Tweco PAK 15XC - Manual (Page 56)

OPERATION 52 Manual 0-2251
4.9 GOUGING OPERATION (continued)
Standoff Distance The tip to work distance affects gouge quality and depth.
A standoff of 1/8 - 1/4 in (3 - 6 mm) allows smooth,
consistent material removal. A smaller standoff may result
double arcing from tip to work. A standoff greater than
1/4 in (6 mm) may result in minimal metal removal or loss
of transferred main arc.
Slag generated by gouging on materials such as carbon
and stainlesss steels, nickels, and alloyed steels, can be
removed easily in most cases. There is little, if any, slag
produced when gouging aluminum, as the material is
vaporized. Slag does not obstruct the gouging process if it
accumulates to the side of the gouge path. However, slag
build-up can cause inconsistencies and irregular metal
removal if large amounts of material build up in front of
the arc. The build-up is most often a result of improper
travel speed, lead angle, or standoff height. Slag Build-up
GAS
Air Plasma
Air Secondary
Nitrogen Plasma
Air Secondary
Nitrogen Plasma
CO 2 Secondary
Ar/H
2
Plasma
Nitrogen Secondary
Ar/H
2
Plasma
Argon Secondary
Aluminum
Fair
Fair
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Stainless Steel
Good
Good
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Carbon Steel
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
Good
MATERIAL
Table 4-D Recommended Gases for Plasma Arc Gouging