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The Use of Air Arc Gouging
Air arc gouging is a process of removing metal by using heat generated from a carbon arc. This process utilizes a carbon/graphite electrode, compressed air and a standard power source. The extreme heat arc created between the electrode and a metal workpiece gouges and melts the workpiece. The compressed air also blows away the molten metal. This process is common for cutting stainless steel, carbon steel and alloys of copper, brass, aluminum and magnesium.
Air Arc Gouging
The Purpose of Air Arc Gouging
The main goal of air arc gouging is to remove defective or old welds to repair or dismantle equipment. Unlike oxy-fuel cutting, air arc gouging avoids the need for oxidation of the metal to cut.
The rate of metal removal depends on the efficiency of air jet in removing molten metal and the melting rate.
How Air Arc Gouging Works
Gouging commences by striking the electrode tip on the workpiece surface to initiate the arc. The manual metal arc (MMA) welding electrode tips are withdrawn. However, the electrode tips are not withdrawn to establish the arc length. The air stream immediately blows away the molten metal directly under the electrode tip (arc). It is essential that the air stream is toward the arc from behind the electrode and sweeps under the tip of the electrode for effective metal removal. The diameter of the electrode determines the width of the groove.
However, the angle of the electrode to the workpiece and rate of travel dictates the depth. Relatively high travel speeds are a possibility when using a low electrode angle. This produces a shallow groove. A steep angle will result in a deep groove and requires slower travel speed. Keep in mind, a steeply angled electrode may give rise to carbon contamination.
Gouging Width
You can increase the gouging width significantly by oscillating the electrode in a circular or restrictive weave motion during gouging. This is helpful for removing a weld or plate imperfection that is wider than the electrode itself. However, it is critical that weave width does not exceed four times the diameter of the electrode. The groove surface needs to be relatively free of oxidized metal and is ready for welding without further preparation. If a carbon rich layer forms, then dressing by grinding the side-walls of the gouge carries out. In addition, dressing by grinding or another approved method will be necessary if working on crack-sensitive material such as high strength, low alloy steel.
Benefits of Air Arc Gouging
Some of the many benefits of air arc gouging include the following:
- Besides being common for cutting metals and gouging defective metal, this process is common for preparing welding grooves and removing old damage welds as well. The main advantage of this technique is that the temperature of the surrounding area of the cut material does not reach the maximum as the metal is quickly removed after melting.
- You can perform this process on the workpiece at all positions.
- Air arc gouging can gouge or cut almost all common metals.
- Cleaning is necessary when performing air arc gouging for the weld preparation of zirconium, titanium and stainless steel as there’s removal of most of the surface carbonized materials near the cut during cleaning. You can cut these materials with this process to form scraps that you can re-melt.
These just the basics about the use of air arc gouging. Don’t hesitate to contact Brazos Industries with the link below for more information!
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