Air Carbon Arc Gouging
Description and Application
- The air-carbon-arc gouging process removes metal physically. Gouging or cutting occurs when the intense heat of the arc between the carbon electrode and the workpiece melts the metal. Meanwhile, compressed air passes under the arc at 60-80 psi–fast enough to blow the molten metal away before the metal solidifies.
- The process is simple to apply (using the same equipment as MMA welding), has a high metal removal rate, and gouge profile can be closely controlled. Disadvantages are that the air jet causes the molten metal to be ejected over quite a large distance and, because of high currents (up to 2000A) and high air pressures (80 to 100 psi), it can be very noisy.
- The electrode is a graphite (carbon) rod which has a copper coating to reduce electrode erosion. Electrode diameter is selected according to required depth and width of gouge. Cutting can be precisely controlled and molten metal/dross is kept to a minimum.
- The gouging torch is normally operated with either a compressed air line or separate bottled gas supply. Air supply pressure will be up to 100psi from the airline but restricted to about 35psi from a bottled supply. Providing there is sufficient air flow to remove molten metal, there are no advantages in using higher pressure and flow rates.
- Zika have carbon electrode in diameter 4mm up to 13 mm.
