In the welding process, the electrode not only bears the functions of arc guidance and electron emission, but also is the key medium for heat transfer. Good thermal conductivity is crucial for electrode life, welding stability and tip temperature control. 

In welding, electrodes are the core material for establishing the arc, conducting energy, and forming the weld pool. 

In TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas Arc Welding), plasma arc welding and some electronic discharge machining (EDM), the conductivity of the electrode is directly related to arc stability, energy transfer efficiency and welding quality. 

In modern welding processes, especially in high-precision applications like TIG (gas tungsten arc welding) and plasma welding, an electrode's arc starting performance is a crucial parameter for evaluating its quality. Arc starting performance directly impacts the smoothness of the welding operation, the quality of the weld's initial formation, and the stable operation of automated welding systems.