Sino Welding is a China-based manufacturer and exporter of carbon gouging rods and air carbon arc (ACAG) gouging torches, supplying industrial buyers, welding distributors, and trading companies worldwide. We carry a full range of copper-coated carbon rods in multiple shapes and sizes, paired with a complete series of gouging torches to suit different amperage requirements and working conditions.
All products are available for wholesale and OEM orders. We export regularly to Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America.
Air carbon arc gouging (ACAG) is a metal removal process that uses the heat of an electric arc established between a carbon electrode and the base metal, combined with a high-velocity jet of compressed air to blow away the molten metal. It is widely used for:
Removing weld defects and back gouging
Preparing weld joints on thick plate
Cutting and scarfing cast iron and steel
Removing old weld metal for repair work
Unlike gas cutting, ACAG does not rely on metal oxidation, making it suitable for stainless steel, cast iron, copper alloys, and non-ferrous metals that cannot be gas cut.
| Type | Shape | Current | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Pointed (D.C.) | Round with pointed tip | DC | General gouging, weld removal, back gouging |
| Bored Round (D.C.) | Round with hollow bore | DC | Heavy-duty gouging, deep groove preparation |
| Bored Round (A.C.) | Round with hollow bore | AC | AC welder compatibility, general purpose |
| Flat (D.C.) | Flat rectangular | DC | Wide shallow grooves, surface scarfing |
| Half Round (D.C.) | Half-round profile | DC | Semi-circular groove preparation |
| Blasting (D.C.) | Round, optimised tip | DC | High-speed stock removal, production gouging |
| Jointed (D.C.) | Extended length, joined | DC | Deep access, confined space gouging |
| Projector Carbon | Solid round, uncoated | — | Carbon arc lighting, projection equipment |
| Diameter | Recommended Amperage | Standard Length |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mm (3/16") | 90–150 A | 305 mm (12") |
| 6.4 mm (1/4") | 150–200 A | 305 mm (12") |
| 8 mm (5/16") | 200–300 A | 305 mm (12") |
| 10 mm (3/8") | 300–400 A | 305 mm (12") |
| 13 mm (1/2") | 400–600 A | 305 mm (12") |
Jointed rods available in 710 mm length. Custom lengths available on request.
Core material: High-density carbon-graphite composite
Coating: Electrolytic copper coating, uniform thickness
Copper coating function: Improves electrical conductivity, reduces heat buildup at the torch holder, maintains consistent arc stability, and extends rod life
DC rods: For use with DC welding power sources (electrode negative / straight polarity recommended)
AC rods: Bored design reduces arc blow and stabilises arc on AC power sources
Packaging: Standard 50 rods per box; master carton quantities available
| Model | Type | Rod Diameter Range | Max Amperage | Cooling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K3 | Manual, light duty | 4–8 mm | 300 A | Air cooled |
| K5 | Manual, heavy duty | 6–13 mm | 500 A | Air cooled |
| K4000 | Manual, standard | 4–10 mm | 400 A | Air cooled |
| K4000-3 | Manual, 3-roll grip | 4–10 mm | 400 A | Air cooled |
| K4000-5 | Manual, 5-roll grip | 6–13 mm | 500 A | Air cooled |
| K4000-6 | Manual, 6-roll grip | 6–13 mm | 600 A | Air cooled |
| K3000 | Manual, medium duty | 4–10 mm | 300 A | Air cooled |
| CZ2000 | Compact, light duty | 4–8 mm | 200 A | Air cooled |
Carbon rod clampRotating head design allows rod angle adjustment (typically 35°–45° from horizontal). Multi-roll copper clamp ensures firm grip and full electrical contact across the rod diameter.
Air jet nozzleSide-mounted air ports direct compressed air jets parallel to and behind the carbon rod, efficiently blowing molten metal clear of the gouge without deflecting the arc.
Handle & cable connectionInsulated heat-resistant handle. Cable lug connection compatible with standard welding machine terminals. Separate air hose inlet with standard fitting.
Recommended air pressure: 4–6 bar (60–90 psi)Recommended power source: DC constant current (CC) welding machine or generator set
| Torch Model | Compatible Rod Diameters | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| CZ2000 | 5–8 mm | Light repair work, thin plate |
| K3 / K3000 | 5–8 mm | General fabrication shops |
| K4000 / K4000-3 | 5–10 mm | Structural steel, shipbuilding |
| K5 / K4000-5 / K4000-6 | 8–13 mm | Heavy plate, foundry, casting repair |
Shipbuilding & offshore: Back gouging of full-penetration welds, removal of temporary attachments, weld repair on hull plates.
Structural steel fabrication: Joint preparation on thick plate, removal of weld defects before repair welding.
Foundry & casting repair: Removal of casting defects, crack removal from cast iron and steel castings prior to repair welding.
Pressure vessel & pipeline: Back gouging of root passes, weld defect removal under quality inspection requirements.
Rail & heavy equipment: Removal of hard-facing deposits, repair of worn components, crack excavation.
Q: What power source is required for carbon arc gouging?A: A DC constant current (CC) welding machine is recommended, with electrode negative (DCEN / straight polarity) for most applications. AC-compatible bored rods are available for use with AC welding machines, though DC gives more stable results.
Q: What compressed air supply is needed?A: A minimum of 4 bar (60 psi) is required for effective slag removal. Higher amperage and larger rod diameters benefit from 5–6 bar. A standard workshop compressor with adequate CFM rating is sufficient for most applications.
Q: What is the difference between DC and AC carbon rods?A: DC rods are solid copper-coated carbon rods designed for use with DC welding machines. AC rods have a hollow bore (bored design) which helps stabilise the arc on AC current and reduces arc blow. For best gouging performance, DC power and DC rods are preferred.
Q: Can carbon gouging rods be used on stainless steel and cast iron?A: Yes. Unlike oxygen-fuel cutting, air carbon arc gouging works on all electrically conductive metals including stainless steel, cast iron, copper alloys, and aluminium. Rod selection and amperage setting remain the same; post-gouge grinding may be required on stainless steel to remove carbon contamination before welding.
Q: What is the shelf life of carbon gouging rods?A: Carbon gouging rods do not deteriorate in storage when kept dry. Store in original packaging away from moisture to prevent surface oxidation of the copper coating.
Sino Welding supplies carbon gouging rods and gouging torches on a wholesale basis to distributors, welding supply stores, and industrial end users. We offer:
Flexible MOQ — negotiable based on product mix
Private label / OEM packaging available for carbon rod boxes and torch cartons
Standard export packaging: 50 rods per inner box, 10 boxes per master carton
Shipping: FOB Tianjin or CIF to major ports worldwide
Lead time: Stock items 7–15 days; custom OEM 20–30 days
Contact us for a quotation. Samples available for qualified buyers before bulk order placement.
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