144-1 - Uniweld 144-1 Airco Style Acetylene Cutting Tip Size 1

High-Performance Acetylene Cutting Tip for Airco Systems

The Uniweld 144-1 is a precision-engineered cutting tip designed to meet the rigorous demands of industrial metalworking. Specifically manufactured for use with acetylene gas, this tip belongs to the 144 Series, a standard configuration compatible with all Airco style cutting torches and attachments. The Size 1 orifice is calibrated to deliver a cutting capacity of approximately 3/8 inch (9.5 mm), making it an ideal choice for a broad spectrum of fabrication and demolition tasks. The internal geometry of the tip is optimized to maintain a stable preheat flame and a concentrated cutting oxygen stream, ensuring clean kerfs and minimal slag adhesion.

One of the defining technical characteristics of the 144-1 is its medium preheat capability. In oxy-fuel cutting, the preheat flame prepares the base metal for the oxidation reaction. A medium preheat design provides a versatile thermal output that is sufficient to penetrate surface contaminants such as light rust or mill scale without overheating the workpiece, which can lead to top edge melting. This balance makes the 144-1 suitable for general purpose hand cutting as well as machine cutting applications where consistency is paramount. The tip is constructed from high-quality copper alloy, selected for its superior thermal conductivity and resistance to deformation under high-temperature conditions.

Proper seating is critical for safety and performance in oxy-acetylene equipment. The Uniweld 144-1 features precision-machined seating surfaces that ensure a gas-tight seal within the torch head. This prevents dangerous gas mixing within the torch and ensures that the pressure settings—typically recommended around 3-5 PSI for acetylene and 30-35 PSI for oxygen for this size—translate effectively to the flame. Industrial MRO professionals rely on the 144 series for its interchangeability with existing Airco setups, reducing the need for proprietary adapters or torch replacements. Whether utilized in structural steel fabrication, scrap yards, or maintenance workshops, this tip delivers the reliability required for continuous operation.

Maintenance of the 144-1 is straightforward, requiring standard tip cleaners to remove carbon deposits and spatter from the preheat and cutting orifices. Regular inspection of the seating area is recommended to maintain the integrity of the seal. By adhering to proper operational parameters and maintenance schedules, users can expect an extended service life and consistent cutting quality, reducing the total cost of ownership for their oxy-fuel cutting operations.