Flame CNC Cutting Machine Operating Procedure Guide (Practical Version)

1. Core Components (Illustrative Explanation)

2. Working Principle Analysis (Three-step Core Process)
Preheating Stage: Gas (propane / natural gas / acetylene) is mixed in proportion with preheating oxygen for combustion, generating a high-temperature flame of 800-1000℃, which heats the cutting area of the workpiece to the ignition point (for carbon steel, approximately 870℃); 
Cutting stage: High-pressure oxygen is instantly sprayed, removing the molten metal and causing the metal to burn vigorously in the oxygen, thus forming a continuous cutting edge. 
Control stage: The numerical control system, based on the preset G codes, controls the mechanical system to drive the cutting torch to move along the trajectory, while simultaneously adjusting parameters such as gas flow rate and cutting speed.

1. Environmental Inspection (Safety Precondition)

2. Personal Protective Equipment (Must Be Worn)

3. Equipment Inspection Checklist (Item-by-Item Verification)
(1) Gas Path System (Most Important)
Gas cylinder fixation: Oxygen cylinders and gas cylinders are respectively fixed on dedicated supports, with a distance of ≥ 5 meters, and kept away from heat sources; 
Pressure regulation: 
Output pressure of the oxygen pressure reducing valve: 0.4 - 0.6 MPa (indicated by the low-pressure gauge); 
Output pressure of the gas pressure reducing valve: Propane 0.05 - 0.08 MPa, Natural gas 0.03 - 0.06 MPa, Acetylene 0.02 - 0.05 MPa; 
Leakage detection: Apply soapy water to the valve of the gas cylinder, the pipe joints, and the connection points of the cutting torch. If no bubbles are formed, it is considered qualified. 
Filter inspection: The filter screen of the gas filter is clean and free of blockages (blockages can cause unstable pressure). 
(2) Mechanical System
Guide rail cleaning: Remove metal dust and debris from the guide rails and rack (using a brush and compressed air for blowing). 
Fastening inspection: The rack fixing bolts and the slider connection screws are not loose. 
Lubrication condition: The slider and guide rail are coated with special lubricating oil (no dry grinding marks, smooth movement). 
(3) Electrical System
Power supply check: The wiring is secure, there are no exposed wire ends, and the voltage is stable within the rated range (380V ± 10%). 
Grounding verification: Grounding resistance ≤ 4Ω (regular inspection records available), grounding cables are undamaged; 
Control Panel: All buttons and display functions are normal, and there are no error codes.

1. Startup Sequence (Irreversible)
Turn on the main power supply: 
Operation: Close the main power switch of the equipment and observe the power indicator light to turn on. 
Verification: Use a multimeter to measure the input voltage and confirm its stability. 
Start the control system: 
Operation: Turn on the power of the control cabinet and wait for the system to perform self-check (approximately 30 seconds); 
Verification: The display screen shows normal operation, and there are no alarm messages (such as "Emergency Stop Not Reset" or "Insufficient Air Pressure"). 
Activate the auxiliary system: 
Operation: Turn on the cooling device and the ventilation system; 
Verification: The cooling water flow is normal, and the exhaust fan is operating without any abnormal noise. 
Gas system preparation: 
Operation: ① Slowly open the gas cylinder valve (no more than 1.5 turns to facilitate emergency closure); ② Slowly open the oxygen cylinder valve (fully open to ensure sufficient supply); ③ Observe the pressure gauge to confirm that the pressure is within the set value. 
Equipment zeroing operation: 
Operation: Execute the "Return to Reference Point" command in the numerical control system; 
Verification: The X, Y, and Z axes have accurately returned to the zero point, and the coordinate system has been successfully established. 

2. Gas ignition and flame adjustment (safety operation)
(1) Preparations before ignition
Move the cutting torch to a safe area (away from flammable materials and gas cylinders); 
Once again, check that there is no leakage in the gas pipeline and ensure that all protective equipment is worn properly. 
(2) Ignition Procedure (Do not reverse)
Open a small amount of the gas valve (you can do so when you hear a slight airflow sound); 
Light the fire using a dedicated ignition gun (strictly prohibit the use of lighters to avoid backfire and scalding injuries); 
After ignition is successful, gradually increase the gas flow rate to make the flame length reach 5-8 cm. 
Gradually open the preheating oxygen valve and adjust the flame type to a neutral flame (bright blue, with a clear flame core and no yellow flame). 
(3)Selection of flame type

3. Flame test verification
Observe the stability of the flame: no fluctuations, explosions, or re-ignition phenomena; 
Check the jetting of the cutting torch: The preheated flame is uniform, and the cutting oxygen jet is powerful. 
Exception handling: If ignition fails, immediately close the gas valve, and ventilate for 30 seconds before attempting again (to prevent gas accumulation).

1. Gas Pressure Parameter (Adapted according to Thickness)

2.Optimization of cutting speed (reference standard)

Practical tip: When cutting a new material/with a new thickness for the first time, make a 10cm sample cut first. Adjust the speed based on the quality of the cut (re-cut after every 50mm/min adjustment).

3.Preheating time and nozzle selection

Influencing factors: When the ambient temperature is below 10℃, the preheating time is extended by 30%; when there is rust on the material surface, the preheating time should be appropriately prolonged.

