21033003 - Arcair 3/16" x 12" DC Plain Carbon Gouging Electrodes (Box of 50)

Arcair 21033003 DC Plain Gouging Electrodes

The Arcair 21033003 represents a specialized category of air carbon-arc gouging consumables: the DC Plain electrode. Unlike the standard copper-clad electrodes found in most fabrication shops, these rods are manufactured without a copper coating. This specific design choice is engineered for applications where the introduction of copper into the base material—even in trace amounts—is strictly prohibited. Such requirements are common in the nuclear, aerospace, and petrochemical industries, or when working with specific high-purity alloys where copper contamination could lead to metallurgical cracking or corrosion issues.

Measuring 3/16 of an inch in diameter and 12 inches in length, these electrodes are precision-machined from a high-density carbon-graphite mixture. While the absence of copper reduces the rod's electrical conductivity slightly compared to clad versions, the high-quality graphite formulation ensures that the arc remains stable and the metal removal rate is efficient. The rods are designed to operate on Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP), utilizing the heat of the arc to melt the base metal while a stream of compressed air blows the molten material away.

These plain electrodes are particularly useful for removing weld defects or preparing weld joints on stainless steel and other non-ferrous metals where surface purity is paramount. The 3/16" size allows for control in smaller grooves or when accessing tighter spaces. Packaged in a box of 50, they provide a reliable supply for specialized repair and fabrication tasks requiring the highest level of material integrity.