Weld preparation using automated plasma arc gouging
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When parts are prepared for welding, their edges can be beveled to produce a groove for the weld. A common practice in weld preparation is back gouging, the removal of weld and base metal by carbon arc gouging or by grinding from the other side of a partially welded joint to ensure complete fusion and penetration upon subsequent welding from that side.
Example of Powermax gouging for weld preparation:
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Customer application |
Back gouging seams on rail- cars. |
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Existing method and challenges |
Hand arc gouging with carbon arc. The carbon arc gouging process is noisy, takes skill to operate and produces a lot of smoke. The high pressured air blows the molten metal around the work area. Use of carbon arc also requires that the entire gouge has to be grinded after the gouge is made. |
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Powermax® solution |
Powermax125® plasma cutting system using a track cutter to automate the process. |
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Powermax results |
The gouge was very clean compared to the carbon arc gouge with minimal clean up and grinding. The consistency of width and depth of gouge is far superior to carbon arc since the process was automated. |
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