What material is the oxygen cylinder typically made of?

The oxygen cylinder used in torch operations is typically made of steel. Steel cylinders are chosen for their strength, durability, and ability to withstand high pressures, which is critical for safely storing and transporting gases. The pressure inside these cylinders can be extremely high, and steel provides the necessary structural integrity to contain the gas without risk of rupture or failure.

While aluminum is lighter and sometimes used for specific applications, steel is preferred for its robustness in high-pressure environments. Plastic is not suitable for high-pressure gas storage due to its inability to handle significant stress, and fiberglass, though lightweight and strong, is not commonly used for standard oxygen cylinders due to cost and industrial standards. Therefore, the preference for steel in oxygen cylinder construction aligns with safety regulations and practical performance in torch operations.