Copper And Copper Alloys - ESAB ARCAIR SLICE Series Safety And Operating Instructions Manual

8. Once the hole is under way, bring the cutting rod perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece.
Keep the cutting rod deep enough in the hole to feel slight resistance from the non-molten
material at the base of the hole. Use a slight circular motion while piercing the hole to keep
the rod free of molten material coming out of the hole.
9. Move the rod in and out of the hole occasionally to maintain an open path for the molten
material.
CAUTION
!
The molten material travels back up the rod while piercing. Wear proper
clothing for protection from the molten spray. Hold the torch at arm's length
to keep the operator as far away from the molten material as possible. An
optional 6" (152.4 mm) collet extension and extension shield are available
for the SLICE cutting torch to protect the operator and torch.
NOTE!
Piercing in the flat position is more difficult than piercing horizontally. Pierc-
ing flat progresses more slowly. For example, piercing a hole in a floor is
more difficult and slower than piercing a hole in a wall.

6.04 Copper and Copper Alloys

CUTTING Because of the very rapid heat absorption of copper and its alloys, cut with power on these
materials. Use a maximum of 300 amps since copper quickly absorbs the heat created from the
exothermic reaction, reducing the effectiveness of the cutting process. Cutting with power releases
more heat so it is possible to cut some copper pieces. The larger the size of the part the more
difficult it is to cut. A sawing motion into the cut kerf speeds cutting. Brass, bronze and other alloys
are slightly easier to cut, but these alloys should be cut using power, if possible.
PIERCING Use power when piercing copper and its alloys. This results in extremely fast rod
consumption. The higher the copper content of the part, the harder the material is to cut.
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SLICE EXOTHERMIC CUTTING EQUIPMENT
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