Cerium Tungsten Electrode

With argon arc welding, plasma welding, cutting, spraying technology continues to update and development, the requirement of electrode materials are increasingly high. In 1972, China first time success developed cerium tungsten electrode, which has a non-radioactive, low-melting, high thermal electron emission ability, arc stability, heat concentration, long life, easy to maintain the shape of the tip and other good properties. What’s more, it can replace thorium tungsten electrodes which has radioactivity.

Cerium tungsten electrode is kind of rare earth tungsten electrodes which added 2% cerium oxide (CeO) into tungsten matrix electrode product production by powder metallurgy, rolling, grinding and polishing and other processes. It is mainly used in low current DC welding, because it has a good arc and welding properties. On the other hand, cerium tungsten usually uses in welded pipes, stainless steel products and small parts welding. Cerium tungsten electrode is not suitable for use in high current conditions, because at high currents cerium oxide will quickly move to the high heat zones, namely the tip of electrode welding, causing cerium oxide uniformity damage. Uniformity of cerium oxide is an important influence factor affecting properties of cerium tungsten electrode, therefore cerium tungsten electrodes is not suitable for high current conditions.

Cerium tungsten electrode material properties are as follows: the work function: 2% Ce-W2.4ev; α-ray dose: 2% Ce-W2.42 × 10-5 curie / kg; oxidation resistance: high oxidation resistance.

Cerium tungsten electrode arc performance: the cathode voltage drop: 2% Ce-W12.0V; cathode spot: the cathode spot and service life are closely linked and it has small cathode spot and loss; electrode emission current density: higher; minimum arc voltage: 12V.

Cerium tungsten electrodes application performance: the burning rate: low; reliability of repeatedly arc and loss rate: arc stability, low loss rate; weld penetration: good.