Tungsten Electrodes Grades and Properties

For GTAW welding, tungsten electrodes are chosen for its good properties of low electric discharged powder, good welding arc, high temperature resistance, sharpening machinability and low radiation. There are many grades are suitable for the welding, difficult welding objectives and conditions, different grade is applied.

tungsten electrodes image

  1. Pure tungsten electrode is with green tip, competitive price compared with other types, but short lifetime and applied in AC for welding Mg, Al and their alloys.
  2. Thorium tungsten electrode is with content of 1~4%Th2O3, the most regular grade is WT20 and widely used in DC welding of steel, stainless steel, Ni and Ti metals and alloys. It owns good property and used most widely. However, due to its low radiation, some countries are restricted on using this electrode.
  3. Cerium tungsten electrode is an environmentally friendly product with good property of arc in low current. It is widely used in welding small parts.
  4. Zirconium tungsten electrode is with good weldability in AC. During welding, its tip will form a round tip and better arc ability compared with pure type. It is a special type with anti-corrosion during DC welding and for Mg, Al metals and alloys.
  5. Lanthanum tungsten electrode is with regular grade of WL15 and WL20. It is also an environmental friendly type, which is widely used in AC and DC welding for carbon and stainless steel, Ni and Ti metals and alloys.

tungsten electrodes color code image

Besides the above regular types, there are other types, such as composite tungsten electrode, yttrium tungsten electrode, etc. In order to separate the different types with different content, the standard of ISO6848 has made a categories to show different colors of the tip. With the tip color, the type of electrode can be clearly recognized. Chinatungsten Online has been producing and manufacturing the related electrodes over two decades, if you are in need of electrodes, please contact us directly.

 

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