Oxy-fuel cutting is a thermal cutting process that uses pure oxygen and fuel gas to cut through materials, such as plate steel.

Heat from an oxy-fuel cutting torch is used to raise the surface or edge of the steel to approximately 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Oxygen is then directed to the heated area using a fine, high-pressure stream. The steel begins to oxidize and is blown away to form a cavity. The heat and stream of oxygen move at a consistent speed to cut into the metal.

The actual chemical reaction that takes place during oxy-fuel cutting is sometimes known as “rapid rusting” or “rapid, controlled rusting.” This is simply because the steel is rapidly oxidized.