety of different projects and industries, both large scale and small. Oxy Acetylene welding (OAW) is a very popular process of welding because it is cost efficient and the materials used in the process are widely available. Over the past century, Oxy Acetylene welding has been used in everything from automotive repair to industrial fabrication.
In fact, it is estimated that Oxy Acetylene welding comprises 90% of all metal welding done today. In this article, we will explore exactly what Oxy Acetylene welding is, what its benefits are, and how to start welding safely.
What is Oxy-Acetylene Welding?
Oxy-acetylene welding (or oxy welding) is a type of welding process that involves the use of two chemical substances – oxygen (O2) and acetylene (C2H2) – to join two or more pieces of metal together. It is also referred to as oxy-fuel welding and is one of the most commonly used welding processes in the world today.The oxy-acetylene welding process uses a combination of heat and pressure to melt metals, allowing them to bond with one another. The high temperatures involved in the process make it easy to fuse any type of metal, including those considered difficult to weld such as certain alloys of steel.
How Does Oxy-Acetylene Welding Work?
The oxy-acetylene welding process starts by setting up an oxygen-acetylene torch. This torch is then used to melt the metal that needs to be welded.The oxy-acetylene torch is connected to a tank of oxygen and acetylene and consists of a pressure regulator, hose, and a torch tip to give off the heat. The oxygen and acetylene are regulated through two valves located on the torch.
The oxygen valve is opened first, allowing the oxygen to flow through the torch and build up a flame. Then the acetylene valve is opened, allowing the acetylene to mix with the oxygen and create a much hotter flame. This flame is then used to heat up the metals to a very high temperature, which causes them to melt and bind together.
Benefits of Oxy-Acetylene Welding
There are numerous benefits to using oxy-acetylene welding over other types of welding processes. Some of the benefits include:- It is one of the most economical welding processes.
- The process is relatively simple to perform and does not require any special skills.
- The high heat of the flame allows for welding of any type of material.
- It is portable, making it easy to transport to various job sites.
- High levels of precision are achievable.