Mechanism of Cutting Cracks in Highly Sensitive Cracked Steel in Thick Plates

    
    Cracking of large steel plates is a common problem in the fabrication and repair of a wide variety of engineering components, including bridges, towers, pressure vessels, and storage tanks. This kind of cracking often occurs due to welding defects or other welding-related factors. In this article, we will discuss the mechanisms of cutting cracks in highly sensitive cracked steel in thick plates.
    
    Cracked steel in thick plates has the potential to suffer from extreme stress during cutting processes. This is due to the geometric and metallurgical properties of steel. High stress concentrations, prolonged machining times, and sharp corners all increase the risk of cracking. Cutting technologies, such as laser and water jet cutting, are often used to reduce these risks.
    
    The process of cutting thick steel plates involves the use of a cutting head, consisting of an abrasive wheel, a nozzle, and a cutting bit. The abrasive wheel is typically the largest component of the cutting head and is used to abrade and remove material from the plate. The nozzle is used to deliver and pressurize the cutting fluid and the cutting bit is used to cut into the plate.
    
    When cutting into a steel plate, a high-pressure cutting fluid is typically used to assist with the cutting process. The cutting fluid provides lubrication and cooling, which helps to reduce the friction and heat generated between the cutting tools and the steel plate. However, within thick plates, cutting fluids may become trapped in cracks, thus reducing the effectiveness of the lubrication. This can create localized stress concentrations.
    
    To reduce the risk of cutting cracks in highly sensitive cracked steel in thick plates, it is important to minimize heat and stress concentrations. The cutting parameters should be optimized to ensure that the cutting speed and feedrate are such that the heat and cutting forces generated are low, as this will reduce the risk of cracking. Additionally, a preheat method can be used where soft blanks of the same material can be preheated prior to cutting to reduce the risk of cutting cracks.
    
    In addition to the cutting parameters, it is also important to ensure the cutting tools are in good condition, as damaged tools can cause further stress concentrations in the material. The cutting bit should be regularly inspected for signs of wear and abuse, and it should be changed when it is no longer able to produce the desired result.
    
    Finally, it is important to understand the process of cutting cracks in highly sensitive cracked steel in thick plates in order to avoid them. When cutting into a thick steel plate, a high-pressure cutting fluid is typically used to assist with the cutting process. However, within thick plates, cutting fluids may become trapped in cracks, thus reducing the effectiveness of the lubrication. This can create localized stress concentrations. To reduce the risk of cutting cracks, the cutting parameters should be optimized to ensure the cutting speed and feedrate are low and the cutting tools are in good condition. Preheating the soft blank prior to cutting can also be used to reduce the risk of cutting cracks.

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