arc cutting is athermal cutting process where melting the base material is

accomplished using an electric arc established between the base metal and an
electrode. The electrode maybe consumable or non-consumable, and compressed air or
other gasses may o rmay not be required.
the two most common used arc cutting processes are air carbon arc cutting and
plasma arc cutting.

AIR CARBON ARC CUTTING

-also referred to as metal arc gouging, is an arc cutting process where metal is
cut and melted by the heat of a carbon arc and the molten metal is removed by a
blast of compressed air.. the metals are melted by the heat of an arc established
between a corbon electrode and the base metal.
the CAC-A process provides low heat input into the base metal, minimizing warpage
and distortion. under ideal condition, air carbon arc gouging in ferrous-based
metals leaves a bright, clean surface ready for welding.