Tungsten Electrodes
Tungsten electrode is a tungsten electrode made of materials with high melting point, corrosion resistance, high density and good thermal and electrical conductivity. Tungsten electrodes are widely used for welding in their properties. Tungsten electrode grinding or polishing and black rod. The final colors are different, which can distinguish the differences. In tungsten electrodes, more importantly, their final color is different, and their tungsten content is also different. When welding, select the correct tungsten electrode to make welding easier. It is important to obtain high-quality welding. Some important factors to consider in making the right choice are the type of power supply (inverter or transformer), welding material (steel, aluminum or stainless steel) and material thickness.
Parameter:
Type | AC/DC | Recommended Usage |
2% Thoriated (Red) | DC | Copper alloys, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, and stainless steels |
2% Lanthanated (Blue) | AC& DC | Aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, titanium alloys, low-alloyed |
Pure Tungsten (Green) | AC | Magnesium alloys and aluminum alloys |
2% Ceriated (Grey) | AC& DC | Titanium alloys, copper alloys, magnesium alloys, aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, low-alloyed |
1.5% Lanthanated (Gold) | AC& DC | Titanium alloys, copper alloys, nickel alloys, and stainless steels |
Rare Earth Blend(Purple) | AC& DC | Aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, low-alloyed |
0.8% Zirconiated (White) | AC | Handles higher amp levels for magnesium |
Applications:
Pure tungsten electrode is most widely used in AC welding; When pure tungsten electrode is heated, the welding ball becomes sharp to provide a balanced waveform AC welding, and the arc is stable; Pure tungsten electrode also provides good arc stability for sine wave AC welding of aluminum and magnesium.
Tungsten Electrode Types:
Electrode Type | Composition | Features | Suitable for |
Pure Tungsten Electrode | 99.5% pure tungsten | Excellent electrical conductivity | AC welding of aluminum and magnesium alloys |
Thoriated Tungsten Electrode | Tungsten + 1-2% thorium oxide | Improved electron emission and arc stability | AC and DC welding of mild steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals |
Tungsten Electrode with Cerium (2% Ceriated) | Tungsten + cerium oxide | Improved arc starting, reduced tip contamination | AC and DC welding of stainless steel, nickel alloys, carbon steel |
Lanthanated Tungsten Electrode | Tungsten + lanthanum oxide | Better arc stability, longer electrode life | AC and DC welding of stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum |
Zirconiated Tungsten Electrode | Tungsten + zirconium oxide | Good resistance to contamination, suitable for AC welding | AC welding of aluminum and magnesium alloys |