Considerations when cutting Cast Iron
Considerations when cutting Cast Iron
(OP)
What concerns must I address when cutting 4" thick plate from a large Cast Iron object (to large to preheat)?
The methods used to cut these pieces would probably be Plasma Arc or Exothermic cutting rods. I am looking for specifics on max. allowable temperature before changing metallurgy, heat affect zones, rate of cooling etc...I would like to minimize the thermal stresses introduced which could cause cracks.
Thanks
The methods used to cut these pieces would probably be Plasma Arc or Exothermic cutting rods. I am looking for specifics on max. allowable temperature before changing metallurgy, heat affect zones, rate of cooling etc...I would like to minimize the thermal stresses introduced which could cause cracks.
Thanks





RE: Considerations when cutting Cast Iron
An unrelated question to you. What is the need for removing a 4inch thick plate, any repair work,envisaged?
RE: Considerations when cutting Cast Iron
RE: Considerations when cutting Cast Iron
Our process used so far was to remove large pieces by making a cut, 1/2" away from the turbine casing. This way the heat affect zone remains in the cast block and not the turbine casing. We would then move in with the grinders to remove the last bit of material to try and achieve the profile of the wall.
I've been monitoring temperatures as we progress and have found the temperature range at the wall casing is anywhere from 160 deg. F. - 500 deg. F.
Lastly I plan to perform dye penetrant inspection to ensure no stress cracks were created.
Any thoughts on this process or temperatures I've recorded?