Air carbon arc cutting, previously known 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. It employs a consumable carbon or graphite electrode to melt the material, which is then blown away by an air jet.
This process is useful for cutting a variety of materials, but it is most often used for cutting, and gouging aluminum, copper, iron, magnesium, and carbon and stainless steels. Because the metal is blown away by the air jet, it does not need to be oxidized. This process differs from plasma cutting operations because in air carbon cutting, an open, or un-constricted, arc is used, and the arc operates separately from the air jet.
Air pressures for the jet usually vary from 60 to 100 psig. The carbon electrode can be worn away by oxidation from heat buildup. This can be reduced by coating the carbon electrodes in copper.
The sharpened carbon electrode is drawn along the metal, an arc forms and melts the metal. The air jet is then used to blow away molten material. This can be dangerous as the molten material can be blown substantial distances. The process is also very noisy.
Famous quotes containing the words air, arc and/or cutting:
“The air was clear. He seemed in ultimate peace
Except that he had no eyes. Rigid and bright
Upon the forehead, furred
With a light frost, crouched an outrageous bird.”
—Anthony Hecht (b. 1923)
“You say that you are my judge; I do not know if you are; but take good heed not to judge me ill, because you would put yourself in great peril.”
—Joan Of Arc (c.1412–1431)
“should some limb of the devil
Destroy the view by cutting down an ash
That shades the road, or setting up a cottage
Planned in a government office, shorten his life,
Manacle his soul upon the Red Sea bottom.”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)