EXOTHERMIC

CUTTING
EQUIPMENT
 Objectives
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
• Identify the difference between the Arcair packages that are available to EU
customers.
• Recognise the main components within the Arcair SLICE® package.
• Demonstrate how to correctly assemble Arcair equipment, initiate the arc and
complete various cuts using various ‘setups’.
• Understand how to maintain the equipment before, whilst in use and post
cutting application.
The Combustion Triangle

Fuel – SLICE® Rod Heat – 12 Volt Battery

•Arcair SLICE utilises the exothermic

reaction between oxygen and metal when
ignited.
•Oxygen although not Flammable is an aid
to burning.
•Temperatures in excess of 3400oC can be
achieved.
•It burns, melts and vaporises nearly any
metallic, non-metallic and composite
material.
Oxygen
Exothermic Cutting Operation – What is it?

• A lever on the torch opens a valve to feed 80 psi of pure Industrial Oxygen
through a steel rod.
• Breaking and making the electrical circuit between rod and striker causes an
arc (via 12V DC battery).
• Once lit the electric circuit is broken and no current flows during use.
• The rod will only burn whilst it is being fed with oxygen.
• Operator must release the lever to stop the reaction.
ARCAIR SLICE® EQUIPMENT
EU MARKET
SLICE ® Utility Pack 63-991-026CE

Includes inside a rugged tool box carrying case:

• SLICE Torch assembly.
• Industrial oxygen ‘blue’ hose connected to the torch with UK standard 3/8
BSP standard fittings used to connect to oxygen regulators.
• SLICE Striker assembly.
• Red & Black Tong style battery clamps makes power connection quick and
easy.
• Collet Extension
• Extension Shield
SLICE ® Battery Pack 63-991-007CE

Includes inside a rugged tool box carrying case:

• SLICE Torch assembly.
• Industrial oxygen ‘blue’ hose connected to the torch with UK 3/8 BSP standard
fittings used to connect to oxygen regulators.
• SLICE Striker assembly.
• Collet Extension
• Extension Shield
• ¼ x 22” Cutting Rods (x25)

• 12 Battery Box Assembly

• Charging Cable 240 VAC/50Hz
 SLICE ® Complete Pack 63-991-005CE
Includes inside a rugged tool box carrying case:
• SLICE Torch assembly.
• Industrial oxygen ‘blue’ hose connected to the torch with UK standard 3/8
BSP standard fittings used to connect to oxygen regulators.
• SLICE Striker assembly.
• Collet Extension
• Extension Shield
• Outfit Wrench – Hose Nut and Regulator Nut
• Outfit Wrench – Oxygen Hose Nut and Male Adapter
• ¼ x 22” Cutting Rods (x25)

• 12 Battery Box Assembly

• Charging Cable 240 VAC/50Hz

This package does not include oxygen cylinder and regulator

Complete unit weights 34kg.

IDENTIFYING THE
EQUIPMENT
Charging The Battery
• The battery comes fully charged before shipping.
• Place battery into ‘CHARGE’ mode before
connecting.
• Use the correct charging lead for the correct
voltage lead. Each charging lead is wired per
voltage charging medium.
• Recommended to charge for a minimum of 12
hours before use.
• The charger is designed not to harm the battery
by ‘over charging’ but it is recommended to
disconnect after a max 16 hours.
• Peak performance is best obtained by charging 4
- 8 hours each week when not in use.
• It is recommended to recharge the battery ‘after
use’ and ‘before storage’ even if only 1 or 2 rods
have been ignited.
NOTE
• Experience operator can average over 100 strikes.
• The casual user between 30 – 40 strikes.
Exothermic Cutting Equipment - SLICE ® Torch
The SLICE torch is supplied with ¼” (6mm) diameter rods. By changing the
collet nut and collet chuck this can be converted to use 3/8” (10mm) rods.

Comfortable
and easy to use
pistol grip
design handle.

Lightweight heat shield

designed to protect hands
during cutting operation.

Easy to squeeze oxygen trigger

which allows flow of oxygen Blue 3 meter industrial
through cutting rods. gas hose.
Exothermic Cutting Equipment - SLICE ® Torch

Spark arrestor are included in all SLICE torch

kits for safety reasons. The location of these
require relocating when using the torch
extension.

The SLICE head and body are brazed together and

are thoroughly cleaned free of oil due to the fact
they are to be used with oxygen
 Exothermic Cutting Equipment - SLICE ® Torch

Collet Spark Arrestor

Chuck 94-305-009

Collet Nut

Rubber Washer
94-940-109

¼” Collet Nut 94-168-022

¼” Collet Chuck 94-158-048
3/8” Collet Nut 94-168-024
3/8” Collet Chuck 94-158-045
3/8” Conversion Kit 94-463-032
Exothermic Cutting Equipment - Cutting Rods

Uncoated/Coated
• Uncoated rods are used in applications when
igniting with a battery source
• Coated rods are used when cutting with DC
power (< 200 amps). The coating prevents
side wall shortening when using an electrical
power source.
• No CE certification required.
Exothermic Cutting Equipment - Cutting Rods
 OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
Operating Instructions - Maintenance

Never try to ignite a rod in any other position than cut or with AC input cable
connected. This burns out the charge circuit protection fuse located inside the
charger/battery container. It should be replaced with a lamp quick acting ¼” x 1¼ ”
(6mm x 31mm) fuse.

