Description

Tungsten electrodes available in a variety of types and sizes. 

Ceriated – Grey Tip

WC20 2.0% Ceriated Tungsten Electrodes (AWS classification EWCe-2) contain a minimum of 97.30 per cent tungsten and 1.80 to 2.20 per cent cerium and are referred to as 2 per cent ceriated. Ceriated tungstens perform best in DC welding at low current settings. They have excellent arc starts at low amperages and become popular in such applications as orbital tube welding, thin sheet metal work.

They are best used to weld carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium, and in some cases, it can replace 2 per cent thoriated electrodes. Ceriated tungsten is best suited for lower amperages it should last longer than Thoriated tungsten higher amperage applications are best left to Thoriated or Lanthanated tungsten.

Lanthanated – Blue Tip

WL15 1.5% Lanthanated Tungsten Electrodes (AWS classification EWLa-1.5) contain a minimum of 97.80 per cent tungsten and 1.30 per cent to 1.70 per cent lanthanum and are known as 1.5 per cent lanthanated. These electrodes have excellent arc starting, a low burn-off rate, good arc stability, and excellent re-ignition characteristics. Lanthanated tungstens also share the conductivity characteristics of 2 per cent thoriated tungsten.

Lanthanated tungsten electrodes are ideal if you want to optimise your welding capabilities. They work well on AC or DC electrode negative with a pointed end, or they can be balled for use with AC sine wave power sources. Lanthanated tungsten maintains a sharpened point well, which is an advantage for welding steel and stainless steel on DC or AC from square wave power sources.

Rare Earth – Purple Tip

A premium, environmentally friendly, long life, high performance tungsten blend providing easy arc striking, smooth arc transfer and a low burn off rate.

Suitable for all applications of TIG welding, including DC and AC welding for non-alloyed and high-alloyed steel, copper, nickel, aluminium, titanium and magnesium alloys.

Thoriated – Red Tip

WT20 2% Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes (AWS classification EWTh-2) contain a minimum of 97.30 per cent tungsten and 1.70 to 2.20 per cent thorium and are called 2 per cent thoriated. They are the most commonly used electrodes today and are preferred for their longevity and ease of use.

Thorium, however, is a low-level radioactive hazard and many users have switched to other alternatives. Regarding the radioactivity, thorium is an alpha emitter but when it is enclosed in a tungsten matrix the risks are negligible. Thoriated tungsten should not get in contact with open cuts or wounds. The more significant danger to welders can occur when thorium oxide gets into the lungs. This can happen from the exposure to vapours during welding or from ingestion of material/dust in the grinding of the tungsten. Follow the manufacturer’s warnings, instructions, and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for its use.

Zirconated – White Tip

WZ8 0.8% Zirconiated Tungsten Electrodes (AWS classification EWZr-1) contain a minimum of 99.10 per cent tungsten and 0.15 to 0.40 per cent zirconium. Most commonly used for AC welding Zirconiated tungsten produces a very stable arc and is resistant to tungsten spitting. It is ideal for AC welding because it retains a balled tip and has a high resistance to contamination. Its current-carrying capacity is equal to or greater than that of thoriated tungsten. Zirconiated tungsten is not recommended for DC welding.