How does air arc gouging work?

Air carbon arc gouging is a process of removing metal by means of heat generated from a carbon arc. The process uses a carbon/graphite electrode, compressed air and a standard power source. The intense electric arc used between the tip of a carbon electrode and a metal work piece cuts and melts the work piece.

How much air do you need for arc gouging?

A minimum extension of 2″ should be used to prevent damage to the torch parts. Normal compressed air pressures for CAC-A range between 80 psi and 100 psi at the torch; higher pressures may be used, but they don’t remove metal more efficiently. Use 60 psi (413.7 kPa) with the light-duty manual torch.

What is the best use for carbon arc gouging?

Advantages and Major Uses The air carbon arc cutting process (CAC) is used to cut metal, to gouge out defective metal, to remove old or inferior welds, for root gouging of full penetration welds, and to prepare grooves for welding.

What is air carbon arc gouging?

Air carbon arc cutting, also referred to as metal arc gouging, and previously as air arc cutting, is an arc cutting process where metal is cut and melted by the heat of a carbon arc. It employs a consumable carbon or graphite electrode to melt the material, which is then blown away by an air jet.

How loud is carbon arc gouging?

Air carbon arc cutting and gouging is a welding process that exposes workers to hazardous sound levels from 108-120 dB(A). During gouging, when both noise sources are present, the sound power measured was 9 dB higher than the sum of each source measured alone.

What could cause a gouged groove to be too deep?

Relatively high travel speeds are possible when a low electrode angle is used. This produces a shallow groove: a steep angle results in a deep groove and requires slower travel speed. Oscillating the electrode in a circular or restricted weave motion during gouging can greatly increase gouging width.

How many CFM do I need for an air arc?

12-15 cfm will work but will work the compressor full time. The bigger the compressor and the more tank you have the longer it will last and more efficiently it will work. Most work can be accomplished without opening the air all the way on the torch.

What are some of the drawbacks of air carbon arc cutting?

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.

Can you carbon arc gouge stainless steel?

The air carbon-arc gouging process does not require oxidation to maintain the cut, so it can gouge or cut metals that the oxyfuel process cannot. In fact, most common metals (carbon steel, stainless steel, high-alloy wear plate, copper alloys and cast irons) can be cut using air carbon-arc gouging.

Why is carbon used in carbon arc welding?

Why is carbon used in carbon arc welding? Explanation: Carbon is used in carbon arc welding, at the negative terminal of the cathode. The reason for employing carbon at the negative terminal is that, a lesser amount of heat is generated at the electron tip than at the workpiece.

Why are some carbon arc electrodes copper coated?

10. Why are some carbon arc electrodes copper-coated? To decrease electrode overheating and increase strength to reduce accidental breakage.

What polarity is recommended should be used for carbon arc cutting steel?

electrode positive
DC (electrode positive) is normally preferred for steel and stainless steel but AC is more effective for cast iron, copper and nickel alloys.

How does a carbon arc gouging process work?

An electric arc is generated between the tip of a carbon electrode and the workpiece. The metal becomes molten and a high velocity air jet streams down the electrode to blow it away, thus leaving a clean groove. The process is simple to apply (using the same equipment as MMA welding), has a high metal removal rate,…

Can a single phase arc gouging machine be used?

Single-phase machines with low open-circuit voltage may not work for air carbon arc gouging (CAC-A). However, any three-phase welding power source of sufficient capacity may be used for air carbon arc gouging.

What are the disadvantages of arc arc gouging?

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. As air carbon arc gouging does not rely on oxidation it can be applied to a wide range of metals.

What should the arc voltage be for air carbon?

However, any three-phase welding power source of sufficient capacity may be used for air carbon arc gouging. The arc voltage used in air carbon arc gouging and cutting ranges from a low of 35 to a high of 56 volts; thus the open-circuit voltage should be at least 60 volts. The actual arc voltage is governed by arc length and the type of gouging.