MC12-4 - Smith MC12-4 Medium-Duty Acetylene Cutting Tip, Size 4

Smith MC12-4 Medium-Duty Acetylene Cutting Tip Overview

The Smith MC12-4 is a premium medium-duty cutting tip designed for precision oxy-acetylene cutting operations. Engineered by Smith Equipment, this tip is part of the renowned MC12 series, known for its reliability and safety features in general fabrication and maintenance environments. The MC12-4 is a Size 4 tip, capable of cutting steel thicknesses up to 4 inches (102 mm), making it the maximum capacity tip for standard medium-duty attachments.

Technically, the MC12-4 utilizes a one-piece construction optimized for acetylene gas. It features Smith's signature "slip-in" design, which utilizes a soft seat and a graphical tightening mechanism. This allows the operator to install and secure the tip by hand, eliminating the need for wrenches and reducing the risk of thread damage or overtightening. The tip seats are recessed and heat-resistant, ensuring a positive seal even after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

A critical specification of this tip is its in-tip gas mixing technology. Unlike torch-mixed systems, the MC12-4 combines the preheat oxygen and acetylene within the tip itself. This design adds a significant layer of safety by keeping the mixed gas volume to a minimum, thereby increasing resistance to flashback and sustaining backfire isolation. The tip is swaged from high-quality copper, a process that creates ultra-smooth internal gas passages. This reduces turbulence and slag accumulation, resulting in cleaner cuts and faster preheat times.

Operational parameters for the MC12-4 include a cutting oxygen flow rate of approximately 249-267 SCFH, a preheat oxygen flow rate of 14 SCFH, and a preheat acetylene flow rate of 12 SCFH. It is compatible with a range of Smith medium-duty cutting attachments, including the DG109A, MC505, MC509, CC509P, and AC309. The concave face of the tip helps protect the orifices from damage if the torch is accidentally tapped against the workpiece, further extending the consumable's lifespan.