In many areas of industry, highly stressed functional surfaces are reinforced with protective coatings. During the service life of a component, it often makes sense to remove worn protective coatings and apply new coatings to the highly stressed areas. The plasma gouging process offers an economical and environmentally responsible alternative to the conventional removal process using carbon rod electrodes.

In cooperation with a German specialist for the production and regeneration of complex wear protection systems, Thermacut® has qualified plasma gouging as a process suitable for the thermal removal of worn wear protection layers. This process is specifically targeted at tool joints and stabilizers on components from the offshore industry.

In preliminary tests with Thermacut® FHT-EX® plasma gouging torches, the suitability of the process for the common iron- and nickel-based wear protection alloys was first demonstrated. Furthermore, the specific advantages of the plasma gouging process were shown, especially in comparison to the conventional process with carbon electrodes. 

Benefits of Plasma Gouging for Removing Worn Coatings

• ● higher material removal rate,
• ● lower noise emissions,
• ● easier handling,
• ● smoother and cleaner surfaces
• ● no rework
• ● more targeted process control 

Due to the high thermal effect (22 kW electric arc power) of the plasma jet, coating thicknesses between 1 and 8 mm can be removed in a single operation. The PGP (plasma gouging process) can be used effectively with flat and irregular surfaces. However, it reveals its full advantages in automated use with rotationally symmetrical components, such as tool joints and stabilizers. Through continuous movement of the Thermacut® FHT-EX® plasma torch, old wear protection coatings are removed evenly with constant surface quality. The component surfaces can thus be protected for renewed use with new welds after removal by PGP without further post-processing.

Check out both videos showing FHT-EX® torches used for gouging.

Intrigued by the cutting-edge FHT-EX® plasma cutting and gouging torch from Thermacut®? Dive into the details at www.ex-trafire.com, browse the catalog, and reach out to your local Thermacut® office today.

Text: Thermacut, k.s.
Photos: archive of Thermacut, k. s.