What are 2 common problems encountered when using CAC-A?

What are 2 common problems encountered when using CAC-A?

• A. Surface hardening and carbonization
• B. Porosity and cracking
• C. Warping and undercutting
• D. Incomplete fusion and slag inclusion

Answer: (A)

CAC-A uses a carbon electrode in ambient air to cut metal, and the process deposits carbon onto the workpiece. That carbon buildup leads to carbonization of the cut surface, forming a carbon-rich layer. The intense heat and rapid cooling near the cut edge also create a hardened surface, or surface hardening, which can make the edge more brittle and harder to machine or finish. Because the electrode is carbon, carburization and the resulting hard, carbon-rich surface are a natural byproduct of CAC-A, making surface hardening and carbonization common problems. The other issues listed are more typical of welding rather than cutting, so they’re not characteristic of CAC-A.

CAC-A uses a carbon electrode in ambient air to cut metal, and the process deposits carbon onto the workpiece. That carbon buildup leads to carbonization of the cut surface, forming a carbon-rich layer. The intense heat and rapid cooling near the cut edge also create a hardened surface, or surface hardening, which can make the edge more brittle and harder to machine or finish. Because the electrode is carbon, carburization and the resulting hard, carbon-rich surface are a natural byproduct of CAC-A, making surface hardening and carbonization common problems. The other issues listed are more typical of welding rather than cutting, so they’re not characteristic of CAC-A.