The debate of LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) or Acetylene Gas has been around for years and has been a question asked by many. Both are very good cutting gases, and each gas offers their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
In many cases, whether you choose acetylene or LPG for your cutting needs will depend on the size of your business and the equipment you have in place.
For example, if you are a hobbyist or small-scale fabricator who only does smaller jobs, investing in expensive acetylene gas and equipment might not be worth it.
If you are a professional who works with large pieces of metal or works with metals that require a lot of heat, however, it might be best for you to use an acetylene gas and torch instead of LPG.
Let’s go over some of the basic advantages and disadvantages of using each as a cutting gas.
The Advantages of LPG
- Relatively inexpensive
- High burning temperature, making it ideal for cutting thicker and harder materials
- Can be used with a wide range of cutting tools
- It is easy to obtain and transport, as it is readily available at most gas supply stores
The Disadvantages of LPG
- Lower burning temperature than acetylene, which means it may not be suitable for cutting thinner or softer materials
- Not as stable as acetylene, which can lead to less precise cuts
- Can be more difficult to control the flame, which can lead to inconsistent cuts
- Can be less efficient than acetylene, resulting in higher fuel consumption
The Advantages of Acetylene
- Known for its high burning temperature and ability to produce a hotter flame than LPG
- deal for cutting thinner or softer materials, as well as welding
- More stable and easier to control than LPG, which results in more precise cuts
- Can be used with a wide range of cutting tools
Disadvantages of Acetylene
- Less readily available and more expensive than LPG
- More dangerous than LPG due to its higher burning temperature and the need for special equipment to store and transport it
- Can be more expensive to maintain and operate than LPG
*PNM – Propane Nozzle Mix. ANM – Acetylene Nozzle Mix.
In this case we will be cutting a 12mm metal plate and comparing the performance of the two gases in this scenario.
We can see from this table that lower cutting speeds, such as that of LPG, will increase productivity costs, use higher oxygen volumes, and impact the overall cutting cost despite LPG being a cheaper fuel than Acetylene.
Deciding Factors
When deciding between LPG and acetylene, the type of material you will be cutting, your budget and productivity costs, and the level of precision you need should all be considered.
For example, acetylene may be the way to go if you need to cut thinner or softer materials. Additionally, if you are on a budget, LPG may be the more cost-effective option, while if precision is your top priority, acetylene may be the best choice.
Ultimately, the choice between LPG and acetylene depends on your specific cutting needs. Both gases have their own advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these can help you make the best decision for your project.
No matter what kind of welding machine you need, Cut-N-Weld can provide for your needs. Contact our sales team if you need advice beyond what this article provides. Our team of experts can help you make the right choice.
