One of the easiest methods of cutting steel is to literally burn a slot in it using a stream of pure oxygen.

This process, called flamecutting, oxygen cutting or burning, is an economical method of cutting steel that provides good dimensional tolerances. It is much faster than any sawing or machining process, although the finished edges of finished parts are not as fine. Flamecutting lends itself well to small handheld cutting torches or large multi-torch automated machines. The process works on all steel products, but most large machines are particularly suited for cutting intricate shapes from plate.

Flamecutting is widely used in the welding and fabricating industry for making steel parts for everything from skyscrapers and bridges to industrial equipment and farm implements. Many steel service centers will flamecut accurate parts to order from plate for users who do not have the sometimes large equipment required.