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In this guide
The Gweike MCore carbon steel parameter table provides compressed-air settings for 1–3mm material and oxygen settings for 1–5mm material. The faster listed option changes with thickness, so neither gas is universally faster.
This guide compares the complete MCore parameter groups without estimating values that are missing from the source table. For all carbon steel rows in one place, see the complete Gweike MCore carbon steel cutting parameters.
Three table-based conclusions
The supplied MCore data gives a different answer at each shared thickness.
O₂: 35–55 mm/s
Air has the higher listed speed.
O₂: 25–35 mm/s
The listed speeds overlap.
O₂: 16–20 mm/s
O₂ has the higher listed speed.
Quick Answer: Should You Use Air or Oxygen?
| Carbon Steel Thickness | Compressed Air Reference | Oxygen Reference | Table-Based Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1mm | 100 mm/s | 35–55 mm/s | Air has the higher listed speed |
| 2mm | 30 mm/s | 25–35 mm/s | The listed speeds overlap |
| 3mm | 6 mm/s | 16–20 mm/s | O₂ has the higher listed speed |
| 4mm | Not listed | 13–16 mm/s | Only an O₂ reference is provided |
| 5mm | Not listed | 8–13 mm/s | Only an O₂ reference is provided |
“Not listed” means the supplied table does not include a compressed-air preset for that thickness. It does not, by itself, prove that compressed-air cutting is impossible. Do not create missing 4mm or 5mm air values by extrapolating from the 3mm row.
1mm favors air on listed speed
The air reference is 100 mm/s, compared with 35–55 mm/s for oxygen.
2mm requires an actual cut comparison
The 30 mm/s air value falls within the 25–35 mm/s oxygen range.
3–5mm favors published O₂ coverage
O₂ is faster at 3mm, and only O₂ rows are provided for 4mm and 5mm.
Important Notes Before Using the Tables
The source table does not state the number of cutting passes. The values should therefore not be described as guaranteed single-pass results unless confirmed separately in current operating documentation.
MCore O₂ vs Air Parameter Comparison
| Comparison Factor | Compressed Air | Oxygen |
|---|---|---|
| Thicknesses included in table | 1–3mm | 1–5mm |
| Pressure | 8–12 bar | 2–2.5 bar |
| Nozzle style | Single nozzle | Double nozzle |
| 1mm listed speed | 100 mm/s | 35–55 mm/s |
| 2mm listed speed | 30 mm/s | 25–35 mm/s |
| 3mm listed speed | 6 mm/s | 16–20 mm/s |
| 4–5mm reference | Not provided | Provided |
| Frequency Setting | 800 | 5000 for 1–2mm; 3000 for 3–5mm |
| Focus | 3 for 1–2mm; -2 for 3mm | 12 for 1–5mm |
| Gas specification note | Clean, dry air required for a stable process | Liquid oxygen, 99.99% purity |
The table shows that air and O₂ are separate process presets. A gas change also requires the listed focus, nozzle, pressure, speed and related values to be changed.
Published range: 1–3mm
The air rows use a 2.0 single nozzle and 8–12 bar at the cutting head.
- 1mm: 100 mm/s
- 2mm: 30 mm/s
- 3mm: 6 mm/s
- Frequency Setting: 800
Published range: 1–5mm
The O₂ rows use double nozzles and pressure from 2 to 2.5 bar.
- 1–2mm: Frequency Setting 5000
- 3–5mm: Frequency Setting 3000
- Focus: 12 for every listed row
- Power: 100% for every listed row
Gweike MCore Compressed-Air Settings for Carbon Steel
| Thickness | Speed | Frequency Setting | Focus | Nozzle | Height Setting | Gas | Pressure | Duty Cycle | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1mm | 100 mm/s | 800 | 3 | 2.0 single | 0.4 | Air | 8–12 bar | 100 | 96% |
| 2mm | 30 mm/s | 800 | 3 | 2.0 single | 0.4 | Air | 8–12 bar | 100 | 96% |
| 3mm | 6 mm/s | 800 | -2 | 2.0 single | 0.4 | Air | 8–12 bar | 100 | 100% |
Frequency Setting, nozzle, Height Setting, pressure and duty cycle remain the same across the three air rows. Cutting speed changes with thickness, while the 3mm row also changes focus from 3 to -2 and power from 96% to 100%.
