Air carbon-arc gouging is a process of removing metal.

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Air carbon-arc gouging removes metal through the intense heat of an arc created between a carbon electrode and the workpiece. As the material melts, compressed air, which is directed through outlets in the lower jaws of the torch holding the electrode, lifts the molten metal clear of the arc before the metal solidifies.

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The air carbon-arc gouging process does not require oxidation to maintain the cut, so it can gouge or cut metals that the oxyfuel process cannot. In fact, most common metals (carbon steel, stainless steel, high-alloy wear plate, copper alloys and cast irons) can be cut using air carbon-arc gouging.