qualifications needed

Welder and gas-cutting operator - training 

We organise courses for welders in acetylene-oxygen, plasma and electric cutting, which are some of the most popular tools used to separate low-carbon and low-alloy metals. W our centre you will learn all the necessary information about working as an operator and welder.  

What is the course programme? 

The training covers the following topics: 

  • Health, safety and hygiene rules for gas cutting, 
  • basics of gas cutting theory, 
  • reducers, 
  • equipment for the gas cutting operator's workplace, 
  • technical gases for cutting, 
  • pressure gauges, 
  • gas cutting torches, 
  • cylinders for technical gases pressure gauges, 
  • technical gas lines, 
  • gas cutting technology, 
  • semi-automatic and automatic gas cutting machines. 

After the theoretical lessons, the trainee undertakes tasks under the guidance of our instructors. 

Who is our course for? 

For anyone who would like to gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in manual gas cutting. 

What is the purpose of the course? 

Practical and theoretical preparation of trainees for manual gas cutting with acetylene-oxygen, plasma and electric flames. 

What are the requirements before joining the course? 

Each participant must be at least 18 years old and have at least a primary education. 

What does the final exam consist of? 

The training will be followed by an internal exam on the learning gained during the programme. 

What qualifications can be obtained? 

Participants receive a course completion certificate and the necessary licences to work with gas cutting. 

plasma jet

Burner types 

Gas cutting involves bringing a metal to temperature. On contact with the burner, it burns and then escapes as metal oxide. Appropriately designed torches can mix specific proportions of flammable gas with oxygen. Materials such as propane-butane and acetylene are used as combustible gas.  

burner construction

Cutting with acetylene is an extremely efficient method due to its ability to reach high temperatures. Its additional advantages are mobility, the high quality of metal cutting and the option to mechanise cutting processes using it. This method is used in many industries, including small workshops or large production halls. Gas cutting can be used to process cast iron, bronze, brass, steel and various metal alloys. In addition, for brazing, heating or tanning. Gas welding involves heating the workpiece material with a flame to the right temperature so that it degrades and changes its state of aggregation. This makes it possible to permanently weld or separate steel workpieces as thick as 300 mm. The correct type of torch is responsible for the effect and quality of the cut. A smaller torch means a smaller stream. This means greater precision. Torches are used for cutting and also for welding. However, not every metal is suitable for processing with this method. Suitable metals include bronze, brass, cast iron, iron, tungsten and titanium. 

However, plasma cutting aims to melt and eject metal from the cutting gap by means of a highly concentrated electric arc with high kinetic energy, which glows between the workpiece being cut and the non-fusible electrode. The plasma is generated by a torch. Passing a stream of compressed gas through the electric arc causes ionisation and, through high power density, produces a jet. A nozzle, which is located in the torch, focuses the plasma arc. The walls of the nozzle are cooled and cause the column to constrict. This method uses a high temperature (10000÷30000K) at the core of the plasma arc and an extremely high jet speed. This causes the material to be melted and blown out of the slit. In this method, the gas often used is air. Higher-powered units primarily use hydrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon-helium or argon-hydrogen mixtures. The plasma jet can cut materials that conduct electricity and are made of copper, aluminium and its alloys, brass, alloy or carbon steels and cast iron. 

Advantages that distinguish plasma cutting: 

  • small area of impact of cutting, 
  • good surface quality, 
  • small gap, 
  • rapid piercing, 
  • simple automation of the process, 
  • cutting range - from 0.5mm to 160mm, 
  • efficient vertical cutting, 
  • low thermal deformation, 
  • approximately 6 times faster cutting speed than oxy-gas cutting, 
  • little effect of temperature on the component, 
  • no burning of thin materials. 

Disadvantages that distinguish plasma cutting: 

  • changes in the impact area of the cut, 
  • noise (not applicable in underwater cutting), 
  • strong UV radiation, 
  • difficulties in maintaining perpendicularity of edges, 
  • high levels of fumes and gases that are harmful to health. 

In addition, we offer: 

  • training in occupational health and safety and fire safety, 
  • courses for the operator and maintenance of UDT machines such as forklifts, mobile platforms, telescopic handlers, cranes and stacker cranes, 
  • mobile and stationary service, 
  • maintenance, modernisation, 
  • the possibility of checking the machine before purchase, 
  • the possibility of hiring replacement equipment (scissor lift or forklift). 
training at ERGON