Overview

So far in this book you have read about operations and methods of joining metals together through a variety of processes. We have discussed cutting and welding with gas, in chapter 14 you will read about cutting with plasma. In this chapter we are going to read and learn about CAC-A or Carbon Arc Air Cutting.

carbon arc cutting (cac) and gouging is an arc cutting process that allows varying amounts of metal to be removed from a metal area using a carbon electrode. It is now used in conjunction with compressed air, but this has only been a relatively recent addition.

CAC-A requires very little to no surface preparation, but can require some post-cutting clean up. When the machine and cutting parameters are selected appropriately, it can be a very quick and effective way to cut and bevel in a multitude of industrial situations. For example when you have a weld defect on a large pipe, need to back gouge a full penetration weld or need to remove extra metal from an eighty-thousand-pound casting.

Attributions

1. Chapter opening image: Atlantic Ocean (Nov. 14, 2005) Hull Technician 3rd Class Jesse Delong of Bridgewater, Maine, practices cutting metal using a Carbon arc aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Josh Kinter in the Public Domain; United States government work