0558005072 - ESAB Oxweld 1566HS Size 1/2 Machine Cutting Tip for Propane/NG

Technical Overview of the ESAB 1566HS-1/2 Machine Cutting Nozzle

The ESAB 1566HS-1/2 (SKU: 0558005072) is a specialized high-performance cutting nozzle engineered for industrial machine cutting applications utilizing alternate fuels, specifically Natural Gas and Propane. As part of the renowned Oxweld 1566 series, this nozzle is distinguished by its "HS" (High Speed) classification, which denotes the utilization of a divergent bore geometry in the cutting oxygen passage. Unlike standard straight-bore tips, the divergent design allows the cutting oxygen stream to expand under controlled conditions, accelerating the gas to supersonic velocities. This results in a tighter, more coherent oxygen stream that maintains its energy density over a greater distance, enabling significantly faster travel speeds and cleaner cut faces on mild steel plates.

Structurally, the 1566HS-1/2 is a two-piece assembly, a standard requirement for alternate fuel gases which burn at lower velocities than acetylene. The internal member is machined from brass and features splines that create the preheat gas ports, while the outer shell is copper with a heavy chrome plating. The chrome plating serves a critical functional purpose: it reflects radiant heat from the workpiece and prevents molten slag and spatter from adhering to the nozzle surface. This is particularly important in machine cutting where the torch operates continuously, and heat buildup can be substantial. The recess created between the inner member and the outer shell provides a sheltered zone for flame anchoring, ensuring the preheat flame remains stable even at the high turbulence associated with rapid machine travel.

This specific nozzle is sized as "1/2", which generally correlates to a specific plate thickness range optimized for the orifice diameter (typically for light-to-medium plate, often around 1/2 inch thickness, though specific charts should be consulted for optimal pressure settings). It is designed for direct compatibility with Oxweld machine torches, including the industry-standard C-32 and C-66 models. Operators utilizing this nozzle must ensure their gas regulation equipment is capable of delivering the requisite flow rates for high-speed cutting, as the performance benefits of the divergent bore are best realized at precise oxygen pressures.