Common methods for carbon rod processing

Carbon arc gouging is a process that uses carbon or graphite rods as electrodes to generate an electric arc between the rod and the workpiece. The high temperature of the arc locally melts the metal, while compressed air blows away the molten metal, thus creating grooves on the metal surface. It is mainly used for weld root cleaning, beveling, and defect repair.

Key Features:
High Flexibility: Allows for all-position operation.

Increased Efficiency: More efficient than traditional tools like pneumatic chisels, especially advantageous for overhead or vertical operations.

Low Labor Intensity: Less noisy and easier to mechanize compared to pneumatic chisels.

Process Parameters

Key parameters affecting the quality of carbon arc gouging include:

Polarity (usually DC reverse polarity)
Carbon rod diameter and current
Gouging speed
Compressed air pressure (usually 0.5–0.7 MPa)
Arc length
Carbon rod extension length
Carbon rod tilt angle

Carbon arc gouging is widely used in machinery manufacturing, shipbuilding, and metal structure manufacturing. Safety precautions such as ventilation are necessary during operation.