What Is Oxy-Acetylene Hardfacing Method

Introduction of Oxy-Acetylene welding

There are many different types of welding processes for fusing together metal. From flux-cored welding to GTAW/TIG welding, to SMAW welding, to GMAW/MIG welding, each welding process serves a specific purpose depending on the condition and types of materials being welded.

Another type of welding is oxy-acetylene welding. Known as oxy-fuel welding, oxy-acetylene welding is a process that relies on the combustion of oxygen and a fuel gas, typically acetylene. Maybe most of you hear this type of welding referred to as “gas welding.”

Generally, gas welding is used for welding thin metal sections. People can also use oxy-acetylene welding for heating tasks, like releasing frozen bolts and nuts and heating heavy stock for bending and soft soldering tasks.

How Does Oxy-Acetylene Welding Work?

Oxy-acetylene welding uses a high-heat, high-temperature flame that is produced by burning a fuel gas (most commonly acetylene) mixed with pure oxygen. The base material is melted with the filler rod using a flame from the combination of oxy-fuel gas through the tip of the welding torch.

The fuel gas and oxygen gas are stored in pressurized steel cylinders. Regulators in the cylinder reduce gas pressure.

Gas flows through flexible hoses, with the welder controlling the flow via the torch. The filler rod is then melted with the base material. However, melting two pieces of metals is also possible without the need for a filler rod.

What Are the Main Differences Between Oxy-Acetylene Welding and Other Welding Types?

The main difference between oxy-fuel welding and arc welding types like SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW is the heat source. Oxy-fuel welding uses a flame as the heat source, reaching temperatures up to 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Arc welding uses electricity as a heat source, reaching temperatures of roughly 10,000 F. Either way, you’ll want to be careful and safe when welding around any type of scorching temperatures.

In the early days of welding, oxyfuel welding was used to weld thick plates. At present, it’s almost exclusively used on thin metal. Some arc welding processes, such as GTAW, are replacing the oxy-fuel welding process on thin metals.

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