Which term describes the process that removes metal from the surface of a part to a desired depth?

• A. Cutting
• B. Welding
• C. Gouging
• D. Machining

Answer: (C)

Removing metal from a surface to a defined depth is gouging. This term is used in welding to describe using an arc or plasma process to melt and blow away material, creating a groove or thinning the surface to expose clean base metal for welding or to remove faulty welds. It’s about controlled material removal to a specific depth, rather than just making a cut or adding material. Cutting is a broader term for separating material and may not aim for a precise groove for weld prep. Welding is about joining and adds material, not removes it. Machining removes material with machine tools, but in welding contexts the specific process name for surface material removal to depth is gouging.