OPERATION
!
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. Piercing flat pro-
gresses 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 exo-
thermic 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 consump-
tion. The higher the copper content of the part, the harder the material is to cut.