ESAB offers a complete line of welding and cutting products and solutions. Explore our equipment offering with ease based on product line and industry.
ESAB is a world leader in welding and cutting equipment and consumables. Explore our complete line of welding & cutting products for virtually every application.
ESAB University is your online learning destination for welding and fabrication technology. Make personalized playlists of your favorite resources including videos, blogs, articles, webinars and more.
Articles cover industry topics more in-depth and are created in partnership with ESAB engineers and master welders. Click the links to see the latest.
ESAB blogs include information and tips from ESAB Experts to improve your welding and fabrication knowledge.
ESAB Courses are structured learning paths designed to take your welding knowledge and skills to the next level.
The ESAB University FAQ section is curated to elevate the workplace efficiency and skills of your welding, cutting, and fabrication projects. Find expert answers to the frequently asked questions and everyday challenges that welders face.
ESAB University videos are curated with tips and best practices from top fabricators around the world. Learn new techniques or improve your current skills with ESAB University videos.
Enhance your knowledge of welding, cutting, and fabrication with free and accessible webinars on a variety of topics, including welding best practices, tips for using ESAB products, new product launches, and more, presented by trusted ESAB experts.
ESAB's Future for Fabricators platform is committed to highlighting those who lead education for aspiring future fabricators. We aim to share inspirational stories, facilitate initiatives to bring tools and expertise to communities, and make our equipment accessible to ensure future fabricators are set up for success - right from the start.
ESAB is a world leader in welding and cutting equipment and consumables. We offer a complete line of fabrication solutions for virtually every application.
ESAB Newsroom - Stay up to date with the latest news from ESAB. View press releases, product announcements, corporate news, and more here.
ESAB EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) initiatives are monitored with the highest degree of importance and commitment to safety is ingrained in our culture.
The history of ESAB is the History of Welding. Go here to view an interactive look at ESAB's history in shaping the future of innovation in welding, cutting, and fabrication.
View available job openings and more on the ESAB Careers page.
Purchasing from an ESAB Authorized Distributor guarantees you first-class customer service and support for all ESAB products.
ESAB offers a wealth of product support resources, including a range of technical and service publications, from Safety Data Sheets and downloadable product manuals to product certifications.
Visit ESAB's global manual search engine to access the items below and more.
Global User Manuals
Instruction Manuals
Spare Parts List
Product Storage Instructions
View Main Contact Page
View ESAB Location Information
(905) 670-0220
No playlist found! Your playlist can be created here.
Air carbon arc gouging process is simple, easy, and economical. In this article, we will walk through the process of air carbon arc gouging, how the technique works, and review the application and advantages.
Air carbon arc gouging is a thermal cutting process of removing or severing metal by heat from a carbon arc. The process uses a carbon/graphite electrode, a standard power source, and compressed air. The intense heat arc produced between the tip of the electrode and the metal workpiece melts and cuts the metal. The air carbon arc gouging technique is used to remove any old or defective welds for repairing or dismantling equipment.
The air carbon arc gouging process involves striking the electrode tip on the surface of the metal workpiece. This creates an intense arc between the carbon electrode tip and the workpiece. The heat from the carbon arc cuts and melts the metal. The compressed air stream is then used for blowing the molten metal from the surface of the metal workpiece. The metal gets cut or gouged only along the direction of airflow.
Air Carbon Arc Gouging is a simple process that requires only a few pieces of equipment. These include:
A copper-coated carbon electrode or graphite electrode is used to generate an arc. The copper coating minimizes electrode erosion. Here, the electrode diameter plays a crucial role in reducing waste. Select the right diameter based on the width and depth of the gouge. Using the correct electrode diameter helps to precisely control cutting or gouging and reduce material waste.
The gouging torch is used to hold the electrode and direct air to the arc. The torch contains a rotating head with air holes. The rotating head holds the electrode, and the air holes direct the air jet to the arc. The blast of air removes molten metal from the surface of the workpiece. The gouging torch is operated with a bottled gas supply or compressed airline.
The power source needs to be of high voltage capacity. DC (direct current) is suitable for steel and stainless steel whereas AC (alternating current) is suitable for copper, iron, and nickel alloys. It is critical for the power source to have a constant current output to prevent the high voltage current from causing the electrode tip to explode when brought in contact with the metal workpiece.
A compressed air line of up to 100 psi or bottled gas of 35 psi can be used. Air pressure is used to blow the molten metal after gouging. High-pressure air is not recommended as it may not be effective in removing the molten metal from the surface of the metal workpiece.
Air carbon arc gouging does not depend on oxidation, making the process suitable for various metals. Typical applications include back gouging, removal of excess weld metal, removal of internal or surface defects, and preparation of bevel edges for welding.
The technique is used across various industries, including:
Air carbon arc gouging is the process of removing metal from the workpiece using the heat of a carbon arc, compressed air, and power source. Simple, fast, and easy, the process can efficiently gouge almost all metals making it suitable for various industrial applications.
ESAB is a world leader in the production of welding and cutting equipment, consumables, and automation equipment. We can answer questions you have about welding and cutting. Our gouging equipment is designed with advanced technology to help accomplish your projects.