Which statement describes the hazard when cutting nonferrous metals at high blade speed?

• A. They are resistant to heat and never deform.
• B. They magnetize easily.
• C. They shatter into powder easily.
• D. They melt under high speed of the blade and particles weld themselves onto the teeth.

Answer: (D)

When you cut nonferrous metals at high blade speed, a lot of heat is generated by friction, and these metals tend to soften and melt more readily than harder steels. That molten metal can smear onto the blade teeth and cool into a deposit, causing the particles to weld themselves onto the teeth. This built-up edge dulls the blade, raises the risk of the blade grabbing or binding the material, and creates a hazardous cutting condition for the operator. That’s why describing the hazard as melting and particles welding to the teeth best captures what happens with high-speed cutting of nonferrous metals. The other ideas aren’t the typical hazard here—magnetization isn’t a primary risk during cutting, and shattering into powder isn’t characteristic of nonferrous metals under these conditions. To reduce the hazard, use appropriate cutting speeds for nonferrous metals, apply cooling or lubrication, and choose blades designed for these materials to minimize heat buildup.