Introduction to manual steel plate cutting

Manual steel plate cutting requires mastering flame cutting techniques and is suitable for carbon steel ranging from 6 to 300mm in thickness. During operation, maintain a 5mm distance between the cutting nozzle and the steel plate, and tilt the nozzle at an 80-degree angle to concentrate the heat. The cutting speed must be uniform to avoid fluctuations that could lead to backfire or weld seam adhesion. After cutting thick plates, check the width of the cut (approximately 4mm for manual gas cutting). For thin plates, shearing should be prioritized to minimize deformation.

Safety precautions include: wearing safety glasses and gloves, checking for gas leaks before cutting, and immediately shutting off the gas supply in case of backfire. When finishing, close the oxygen valve first, then the acetylene valve, to prevent backfire. The torch angle needs to be adjusted for different plate thicknesses (e.g., 20°-30° backward tilt for 4-20mm plates), and the torch should be kept vertical for curved cuts.

For beginners, it is recommended to practice with thick plates to master preheating, piercing, and uniform cutting speed techniques. Ensure the steel plate surface is free of rust, and adjust cutting parameters according to the material. Once proficient, you can attempt cutting thin plates, but heat deformation must be controlled.