High-Temperature Precision Cutting & Thermal Lancing Specialists
Seized Component Removal
At Hickman Engineering, we are proud to be one of the UK’s leading specialists in thermal lancing. When standard cutting methods fail, we deploy high-temperature thermal lancing to dismantle corroded infrastructure, remove seized pins from heavy plant, and carry out emergency cutting in confined or hazardous spaces. With a proven track record of delivering complex and high-risk cutting operations, our skilled teams provide safe, precise, and efficient solutions to get your operations moving again.
What is Thermal Lancing?
Thermal lancing, also known as oxygen lancing, is a highly specialised cutting technique that generates extreme temperatures between 2,730°C and 4,500°C. The process utilises a hollow steel tube packed with alloy steel rods, fed with pressurised oxygen to create a powerful exothermic reaction. This intense heat easily exceeds the melting points of reinforced concrete and heavy steel, allowing our engineers to slice through virtually any material quickly and safely. Unlike standard oxy-fuel cutting, a thermal lance overwhelms materials with extreme heat and pressure, making it the ultimate controlled demolition tool for heavy industrial environments.
Integrated Engineering Expertise
Many companies struggle with thermal lancing because they view it as just a demolition tool. At Hickman Engineering, we integrate thermal lancing into our comprehensive mechanical engineering solutions. Whether we are extracting a seized axle from a crane or cutting through marine piles, we understand how to manage the molten material flow and protect surrounding bearings and housings. We do not just cut and run, we assess the complete system to ensure your machinery is ready for its next operational phase.
Sectors & Case Studies
Our teams deploy across the UK, providing Thermal Lancing solutions across multiple industries:
We perform offshore platform demolition, underwater access cutting, and the precise removal of seized pins from marine infrastructure and vessel ramps.
We dismantle corroded dock infrastructure and remove seized axles from heavy port cranes and cargo handling equipment.
We safely cut through reinforced concrete structures, embedded rebar, and damaged structural steel frameworks to keep your site moving.
The 24/7 Flat Rate Promise
We understand that a seized component can bring your entire operation to a standstill. That is why we operate a continuous response service with a transparent pricing structure. We charge a flat rate regardless of the time or day, meaning a Tuesday afternoon costs the exact same as a Bank Holiday. If you are within 20 miles of our Immingham base, we guarantee a 90-minute response time to tackle your most challenging emergency breakdowns. Contact Hickman Engineering today to deploy our thermal lancing specialists.