Gweike MCore Oxygen Settings for Carbon Steel
| Thickness | Speed | Frequency Setting | Focus | Nozzle | Height Setting | Gas | Pressure | Duty Cycle | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1mm | 35–55 mm/s | 5000 | 12 | 1.5 double | 0.5 | O₂ | 2 bar | 100 | 100% |
| 2mm | 25–35 mm/s | 5000 | 12 | 1.5 double | 0.5 | O₂ | 2 bar | 100 | 100% |
| 3mm | 16–20 mm/s | 3000 | 12 | 1.5 double | 0.6 | O₂ | 2 bar | 100 | 100% |
| 4mm | 13–16 mm/s | 3000 | 12 | 2.0 double | 0.8 | O₂ | 2.3 bar | 100 | 100% |
| 5mm | 8–13 mm/s | 3000 | 12 | 2.0 double | 0.8 | O₂ | 2.5 bar | 100 | 100% |
Focus, duty cycle and power remain constant across the oxygen rows. Other settings change with thickness:
- Frequency Setting changes from 5000 to 3000 at 3mm.
- The nozzle changes from 1.5 double to 2.0 double at 4mm.
- Height Setting increases from 0.5 to 0.6 and then 0.8.
- Pressure increases from 2 bar to 2.3 bar and then 2.5 bar.
Air vs Oxygen by Carbon Steel Thickness
1mm Carbon Steel
| Parameter | Compressed Air | Oxygen |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 100 mm/s | 35–55 mm/s |
| Frequency Setting | 800 | 5000 |
| Focus | 3 | 12 |
| Nozzle | 2.0 single | 1.5 double |
| Height Setting | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Pressure | 8–12 bar | 2 bar |
| Duty Cycle | 100 | 100 |
| Power | 96% | 100% |
Compressed air has the higher listed speed at 1mm. The table does not include measured edge roughness, oxide thickness, burr height or post-processing results, so speed should not be treated as the only production criterion.
2mm Carbon Steel
| Parameter | Compressed Air | Oxygen |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 30 mm/s | 25–35 mm/s |
| Frequency Setting | 800 | 5000 |
| Focus | 3 | 12 |
| Nozzle | 2.0 single | 1.5 double |
| Height Setting | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Pressure | 8–12 bar | 2 bar |
| Duty Cycle | 100 | 100 |
| Power | 96% | 100% |
The 30 mm/s air value sits inside the oxygen range of 25–35 mm/s. The table therefore does not support a simple claim that one gas is faster at 2mm. Compare complete presets for cut-through, dross, burrs, edge appearance and downstream processing.
3mm Carbon Steel
| Parameter | Compressed Air | Oxygen |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 6 mm/s | 16–20 mm/s |
| Frequency Setting | 800 | 3000 |
| Focus | -2 | 12 |
| Nozzle | 2.0 single | 1.5 double |
| Height Setting | 0.4 | 0.6 |
| Pressure | 8–12 bar | 2 bar |
| Duty Cycle | 100 | 100 |
| Power | 100% | 100% |
At 3mm, oxygen has the higher listed speed. This row also shows why a gas change is a complete setup change: focus, nozzle type, Height Setting, pressure and Frequency Setting all differ.
4mm and 5mm Carbon Steel
The supplied table includes oxygen settings but no compressed-air settings for 4mm and 5mm carbon steel.
