What is a Thermal Lance?
A thermal lance (also called thermic lance, burning bar, or oxygen lance) is a steel tube packed with iron wires that, when supplied with oxygen and ignited, burns at extremely high temperatures exceeding 4,000°C (7,200°F). This intense heat allows cutting through materials that would resist other cutting methods.
The thermal lance is the tool of choice when you need to cut through thick steel plates, reinforced concrete, cast iron, or other materials where conventional cutting tools fail or are impractical.
4,000°C+ Temperature
Thermal lances burn at temperatures exceeding 4,000°C, making them capable of cutting virtually any material.
No Electricity Required
Thermal lance cutting requires only oxygen supply and an ignition source - ideal for remote locations.
Cuts Any Material
Steel, concrete, stone, cast iron, slag - thermal lances cut through materials other tools cannot handle.
Thermal Lance Product Range
We supply thermal lances in multiple diameters for different applications:
Thermal Lance Applications
Thermal lances are used across multiple industries for demanding cutting operations:
- Scrap Metal Processing: Cutting thick steel plates and heavy structures
- Demolition: Cutting reinforced concrete and steel frameworks
- Foundry Operations: Tapping furnaces and removing slag
- Shipbreaking: Cutting ship hulls and heavy marine steel
- Emergency Services: Rescue cutting through obstacles
- Mining: Rock cutting and shaft work
Safety Standards & Certifications
Thermal lance operations require strict adherence to safety protocols. Our products and recommendations comply with international standards:
EN ISO 5172
European standard for gas welding equipment. Our thermal lance holders and accessories meet EN ISO 5172 requirements for safety and performance.
OSHA Guidelines
Operations should follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 for oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting. Required PPE: fire-resistant clothing, face shield, welding gloves.
ISO 9001:2015
Our manufacturing partners maintain ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification ensuring consistent product quality.
Technical Specifications
Detailed specifications for professional thermal lance applications:
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Combustion Temperature | 4,000 - 4,500°C | Higher than oxy-acetylene (3,500°C) |
| Oxygen Pressure | 6 - 10 bar (87 - 145 psi) | Adjustable based on material thickness |
| Oxygen Consumption | 800 - 1,500 L/min | Varies by lance diameter |
| Burn Rate (16mm) | ~450 mm/minute | Standard length consumed during cutting |
| Material Composition | Steel tube + iron wires | Mild steel tube packed with low-carbon steel wires |
| Cutting Depth | Unlimited | Can pierce any thickness with multiple lances |
How to Use a Thermal Lance
Step-by-step guide for safe thermal lance operation:
- Safety Check: Wear fire-resistant clothing, face shield with shade 5+ lens, welding gloves, and safety boots. Ensure adequate ventilation and fire extinguisher nearby.
- Equipment Setup: Connect oxygen supply (min. 6 bar) to lance holder via reinforced hose. Check all connections for leaks using soapy water.
- Insert Lance: Place thermal lance into holder, ensuring secure grip. Lance should extend 50-100mm beyond holder tip.
- Ignition: Open oxygen valve slightly, ignite lance tip with oxy-acetylene torch or magnesium igniter. Increase oxygen flow once burning.
- Cutting: Apply burning lance tip to workpiece at 45° angle. Maintain steady oxygen pressure (8-10 bar for thick steel).
- Completion: When lance consumed to 150mm from holder, close oxygen and replace with new lance.
Why Buy Thermal Lances from Us?
ThermalLances.eu is your trusted supplier for professional thermal cutting equipment in Europe:
- High-quality thermal lances from trusted manufacturers
- Complete range of sizes (10mm to 25mm)
- Fast delivery across Europe
- Competitive pricing for bulk orders
- Expert advice and support
- All accessories available (holders, hoses, regulators)