Arc Welding

Definition

Arc welding uses a welding power supply to create an electric arc between an
electrode and the base material to melt the metals at the welding point. They can use either direct
(DC) or alternating (AC) current, and consumable or non-consumable electrodes. The welding region
is sometimes protected by some type of inert or semi-inert gas, known as a shielding gas, and/or an
evaporating filler material. The process of arc welding is widely used because of its low capital and
running costs.
 Fig(Arc Welding)

Carbon arc welding

Carbon arc welding:

Carbon Arc Welding (CAW) is a process which produces coalescence of metals by heating
them with an arc between a nonconsumable carbon (graphite) electrode and the work-piece. It was
the first arc-welding process ever developed but is not used for many applications today, having been
replaced by twin carbon arc welding and other variations. The purpose of arc welding is to form a bond
between separate metals. In carbon arc welding a carbon electrode is used to produce an electric arc
between the electrode and the materials being bonded. This arc produces extreme temperatures in
excess of 3,000°C. At this temperature the separate metals form a bond and become welded together.
 Fig(Carbon Arc Welding)

Advantages of Carbon Arc Welding:

* Low cost of equipment and welding operation;

* High level of operator skill is not required;
* The process is easily automated;
* Low distortion of work piece.

Disadvantages of Carbon Arc Welding:

* Unstable quality of the weld (porosity);
* Carbon of electrode contaminates weld material with carbides.