Repair welding is a commonly used technique in which the cracked material is removed and the element is welded to re-join the material on either side of the crack.
The first step in welding repair is to remove the damaged metal. This can be done with oxyfuel or plasma cutting or carbon arc gouging. Oxyfuel and plasma typically are better for cutting through metal, whereas carbon arc gouging is better for gouging out a crack or defect without completely severing the part.
Oxyfuel torches, one of the most common tools for cutting, usually can be found on most service trucks. Plasma cutters, however, produce a smaller kerf (cut width), a smaller heat-affected zone (HAZ), and typically are faster than oxyfuel torches. Plasma cutters also cut through all electrically conductive metals, whereas oxyfuel can't cut through aluminum or stainless steel.
Carbon arc gouging is another cutting/gouging option when using welding generators with 300 to 500 amps of output and a high duty cycle. Carbon arc gouging uses a carbon electrode to melt the defective area and blast away molten metal with a focused, high-pressure stream of air.
Contact Reese Services to schedule your welding repair job today.