Six Tips for Better GTAW Results-Tungsten Electrode Selection

There are 6 tips for using GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding). To keep these tips in mind for GTAW applications can help you save time and money in rework and to help ensure a quality finished weld. These 6 tips include knowing the welding material, selection the right tungsten, keeping machine clean, clamping tight to prevent distortion, testing weld and using gas lenses. As follow we will introduce how to select right tungsten electrode.

As we know, at the center of the GTAW process is the tungsten electrode, a nonconsumable metallic element that carries the welding current to the arc. So selecting the right tungsten electrode is key point for GTAW welding performance. The thickness of the material being welded and welding amperage is two important factors to consider when choosing tungsten electrode.

Tungsten electrodes come in a variety of diameters, typically from 0.020 to 5⁄32 inch, and are available in industry-standard lengths of 7 inch. Custom lengths are also available but tend to cost more. The electrodes are composed of either pure tungsten or tungsten doped with rare earth elements and oxides. To eliminate confusion about the various types, each electrode is color-coded at the tip to denote its type.

Depending on the material being welded, you can choose from pure tungsten—typically used for AC welding of aluminum on older transformer-designed machines—or ceriated, lanthanated, rare earth, and thoriated tungsten electrodes is also the best choice. Each option has characteristics suited for certain applications and materials. Ceriated tungsten electrode is good general tungsten electrode that can be used with most everything, while thoriated and lanthanated tungsten are good options for welding stainless steel and exotic materials.

Thoriated tungsten electrode provides many benefits because of its high ability to emit electrons, which allows the arc to come off the tip of the tungsten. However, note that thoriated tungsten contains low levels of radioactivity, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings, instructions, and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

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