Choosing the Right Grade for Your Welding or Cutting Job in 2026
Oxygen is one of the most commonly requested gases we deliver, but many customers are surprised to learn there are meaningful purity differences even within “industrial oxygen.
Quick breakdown we use when helping fabricators and repair shops:
Standard industrial oxygen (≥99.5%)
Perfect for oxy-fuel cutting, brazing, heating, and most general welding. This is what powers the majority of torches in auto shops, metal fab yards, and construction sites across Humboldt, Mendocino, and Lake counties.
Medical-grade oxygen (USP ≥99.0%)
Required for healthcare facilities, home oxygen therapy, and certain hyperbaric applications. Tighter controls on moisture and impurities.
Ultra-high purity / research grade (>99.999%)
Used in labs, food packaging (modified atmosphere), or specialized welding (e.g., aerospace titanium). Very low moisture and hydrocarbon content.
Real-world example we see frequently: A local steel fabricator using medical-grade oxygen for plasma cutting because it was “cheaper that week.” Result? More porosity in cuts and faster electrode wear due to trace impurities affecting arc stability.Quick checklist before your next oxygen delivery:
- Confirm your process (oxy-acetylene torch? MIG/TIG backup? Medical use?)
- Ask about purity certification — we provide certificates of analysis on request.
- Store cylinders upright, chained, away from heat/traffic — standard CGA safety.
We stock and deliver all grades weekly from Eureka to Petaluma.
Not sure which you need? Call 707-443-2228 — our counter staff can walk you through it in two minutes.