WARNING
Disconnect all power cables before opening

Fuse failure has occurred when the meter reads right in the charge mode but
doesn’t indicate in test mode.

Remember Safety First, refer to manual for recommended protection equipment

and contact the local HSE for current legislation.
Operating Instructions - Pre Use Checks

• Visually inspect the following :

 torch
 striker
 electric cables
 oxygen supply hose for damage.
• Check the fittings on electrical cables to the torch and striker are tight.
• Check that the oxygen hose is tight in the torch.
Operating Instructions - Inspecting the Spark
Arrestor
• Remove Collet Nut assembly.
• Remove Collet Chuck and Washer.
• Inspect for presence of Spark Arrestor (no need to remove).
• If removed, replace Spark Arrestor pointed end first.
• Seat Washer in torch.
• Replace Collet Chuck.
• Hand tighten Collet and assembly.
Operating Instructions – Setting Up

• Wipe clean all fittings and cables.

• Connect oxygen hose to regulator, checking oxygen is off and regulator set
to zero.
• Connect the torch and striker electrical leads to battery + (positive) to torch
and – (negative) to striker.
• Open oxygen valve slowly - HP gauge indicates cylinder contents.

• Apply pressure to the torch trigger and slowly turn PA knob on regulator
clockwise. Set working pressure to 80 psi (refer to manual).
• Release the trigger.
Operating Instructions - Basic Set Up
12V
SLICE
Battery
SLICE® Pack
Torch 80 psi

Striker

Material
Oxygen
Cylinder
Operating Instructions – Loading the torch

• Loosen Collet Nut assembly but do not remove.

• Insert SLICE® cutting rod (USE only Arcair SLICE rods) into Collet Nut assembly.

• Tighten the Collet Nut by hand.

• Firmly tap the end of the rod on a hard surface this seat the rod in the washer.
NOTE: Ensure the material is not grounded to the power supply or battery.
• Press the torch trigger. If oxygen leaks at Collet Nut STOP. Never use a
damaged rod.
• Tap again, if assembly still leaks remove from service for repair.
Operating Instructions – Igniting the rod

• Prior to striking the rod, ensure all flammable material is removed from the area..
• Touch rod on striker rotating your wrist and moving back and forth.

For cutting techniques, refer to owners manual.

Operating Instructions - Cutting Rates
Operating Instructions – Shutting down
• Remove cutting rod.
• Remove from power source.
• Shut off the bottle supply.
• Vent the torch by depressing the oxygen lever. NOTE: Never vent oxygen near
heat or flames.
• Turn the Pressure Adjustment knob on the regulator anti clockwise on the oxygen
regulator to fully open.
• Disconnect from the regulator.
Operational Procedure – End Of Use Inspection

• Inspect torch for contaminants, dirt, oil, grease and wipe clean.

• Wire brush the striker if any build up.

• Check for damage or wear.

Exothermic Cutting Equipment - 12Volt Battery

12V Battery

SLICE® 80 psi
Torch

Striker

Material
Oxygen
Cylinder
Exothermic Cutting Equipment - Welding
Inverter

SLICE®
Inverter Welder
Torch 80 psi

Material
Never use a Constant Voltage power supply with this cutting process
Oxygen
Cylinder
Exothermic Cutting Equipment - Welding Inverter

SLICE®
Inverter Welder
Torch 80 psi

NOTE: Using
Coated Slice
rods.

Material
Never use a Constant Voltage power supply with this cutting process
Oxygen
Cylinder
 A GUIDE FOR
MAINTENANCE
 Maintenance – Inspection after heavy use

• Disconnect the torch from the battery assembly.

• Remove the Collet Nut, Collet, Washer, Spark Arrestor and the extension, if
in place.
– Wash in clean water and dry.
– Do not use soap, solvents or any cleaning fluid.
– If in doubt, replace Washer and Spark Arrestor.
• Remove Hand Shield and wash in clean water.
• Disassemble Handle and wash in clean water.
• Before removing oxygen hose, clean remaining parts in clean water and dry.
 Maintenance - Inspection after heavy use

• Remove oxygen hose and inspect for water, soot, mud etc. If contaminated
replace hose, do not clean.
• If there are any signs of dirt, disassemble the oxygen valve by removing the
nut holding the plunger, remove the spring and washer. Clean components
completely or replace.
• Dry all parts before reassembly.

NOTE: Oil, grease and other such substances can explode under pressure in
oxygen.

• Test system before use.

Maintenance – Storage

• Never leave the cutting rod in the torch during storage.

• Slightly loosen nut before long term storage to prevent damage to internal
washer.
• Do not expose the units to chemicals, water, grease, oil or excess heat.
• Never store the torch on oxygen tanks or on the floor.
• Be sure all components are dry and clean before use.
Maintenance - Quarterly Inspections

• The SLICE® equipment should be used at least once every 3 months to ensure
battery has maintained its charge.
• Inspect for damage.
• Inspect the hoses for cuts, wear or burns.
• Remove Collet Nut and inspect for damage.
• Ensure Washer is in perfect condition, replace if necessary.
• Inspect Spark Arrestor to be sure it is clean, replace if damaged or dirty.
Any Questions ?
Objectives
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
• Identify the difference between the Arcair packages that are available to EU
customers.
• Recognise the main components within the Arcair SLICE® package.
• Demonstrate how to correctly assemble Arcair equipment, initiate the arc and
complete various cuts using various ‘setups’.
• Understand how to maintain the equipment before, whilst in use and post
cutting application.