What is the purpose of gouging?
The most obvious use of gouging is to remove large amounts of metal or welds that need to be repaired. In these cases, gouging is much faster than removing this material with a grinding wheel, which is typically used to remove surface defects or excess reinforcement.
What are the types of gouging?
Three types of gouging: (a) Local gouging, (b) Rear gouging, and (c) Global gouging.
What is gouging in engineering?
Gouging is a type of corrosion that occurs on a metallic surface in which a hole, groove or indentation is created. Gouging happens in boiler tubes because of caustic corrosion that occurs as a result of excessive use of alkalines such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
What is gouging cutting?
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. Molten metal is then removed by a blast of air.
What is the difference between cutting and gouging?
A cutting arc is directed downward through the metal to blow the molten metal down and out through the kerf, forcing the two pieces of metal to separate. In plasma gouging, the torch is inclined at an angle to the workpiece, and the arc plows out a groove on the metal surface and blows the molten metal off to the side.
What is a gouging machine?
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 do you use a gouging tool?
0:151:37How to Use a Gouge | Woodworking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply vary the angle between the blade and the surface. Increase the angle of the blade as perMoreSimply vary the angle between the blade and the surface. Increase the angle of the blade as per desired depth sway the gouge from side-to-side feathering. The cut through its path.
What is gouging in business?
Price gouging refers to when retailers and others take advantage of spikes in demand by charging exorbitant prices for necessities, often after a natural disaster or other state of emergency.
What is the difference between gauge and gouge?
Or as a verb gauge can be to judge or assess something, to use a gauge, or to stretch something wider, specifically ear lobes. The last definition is not yet entered into the dictionary, but understood colloquially. To gouge something is to dig into it or to overcharge.
What is gouging in gas cutting?
Gouging is carried out using a torch through which oxygen and a fuel gas (acetylene, propane or mains gas) are passed. The surface of the steel is preheated by an outer ring of jets, and oxygen is directed from a central jet to the area to be gouged.
What is plasma cutting and gouging?
Similar to plasma cutting, plasma gouging removes metal using a plasma arc between the torch and the workpiece. Surface metal is melted, and a gas jet blows away the molten metal from the workpiece without piercing or severing it.
What is oxy fuel gouging?
Flame or Oxy-fuel Gouging When gouging, the steel is locally heated to a temperature above the 'ignition' temperature (typically 900°C) and a jet of oxygen is used to melt the metal - a chemical reaction between pure oxygen and hot metal. This jet is also used to blow away molten metal and slag.
What is an example of a gouge?
Noun The accident left a big gouge in the side of the car. Verb The lamp fell and gouged the table. A bomb had gouged a large crater in the street. They feel that they are being gouged by the oil companies.
What is metal gouging?
Gouging is the term to define a type of corrosion which occurs on a metallic surface in which a hole, groove or indentation is created. In welding, gouging has been a requirement for many years in several industries and applications – and is one method to scrutinise.
What does gouge mean in business?
an act or instance of charging customers too high a price for goods or services, especially when demand is high and supplies are limited: The law prohibits price gouging during weather emergencies such as snowstorms.
What is oxy fuel gouging?
Flame or Oxy-fuel Gouging When gouging, the steel is locally heated to a temperature above the 'ignition' temperature (typically 900°C) and a jet of oxygen is used to melt the metal - a chemical reaction between pure oxygen and hot metal. This jet is also used to blow away molten metal and slag.
What is a gouging torch?
A manual gouging torch and cable assembly includes connections for the welding lead and compressed air line. Be sure to size the torch and ground cable appropriately based on amperage and length of the cable. An insulated connection boot and hookup kit simplifies torch hookup and eliminates the possibility of arcing when contacting electrically hot parts.
What is the name of the company that makes gouging equipment?
Stepath did his original work with the Navy during World War II before founding Arcair Co. in 1949. Today, Arcair is part of the ESAB family of brands, and the name Arcair is synonymous with the gouging process.
How does a torch work?
The manual torch holds the carbon electrode in a swiveling head so that the air jets stay aligned with the electrode regardless of angle. Most torches have one set of air jets, but some have air jets on two sides of the electrode, which are better for some uses, such as removing pads and risers from large castings (padwashing).
How does carbon arc gouging work?
Air carbon-arc gouging removes metal through the intense heat of an arc created between a carbon electrode and the workpiece. As the material melts, compressed air, which is directed through outlets in the lower jaws of the torch holding the electrode, lifts the molten metal clear of the arc before the metal solidifies.
How to prevent carbon from going through a gouge?
When using copper-coated carbon electrodes, position the electrode in the torch so that the uncoated end points toward the workpiece. Set the air pressure to 80 to 100 psi, which is a flow sufficient enough to prevent trapping carbon in the gouge.
What is the process used to back gouge a weld?
An operator uses the air carbon-arc gouging process to back-gouge a weld on a barge.
How is the depth of a groove determined?
The depth and contour of the groove produced are controlled by the electrode diameter and travel speed. Groove depths greater than 1.5 times the diameter must be made in multiple passes. The width of the groove is determined by the electrode diameter and is typically 1/8 in. wider than the diameter. A wider groove may be made with a small electrode by oscillating the electrode in a weaving motion.
What is mechanical gouging?
Mechanical gouging methods—grinding, hand milling, routing, and chipping—are widely used. These methods are suitable for metalworking shops, but typically they are slow and often loud. Oxyfuel Gouging. Oxyfuel gouging is a common thermal or chemical method and a variation of oxyfuel welding and cutting.
