Thermal Cutting
The melting or burning of the base material using concentrated thermal energy to prepare weld joints or contour sheets. An precise process results in low-oxide cut edges without inadmissible hardening.
Thermal cutting basically means: you use a heat source to deliberately put enough energy into the material that it melts or burns. You cut the sheet or separate parts without needing a saw or shears. Watch out: if you work carelessly, you get oxidation and hardening at the cut edge. That will cause trouble later when welding, because the weld won't bond cleanly and the material in that area becomes brittle. You need to keep the heat concentrated and move through quickly. Don't let the heat sit too long in one spot, or you'll burn the edge. After cutting, inspect the edge – if it's smooth and without discoloration, you're on the right track. Just quenching in cold water is not always right; depending on the material, it can introduce more stress than it relieves.