1. Torch Height Control
Ideal height: During the cutting process, the distance between the cutting nozzle and the surface of the workpiece should be maintained at 3-12mm (adjustable according to thickness; for thick plates, the height should be slightly higher); 
Control method: 
Manual adjustment: By using the lifting knob of the cutting torch, combined with visual observation; 
Automatic control: Enable the device height sensing function to accommodate uneven or curved workpieces; 
Quality impact: If the distance is too close → The slag adheres to the nozzle, causing blockage; if the distance is too far → The flame disperses, resulting in insufficient preheating and rough cutting edges. 

2.Adjustment of cutting angle

Technique: Maintain a stable angle and avoid frequent changes during the cutting process.

3. Cutting Point Selection and Path Optimization
(1) Selection Principle of Cutting Point
The cutting point should be selected at the edge of the sheet material (to reduce the difficulty of punching and avoid material deformation caused by cutting in the center); 
Avoid material defects (such as cracks and rust holes) and prevent cutting interruptions; 
There should be sufficient support around the cutting point to prevent the material from shaking during the cutting process. 
(2) Path Optimization Techniques
By using "edge-sharing cutting" and "bridge cutting" programming, the empty cutting distance is reduced and the efficiency is improved; 
When cutting thick plates, after preheating the cutting point, start with a small flow rate of cutting oxygen. Once the cutting edge is formed, increase the flow rate. 
When arc termination is performed, the cutting torch should travel an additional 5-10mm along the extension line of the cut to prevent slag from adhering at the end of the cut.

1. Core Quality Indicators

2. Quality Inspection Process
First-piece Inspection: Before each batch of production, cut 1 sample and test each quality indicator item by item; 
Process inspection: For every 10 pieces cut, randomly inspect 1 piece to ensure stable parameters. 
Record Archiving: Fill out the "Cut Quality Inspection Form", record parameters and inspection results, which is helpful for traceability.

1. Personal Safety Prohibitions
It is strictly prohibited to operate without wearing protective equipment; 
Smoking and the use of open flames are strictly prohibited in the cutting area. 
It is strictly prohibited to touch the hot workpieces or the torch nozzle with your hands. 
It is strictly prohibited to cross the guide rails or gas pipelines while the equipment is in operation. 

2. Safe operation of equipment
Emergency stop button: In case of any abnormality during equipment operation (such as gas leakage or flame out of control), immediately press the emergency stop button and close the gas cylinder valve; 
Tempering treatment: If tempering occurs (if there is an explosion sound in the cutting torch and the flame goes out), immediately close the gas valve, then close the oxygen valve. After cooling, inspect the cutting nozzle, remove any blockages, and then re-light the torch. 
Prohibition of modification: It is strictly prohibited to modify the gas or electrical circuits privately. When replacing the cutting nozzle, a product of the same model must be used. 

3. Gas Safety Management
Gas cylinder usage: Oxygen cylinders and gas cylinders must not be placed together. Keep at least 10 meters away from open flames. 
Leakage handling: In case of a gas leak, immediately close the gas cylinder valve, ventilate the area, and refrain from turning on electrical appliances (such as lights, control panels). Wait until the leak is eliminated before conducting any inspections. 
Fire extinguishing measures: In case of a fire, immediately close the gas cylinder valve and use dry powder / carbon dioxide fire extinguishers to put out the fire. It is strictly prohibited to use water to extinguish oil or electrical fires.

1. Daily Maintenance (10 minutes before work ends each day)

2. Weekly Maintenance (Friday afternoons)
Mechanical Components: 1. Use compressed air to clean the guide rails and gear rails; 2. Apply special lubricating oil to the sliders and gear rails; 3. Check the straightness of the guide rails and tighten loose bolts; 
Piping system: 1. Conduct comprehensive leakage detection of the pipeline; 2. Replace the filter element of the gas filter (if clogged); 3. Calibrate the accuracy of the pressure gauge. 
Safety devices: 1. Test the function of the emergency stop button; 2. Check the effectiveness of fire extinguishing equipment. 

3. Monthly in-depth maintenance (last week of each month)
Key checks: 1. Test the stability of gas pressure output; 2. Verify the positioning accuracy of the equipment (after returning to zero position, move a specified distance and measure the error); 3. Check the wear condition of the cutting torch and ignition device; 
Maintenance Record: Fill out the "Equipment Maintenance Ledger", documenting the maintenance items, identified problems, and the resolution results. 
Replacement of wear-prone parts: Based on the usage conditions, replace wear-prone parts such as the cutting nozzle, sealing ring, and filter.

The core of the operation of the Flame CNC cutting machine is "Safety first, quality-oriented, standardized operation, and regular maintenance". As an operator, one not only needs to master parameter settings and operational skills, but also should establish a sense of responsibility - every standardized inspection and every standard action is the key to ensuring production safety and enhancing enterprise efficiency. 
Suggestion:
Print and post this procedure in the equipment operation area for easy reference at any time. 
Before starting work, new employees must undergo training and practical operation assessment. Only those who pass the assessment can operate independently. 
Regularly organize skills exchanges, share experiences in parameter optimization and fault handling, and continuously improve operational proficiency. 
Remember: The stable operation of the equipment stems from each meticulous operation and maintenance.