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Portable Cutting System for Steel Erection and Bridge Construction

The upgraded Arcair SLICE exothermic cutting system from ESAB has a more ergonomic torch grip and oxygen flow lever, with a better connection between the grip and the rubber shield that protects the operator’s hand from molten spray when piercing.

Posted: August 21, 2018

The portability and cut-anything capabilities of the Arcair SLICE exothermic cutting system from ESAB make it a preferred tool for steel erection and bridge construction. Its improved Battery Pack features better ergonomics, a new striker design, improved 12 volt battery ignition source and a heavy duty black plastic case.

Exothermic cutting uses a stream of pure oxygen and a consumable steel rod to create an 8,000 deg F to 10,000 deg F flame that cuts, burns or pierces virtually any metallic, non-metallic or composite material, including steel, aluminum, concrete and firebrick. Once ignited by a spark from the striker, the cutting rod sustains the burn without constant electrical power. Arcair® (Denton, TX), an ESAB brand, upgraded their patented SLICE® exothermic cutting system to include a more ergonomic torch grip and oxygen flow lever, as well as a better connection between the grip and the rubber shield that protects the operator’s hand from molten spray when piercing. To extend striker life, the new striker assembly incorporates a slide mechanism that enables the operator to expose the copper ignition bar in small increments, shielding the fresh portion. The improved battery ignition source recharges a dead battery faster and incorporates an over-charging safeguard and a better visual indication of battery condition.

“The portability and cut-anything capabilities of these systems makes them preferred tools for steel erection and bridge construction, heavy equipment repair and maintenance, fire and rescue operations,” says Jeff Henderson, the global business manager for torches and exothermic cutting systems at ESAB. The SLICE Battery Pack and SLICE Utility Pack options also now come in a heavy duty black plastic case with molded-in storage compartments and instructions inside the lid. The four SLICE Pack options include:

Utility Pack includes everything required for cutting except the 12 volt battery and oxygen cylinder.
Battery Pack includes the improved 12 volt ignition source but no cylinder.
Complete Pack includes the new ignition source and 55 cu ft oxygen cylinder in a metal carrying case, making it well suited for forcible entry situations where seconds count.
Industrial Pack accommodates a large oxygen cylinder to extend cutting time, a 12 volt AC battery charger and new ignition source.