What is plasma gouging power supply?
Power Supplies. Plasma gouging and cutting power supplies are direct-current electrode-negative (DCEN) systems with high open-circuit voltage. In the last 20 years, PAC power supplies have evolved from large console units based on rectifier technology, to units incorporating inverter and switching transistor, or chopper, technologies, to inverters and boost inverters that are reliable and small in size and weight. The latest power supplies use microprocessor-controlled devices that enable them to use multiple input voltages, tolerate variations in line voltage, consume less power, and produce high-quality cuts and gouges.
What are the disadvantages of plasma gouge?
They include the initial expense of a plasma cutting system, the lower metal removal rate compared to air carbon arc gouging, and the practice and skill required to master the technique.
How to use a gouge torch?
Operators use a variety of techniques to achieve different gouge profiles and sizes. Generally, the torch is inclined to a 40- to 60-degree angle to the workpiece as the pilot arc is formed and the arc transfers to the plate. The operator then feeds the arc into the gouge, moving the torch along the plate in a forward motion. Steeper angles and slower speeds cause the arc to penetrate more deeply into the workpiece. Smaller angles and faster speeds remove less material and produce a shallower gouge. Figure 4 shows some of the gouge profiles that are possible.
What gas can gouge aluminum?
Argon/hydrogen plasma gas can produce a clean, bright, smooth gouge on aluminum and stainless. Nitrogen plasma extends parts life and produces acceptable quality on mild steel and stainless. Air plasma provides the lowest cost of operation and acceptable quality on mild steel, stainless, and aluminum. Torches.
What is a single pass straight gouge?
A single-pass straight gouge produces a relatively narrow, parabolic groove. For gouging wider and deeper sections, weaving or side gouging may be used.
What gases are used in plasma gouging?
Gases. A variety of plasma and shielding gases can be used for plasma gouging, including air, nitrogen, oxygen, argon/hydrogen, and other mixed gases, provided that the system is designed for their safe use. It's important to check the system's operator manual before using specialty gases.
What is gouging used for?
This type of gouging is used for localised gouging operations such as the removal of defects. It is also used where it is more convenient to switch from a welding electrode to a gouging electrode, rather than using specialised equipment.
What are the two methods of gouging metal?
Two of the most common methods of gouging metal are plasma gouging and air carbon-arc gouging.
What is MMA gouge?
The MMA gouging process is characterised by the large amount of gas which is generated to eject the molten metal. However, because the arc/gas stream is not as powerful as a gas or a separate air jet, the surface of the gouge is not as smooth as an oxyfuel gouge or air carbon arc gouge.
How is arc formed in MMA welding?
The arc is formed between the tip of the electrode and the workpiece in conventional MMA welding. MMA gouging differs due to requiring special purpose electrodes with thick flux coatings in order to generate a strong arc force and gas stream. Unlike MMA welding where a stable weld pool must be maintained, this process can force the molten metal away from the arc zone to leave a clean-cut surface.
How does a metal gouge work?
The metal becomes molten and a high velocity air streams down the electrode to blow it away and thus leaves a clean groove. It is a simply process to apply, has a high metal removal rate and gouge profile can be closely controlled.
What is DC gouging?
This type of gouging can be applied to a wide range of metals. DC (electrode positive) is normally preferred for steel and stainless steel, but AC is more effective for cast iron, copper and nickel alloys. Typical applications include back gouging, removal of surface and internal defects, removal of excess weld metal and preparation of bevel edges for welding.
Why is air jet gouging so noisy?
However, there are disadvantages: 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. This type of gouging can be applied to a wide range of metals.
Q1: When is gouging used?
A: Gouging is necessary for many tasks related to welding when the operator is trying to remove material to get to clean metal. The most obvious use of gouging is to remove large amounts of metal or welds that need to be repaired.
Q2: Can I gouge in CV mode?
A: You can gouge in constant voltage (CV) mode, but it will result in a shallower penetration profile that is wider and flatter than gouging in constant current (CC) mode.
Q3: How do I know what size of electrode to use for gouging?
A: Gouging electrodes are available in a range of sizes, so understanding your machine’s capabilities is key to avoid using too large of an electrode. The spec sheet or owner’s manual for some machines will specify the electrode diameter ranges that can be run and list the maximum electrode size that can be used for carbon arc gouging.
Q4: What are the advantages of using electrodes of different geometries for gouging?
A: Typical cylindrical electrodes, also known as pointed electrodes, are best for all-purpose gouging. Flat electrodes are good for achieving a flush surface, as in removing weld reinforcement or creating rectangular grooves.
Q6: Why should I use a machine with a dedicated gouging process?
A: Gouging is a process just like stick or MIG welding. Just as with those welding processes, technology in Miller engine-driven welder/generators and plug-in welding power sources that include a gouging mode has resulted in optimized gouging performance. Reference the owner’s manual for your power source to find the gouging setup, if applicable.
Q7: Are inverter-based welding power sources bad for gouging?
A: While this used to pose a problem with older inverter machines, today’s inverter-based power sources from Miller have been engineered, designed and tested for the gouging process, providing exceptional reliability and operation.
Understanding carbon arc gouging
Carbon arc gouging is an important part of many welding applications — from structural steel construction to field repairs. Understanding the gouging process and how to choose the right equipment and electrodes for the job can help improve efficiency and optimize results with this process.
