Thermal cutting often results in oxidized cutting surfaces
In thermal cutting processes where oxygen is involved, oxidation of the cut surface occurs, which results in the cut being covered by a thin oxide film. This film may result in problems with subsequent coating such as powder painting as the film easily detaches from the cutting surface. Therefore, it may be necessary to remove these film by mechanical or chemical means before coating.
For laser cutting, this effect can be avoided by using nitrogen as the cutting gas instead of oxygen. This gas is inert, which means that it does not react with the surroundings. However, this gas is more expensive and is supplied with a higher gas flow which gives an increased cutting cost.
LASER
Thermal cutting
