164-3 - Airco Style 164 Series Size 3 Heavy Preheat Acetylene Tip

Technical Overview of the Airco Style 164-3 Cutting Tip

The GEN164-3 is a precision-manufactured aftermarket cutting tip designed to be fully compatible with Airco style oxy-acetylene cutting torches. This specific model belongs to the 164 Series, which is widely recognized in the industrial sector for its heavy preheat capabilities. Unlike standard general-purpose tips, the 164 series is engineered with an aggressive preheat flame pattern. This design feature is critical when processing materials that are not perfectly clean; the intense preheat helps maintain the puddle temperature required for the exothermic reaction, even when cutting through layers of rust, mill scale, or primer paint.

Constructed from a high-grade copper alloy, this one-piece tip is designed to withstand the high thermal stresses associated with heavy industrial cutting. The internal geometry of the tip is machined to ensure a smooth laminar flow of gases, which results in a stable, neutral flame and a clean cutting oxygen stream. The Size 3 designation typically indicates a cutting capacity range of approximately 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches (38mm to 50mm) of mild steel, depending on the specific gas pressure settings and operator travel speed. It is essential to note that this tip is designed exclusively for Acetylene gas and should not be used with alternate fuel gases like Propane or Propylene, as the recessed tip design and porting are specific to Acetylene's burn velocity.

For optimal performance, operators should ensure their torch equipment is rated for Airco style tips. The seating surface is machined to tight tolerances to prevent gas leaks and flashbacks. Regular maintenance, including the use of a proper tip cleaner, will extend the service life of the orifice and preheat ports. This tip is an ideal solution for structural steel fabrication, heavy equipment repair, and scrap processing where surface conditions vary.