Air Carbon Arc Gouging 👨‍🏭 (Facts, Pros, Cons and Parameters) 2022

First let me define what gouging is.

What is gouging

Gouging is the process of making a groove, a hole, or an indentation. It may be maybe by a sharp tool or blade, but in this case it is made by an electric arc.

In simpler terms:

It is a way to cut. A cutting process.

Air carbon arc gouging

It is an arc cutting process in which the metals to be cut are melted by the heat of an electric arc.

Step 1: An electric arc is established between the carbon electrode and the base metal.

Step 2: A jet of compressed air removes molten metal from the cut region.

Carbon arc gouging facts

• Thickness: No limits.
• Positions: All.
• Electric current: 80A to 1600A.
• Consumable: Copper coated carbon electrode.

Manual or automatic?

It is normally a manual process used in all positions, but it can also be operated automatically.

Base metal

The process can be used on steels and some non-ferrous metals.

Safety concerns

• UV radiation.
• High temperature particles.

Uses

It is commonly used for:

• Weld gouging.
• Weld defect repair.
• Preparation of bevel edges for welding.
• Casting repair.

This process requires relatively high cutting ability.

In the gouging of welds, it is necessary to clean the welds after the gouging to remove the deposited carbon.

In some cases, it is necessary to remove the heat affected zone. Grinding is usually satisfactory.

Advantages (Pros)

• It is a quick process.
• You can cut your material in all directions and in all positions.
• This cutting process can gouge or cut almost all common metals.
• The SMAW equipment may be used.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Imprecise cut.
• Contamination risk.
• Cleaning is required.
• Noisy.

Typical parameters (Manual or automatic)

The most important parameters are amperage and speed. Air pressure is not critical but you may consider it anywhere between 80 and 100 psi.

Credits: TWI Global

How to carbon arc gouge

1. Choose an electrode.
2. Choose a torch.
3. Position the electrode.
4. Initiate an electric arc.
5. Make an angle (35° to 45°).
6. Determine your speed based on the depth of the gouge you need.
7. Move forward.

Example video

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Citation

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