SC12-1 - Smith SC12-1 Heavy Duty Acetylene Cutting Tip, Size 1 (5/8" Capacity)

Technical Overview of the Smith SC12-1 Acetylene Cutting Tip

The Smith SC12-1 is a premium heavy-duty cutting tip engineered specifically for oxy-acetylene applications. Manufactured by Smith Equipment (Miller Smith), this Size 1 consumable is a core component of the SC12 series, designed to deliver precise thermal cutting on mild steel with a thickness of approximately 5/8 inch (16 mm). The tip distinguishes itself through its material composition; it is fully swaged from high-grade copper. This swaging process creates internal gas passages that are mirror-smooth, promoting laminar flow for both the preheat gases and the cutting oxygen stream. The result is a stable, high-temperature flame that initiates cuts rapidly and maintains consistency, significantly reducing slag accumulation and the need for post-cut mechanical finishing.

A defining technical feature of the SC12-1 is the proprietary Smith "slip-in" connection interface. Unlike industry-standard threaded tips that require torque application via a wrench, the SC12-1 utilizes a precision-machined soft seat that allows for installation and removal by hand. This design not only expedites tip changes in high-throughput industrial environments but also ensures a positive, leak-proof seal that protects the torch head seating surfaces from wear and deformation. The tip is compatible with a broad range of Smith equipment, including DG200 and SC200 series cutting attachments (up to size SC12-5), as well as all SC and DG series hand torches and machine torches (such as the SC770 and SC772A).

Safety is intrinsic to the design of the SC12-1. It employs an in-tip gas mixing architecture, where the oxygen and acetylene are kept separate until they reach the mixing chamber within the tip itself. This configuration adds a substantial layer of safety by isolating the mixed gas volume, thereby increasing resistance to flashback and containing sustained backfires within the disposable tip rather than the torch handle. Additionally, the tip features a concave face which serves to protect the gas orifices from physical damage during operation and aids in resisting flameout when the tip is positioned in close proximity to the workpiece. Operators should note that high gas withdrawal rates with this tip may require cylinder manifolding to prevent acetone withdrawal from acetylene cylinders.