4mm O₂ reference
13–16 mm/s · Frequency Setting 3000 · Focus 12 · 2.0 double nozzle · Height Setting 0.8 · 2.3 bar · Duty Cycle 100 · Power 100%
5mm O₂ reference
8–13 mm/s · Frequency Setting 3000 · Focus 12 · 2.0 double nozzle · Height Setting 0.8 · 2.5 bar · Duty Cycle 100 · Power 100%
Key Differences Between Air and Oxygen
Available thicknesses
The published air table covers 1–3mm. The published oxygen table covers 1–5mm.
Pressure
Air uses 8–12 bar at the cutting head. Oxygen uses 2–2.5 bar, depending on thickness.
Focus
Air uses 3 for 1–2mm and -2 for 3mm. Oxygen uses 12 for every listed thickness.
Nozzle type
Air uses a 2.0 single nozzle. Oxygen uses 1.5 double for 1–3mm and 2.0 double for 4–5mm.
Frequency Setting
Air uses 800. Oxygen uses 5000 for 1–2mm and 3000 for 3–5mm.
Power
Air uses 96% for 1–2mm and 100% for 3mm. Oxygen uses 100% for all listed rows.
Edge Appearance and Operating Cost
Edge appearance and post-processing
The source table provides process parameters but does not provide measured edge roughness, oxide thickness, kerf width, burr height, edge color or coating-adhesion results.
Oxygen-assisted carbon steel cutting should be evaluated for oxidation and downstream processing requirements. Compressed air also contains oxygen, so it should not automatically be described as producing a completely oxide-free edge.
When edge condition matters, compare both complete presets on the same carbon steel grade, thickness, surface condition, supplier batch and test geometry.
Compressed-air cost vs oxygen cost
| Cost Area | Compressed Air | Oxygen |
|---|---|---|
| Gas source | Generated by a compressor | Purchased oxygen supply |
| Main equipment | Compressor, dryer and filtration | Oxygen supply and regulation |
| Pressure in table | 8–12 bar at cutting head | 2–2.5 bar |
| Recurring costs | Electricity, filters, drying and maintenance | Refills, delivery and supply handling |
| Published thickness range | 1–3mm | 1–5mm |
The table does not include compressor electrical consumption, air flow, oxygen consumption, local gas pricing or production volume. It therefore does not support a claim that either option is always cheaper.
How to Switch from Air to Oxygen
Stop the cutting job
Do not change the gas supply during an active process.
Confirm the material thickness
Select the oxygen row that exactly matches the carbon steel thickness.
Verify the oxygen supply
The source table specifies liquid oxygen with 99.99% purity.
Load the complete O₂ preset
Change speed, Frequency Setting, focus, Height Setting, pressure, duty cycle and power.
Install the specified double nozzle
Use 1.5 double for 1–3mm or 2.0 double for 4–5mm, according to the table.
Set and verify pressure
Use 2 bar for 1–3mm, 2.3 bar for 4mm or 2.5 bar for 5mm.
Run a scrap test
Inspect cut-through, bottom dross, edge condition, corners and small holes.
Save a material-specific preset
Record the gas, material grade, thickness, supplier batch and verified result.
How to Compare Air and Oxygen on 2mm Carbon Steel
A controlled comparison should use the same carbon steel grade, thickness, supplier batch and test geometry. Apply the complete preset for each gas.
2mm Compressed-Air Test
- Speed
- 30 mm/s
- Frequency Setting
- 800
- Focus
- 3
- Nozzle
- 2.0 single
- Height Setting
- 0.4
- Pressure
- 8–12 bar at cutting head
- Duty Cycle
- 100
- Power
- 96%
2mm Oxygen Test
- Speed
- 25–35 mm/s
- Frequency Setting
- 5000
- Focus
- 12
- Nozzle
- 1.5 double
- Height Setting
- 0.5
- Pressure
- 2 bar
- Duty Cycle
- 100
- Power
- 100%
Inspect full penetration, bottom dross, burr formation, edge color, internal corners, small holes, actual processing time and post-processing requirements. Do not mix values from the air and oxygen rows.
