Thoriated Tungsten Electrode and Ceriated Tungsten Electrode Comparing

2% thoriated tungsten electrode is the most commonly used electrodes among other tungsten electrodes. But with the environmental awareness increasing, thoriated tungsten electrodes now are gradually replaying by ceriated tungsten electrodes. Comparing these two different tungsten electrodes we will found they are a lot of similarities and differentia.

2% thoriated tungsten electrodes contain 97.30% tungsten and 1.70 to 2.20% thorium. It is the most commonly used electrode today. The reason why thoriated tungsten having widely application is it can increases electrode’s electron emission qualities, improving arc starts and allowing higher current carrying capacity. On the other hand, this electrode operation is far below than its melting temperature, so it has considerably lower consumption and eliminates arc wandering for greater stability. Besides, it has lower weld contamination level than other electrodes. What’s more, during manufacturing, thorium can evenly disperse throughout the electrode which allows the electrode to maintain a sharpened edge for welding thin steel. But, thoriated tungsten electrodes are only for specialty type AC welding, and they are exceptional for DC electrode negative or straight polarity on carbon and stainless steel, nickel and titanium applications. Further, thorium is radioactive. Therefore, during operation must always follow manufacture’s warnings, instructions and the MSDS for using.

2% ceriated tungsten electrodes contain a minimum of 97.30% tungsten and 1.80 to 2.20% cerium. It not only can perform best in DC welding at low current settings but can be used proficiently in AC or DC processes. But using ceriated electrode at higher amperages is not recommended. At higher amperages situation the oxides will migrate quickly to the heat at the tip, removing the oxide content and nullifying its process benefits. Ceriated tungsten electrodes have many excellent properties. For example, it can start the arc at low amperages and it is non radioactivity material, having longer service life than thoriaed tungsten electrode. On the other hand, ceriated tungsten electrode is widely used in orbital tube and pipe manufacturing, thin sheet metal work or small and delicate parts welding.

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