Cutting method of A588 weathering steel plate

A588 weathering steel plate is a kind of low alloy high strength structural steel with 355Mpa minimum yield. It has high strength, good plasticity, toughness and weldability, particularly good corrosion and atmospheric corrosion resistance.

Weathering steel plates have been widely used in bridges, railway rolling stocks and other steel structures. The A588 weathering steel plate is mainly used for agricultural machinery, transportation and construction machinery, etc. Due to its characteristics, cutting A588 weathering steel requires special tools and cutting methods, as follows.

1. Cold cutting

Cold cutting is appropriate for cutting small pieces with a thickness range of 0.8-20mm. Because A588 weathering steel has a thickness greater than 0.8, it is subject to cold cutting. This cutting method can effectively reduce the hardening of the edges due to heat, improve the cutting surface quality and meet the requirements of the cutting process in terms of roundness and roughness.

2. Flame cutting

Flame cutting is suitable for A588 weathering steel with a thickness range of 1-60mm. A588 weathering steel reacts vigorously to oxygen when heated during cutting, and the cutting surface is affected by heat and oxidation. In order to reduce the oxidation of the cutting surface, a cutting layer should be formed between the workpiece and the cutting oxygen when using this cutting method. The thin layers of steel and slag sprayed onto the cutting surface will help to protect the cutting surface from oxidation.

3. Plasma cutting

This cutting method is suitable for A588 weathering steel with a thickness range of 0.8-15mm. When plasma cutting, the speed of cutting and the quality of the cutting surface are determined by the cutting parameters, such as gas type and jet pressure. During the cutting process, due to the high temperature of the plasma arc, there will be a certain degree of oxidation. In order to reduce the oxidation, the cutting speed should be slow, and if the oxidation is too severe, protective measures, such as a protective board or the addition of a cutting aid, should be taken.

4. Sawing

Sawing is suitable for A588 weathering steel with a thickness of 0.8-125mm. Sawing is an effective cutting method, but it is not suitable for flat cutting and has a certain effect on the cutting surface. The saw blade and workpiece are both heated during the cutting process, resulting in surface oxidation and hardening of the edges. It is advisable to place the saw blade in a coolant bath or spray it with a cooling agent during cutting to prevent the saw blade and workpiece from heating up excessively.