Precision Cutting Solutions and Thermal Lancing Service from Industry Specialists
At Hickman Engineering, we are proud to be one of the UK and Europe’s leading specialists in thermal lancing a high-temperature cutting technique used in demanding industrial environments. With a proven track record of delivering complex and high-risk cutting operations for major corporations, our skilled teams provide safe, precise, and efficient solutions across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
Whether it’s dismantling corroded infrastructure, removing seized pins from heavy plant, or carrying out emergency cutting in confined or hazardous spaces, Hickman Engineering has the experience, equipment, and expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
What is Thermal Lancing?
Thermal lancing, also known as oxygen lancing or burning bars, is a specialist cutting method that uses steel tubes filled with high-purity oxygen and steel rods to generate temperatures exceeding 3,000°C. This extreme heat enables our teams to cut through:
- Reinforced concrete and rebar
- Structural steel
- Cast iron
- Industrial alloys
- Large-scale or heat-resistant components
Trusted by Industry Leaders
We’ve successfully completed thermal lancing projects for major corporations and public sector bodies across multiple industries. Our teams are fully qualified, confined space trained, and equipped with the latest tools to work in high-risk, restricted-access, or time-critical environments.
Whether working in ports, power stations, marine dry docks, or rail infrastructure, Hickman Engineering brings deep technical knowledge and commitment to excellence on every project.
Coverage Across the UK, Ireland & Europe
From Aberdeen to Athens and Cork to Copenhagen, Hickman Engineering offers full-service thermal lancing coverage across:
- United Kingdom
- Republic of Ireland
- Northern Ireland
- Mainland Europe
Our teams are fully mobile and ready to deploy to your site—wherever and whenever you need us.
Industry Applications
Port Industry
- Removal of seized pins and axles from port cranes
- Dismantling quay structures and corroded dock infrastructure
- Cutting damaged containers or equipment beyond repair
Marine Sector
- Cutting through marine piles, propellers, and hull reinforcements
- Offshore platform demolition and salvage preparation
- Dry dock and underwater access cutting
Agricultural Industry
- Decommissioning of large farm equipment and silos
- On-site cutting of corroded steel frames and tanks
- Heavy-duty maintenance in remote or hard-to-access locations
Petrochemical
- Precision cutting of pipework, tanks, and pressure vessels
- Emergency response in volatile environments
- Decommissioning of high-risk process structures
Civil Engineering
- Bridge and concrete structure demolition
- Modifications to steel frameworks and foundations
- Safe removal of embedded rebar and structural steel
Railways
- Cutting rusted rail components and bridge structures
- Emergency derailment recovery
- Disassembly of legacy rolling stock and support equipment
Why Choose Hickman Engineering?
- Industry Specialists in thermal lancing and complex industrial cutting
- Proven Track Record with major corporations and infrastructure providers
- Nationwide and European Coverage – fully mobile teams
- Safety First – certified operatives, confined space trained, risk-assessed operations
- Responsive Service – rapid deployment for planned works and emergencies
