01How the process works
Oxy-fuel cutting burns steel in a jet of oxygen after preheating; plasma melts it with an electric arc and ionised gas. CNC tables cut profiles and bevels, often with multiple torches.
Cut edges become weld preparations, so bevel angle, root face and edge notches directly affect welding quality. On high strength steels, cut edges can harden and crack, which matters for structures to EN 1090.
- Plate verification. Grade, thickness, heat number.
- Programming. Profiles and bevels nested.
- Cutting. Pierce and cut, with preheat for oxy-fuel.
- Edge preparation. Grinding of notches and slag.
- Inspection. Dimensions, bevels, edge quality.
02What typically goes wrong
| Defect | Typical cause | How it is found |
|---|---|---|
| Edge notches and gouges | Unstable cut, torch height | Visual |
| Bevel angle error | Torch tilt | Bevel gauge |
| Hardened edges | Cooling of high strength steels | Hardness test |
| Slag adhesion | Speed, gas | Visual |
| Dimensional error | Kerf compensation, distortion | Tape and gauges |
| Heat number not transferred | Missing marking | Traceability check |
03Where an inspector should look
01
Before production
- Plate certificates and marking
- Bevel details from WPS
- Edge hardness requirement
02
During production
- Heat number transfer
- First part dimensions
03
After production
- Bevel and root face
- Edge condition
- Dimensional checks
04Standards and references
ISO 9013 (thermal cutting), EN 1090-2 (edge hardness and cut edge requirements), ISO 9692 (weld preparations).
Standards are named for orientation. The applicable edition and acceptance criteria are those in your contract and specification.
05How we support buyers of plasma and oxy-fuel parts
Steel Structure and Fabrication InspectionInspection of structural steel and fabricated assemblies: materials, welding, dimensions, bolting, coating and EN 1090 execution class requirements.
Welding InspectionBefore, during and after welding inspection: consumables, fit-up, preheat, parameters, visual inspection and repair control.