Troubleshooting Air and Oxygen Cutting
Compressed air does not cut through
- Confirm that the thickness is included in the air table.
- Verify 8–12 bar at the cutting head.
- Check air cleanliness, dryness, leaks and pressure loss.
- Confirm the 2.0 single nozzle and the thickness-specific focus.
- Use the listed speed and power from the correct row.
Air pressure is lower at the cutting head
Check piping restrictions, filter condition, dryer condition, regulators, leaks and available flow. A compressor outlet rating does not guarantee the same pressure at the cutting head.
The 3mm air result is unstable
Confirm that the full 3mm row is loaded. Unlike the 1–2mm rows, the 3mm air row uses Focus -2, Power 100% and Speed 6 mm/s.
Oxygen cutting is unstable
- Verify the oxygen supply and stated purity.
- Confirm actual pressure and the correct double nozzle.
- Use Focus 12 and the listed Height Setting.
- Check the thickness-specific speed and Frequency Setting.
The 4mm or 5mm O₂ result is incomplete
Confirm the 2.0 double nozzle, Height Setting 0.8 and the correct pressure: 2.3 bar for 4mm or 2.5 bar for 5mm. Do not reuse the 1.5 double nozzle or 2 bar setting from thinner rows.
The result becomes worse after changing gases
The likely setup error is that only the gas was changed. Verify speed, Frequency Setting, focus, nozzle, Height Setting, pressure and power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oxygen or compressed air better for carbon steel?
The table does not show one gas as better at every thickness. Air has the higher listed speed at 1mm, the speed ranges overlap at 2mm, and oxygen has the higher listed speed at 3mm. Only oxygen rows are provided for 4mm and 5mm.
Which gas is faster for 1mm carbon steel?
Compressed air is listed at 100 mm/s, while oxygen is listed at 35–55 mm/s. Air has the higher listed speed.
Which gas is faster for 2mm carbon steel?
The air reference is 30 mm/s and the oxygen range is 25–35 mm/s. The values overlap, so speed alone does not identify a clear winner.
Which gas is faster for 3mm carbon steel?
Air is listed at 6 mm/s and oxygen at 16–20 mm/s. Oxygen has the higher listed speed.
Can MCore cut 4mm carbon steel with compressed air?
The supplied table does not provide a 4mm compressed-air preset. It provides a 4mm oxygen reference. Do not estimate the missing air settings from thinner rows.
Can MCore cut 5mm carbon steel with compressed air?
The supplied table does not provide a 5mm compressed-air preset. It provides a 5mm oxygen reference.
What air pressure does the table specify?
The compressed-air rows specify 8–12 bar. The source note states that this refers to pressure monitored at the cutting head.
What oxygen pressure does the table specify?
It lists 2 bar for 1–3mm, 2.3 bar for 4mm and 2.5 bar for 5mm.
What oxygen purity is specified?
The source table specifies liquid oxygen with 99.99% purity.
Can I use the same nozzle for air and oxygen?
No. Air uses a 2.0 single nozzle. Oxygen uses a 1.5 double nozzle for 1–3mm and a 2.0 double nozzle for 4–5mm.
Can I change only the gas and keep the other settings?
No. The source table changes speed, Frequency Setting, focus, nozzle, Height Setting, pressure and, in some rows, power.
Is compressed air always cheaper than oxygen?
The table does not provide enough cost data for that conclusion. Actual cost depends on electricity, air treatment, maintenance, oxygen pricing, logistics and production volume.
Related Gweike MCore Guides
Choose the complete preset—not only the gas
Gweike MCore uses a 400W fiber laser for supported metal cutting. Use the table-based gas, speed, focus, nozzle and pressure combination as a starting reference, then verify it on the actual production material.
View Gweike MCore