43049003 - Arcair Slice Uncoated Exothermic Cutting Rods 1/4-Inch x 22-Inch (100 Pack)

Industrial Grade Exothermic Solutions

Arcair 43049003 Slice Cutting Rods are engineered for extreme performance in the most demanding industrial environments. These 1/4" x 22" uncoated rods are part of the renowned Slice exothermic cutting system, a technology that differs fundamentally from plasma or oxy-fuel cutting. The core of the technology lies in the rod's construction: a hollow steel tube containing a bundle of special steel wires. When oxygen is forced through the tube and the tip is ignited, the steel fuel burns in the oxygen atmosphere, creating an exothermic reaction that reaches temperatures in excess of 8,000°F (4,425°C).

This package of 100 uncoated rods is specifically manufactured for users who require the raw cutting power of the Slice system without the flux coating found on standard rods. The patented single-piece design ensures that the rod maintains its structural integrity and burn characteristics throughout the operation. The "uncoated" designation implies a plain finish, which can be advantageous in specific metallurgical applications or simply as a cost-effective alternative for bulk cutting tasks where the flux agents are not critical to the specific job at hand.

Technical Specifications & Performance

The Arcair Slice rod is unique because it does not rely on a continuous electrical arc. The electrical current is only required for the initial ignition (striking the rod against a striker plate or grounded workpiece). Once the reaction begins, the electrical power is no longer needed to sustain the heat; the chemical reaction between the steel and oxygen drives the process. This feature allows for:

• High Portability: Ideal for field repairs on heavy equipment where dragging a large power source is impractical.
• All-Position Cutting: The reaction is forceful enough to blow molten material away, allowing for cutting in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
• Universal Material Compatibility: Effective on ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as mineral-based materials like concrete and slag.

Applications in Maintenance & Repair

These rods are heavily utilized in the mining, construction, and metal fabrication sectors. Common applications include removing frozen pins from heavy machinery, piercing holes in steel plates for bolt alignment, cutting through bridge decking, and clearing slag buildup in foundries. The 1/4-inch diameter is a standard size compatible with Arcair Slice torches, offering a balance between kerf width and cutting speed. With 100 rods per carton, this SKU ensures high availability for intensive MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) tasks.