ZTIP1076 - Koike Style 107 Series Size 6 Natural Gas Cutting Tip

Technical Overview of the Koike Style 107-6 Natural Gas Tip

The Koike Style 107-6 is a specialized oxy-fuel cutting tip designed for use with Natural Gas. As part of the widely utilized 107 series, this consumable is engineered to optimize the combustion characteristics of slower-burning fuel gases like natural gas and propane. Unlike acetylene tips which are typically one-piece, the 107-6 features a two-piece construction consisting of a brass inner member with splined preheat passages and a copper or chrome-plated outer shell. This design is critical for natural gas applications because it creates a recess at the tip end, allowing for a stable flame anchor point even at the high flow velocities required for heavy cutting.

The "Size 6" designation indicates a large orifice diameter intended for cutting thick sections of carbon steel, typically in the range of 4 to 6 inches (approx. 100mm to 150mm), depending on the specific gas pressures and torch setup employed. The internal geometry of the tip is manufactured to precise tolerances to ensure a laminar oxygen cutting stream, which is essential for maintaining cut verticality and reducing kerf width on thick materials. The chrome plating on the exterior shell serves a dual purpose: it reflects radiant heat during prolonged cutting operations, thereby keeping the tip cooler, and it prevents molten slag and spatter from adhering to the nozzle, extending the service life of the component.

Maintenance of the 107-6 is facilitated by its separable design. Operators can easily disassemble the outer shell from the inner insert to clean out carbon deposits or slag obstruction from the preheat splines. This is a significant advantage over single-piece tips where internal cleaning can be difficult and risks damaging the seating surfaces. When installing, it is crucial to ensure that the seating surfaces are free of debris to prevent backfires or leaks. This tip is compatible with standard Koike-style cutting torches and is a staple in heavy fabrication environments where natural gas is the preferred fuel due to its availability and cost-effectiveness.