TIG (GTAW)

Tungsten Electrode 3/32” X 7” Ground 2% Thoriated Tungsten

Extremely long lasting and highly durable, these electrodes are a staple in DC welding applications. They are the most commonly used electrodes today and are preferred for their longevity and ease of use. Thorium increases the electron emission qualities of the electrode, which improves arc starts and allows for a higher current-carrying capacity. This electrode operates far below its melting temperature, which results in a considerably lower rate of consumption and eliminates arc wandering for greater stability. Compared with other electrodes, Thoriated electrodes deposit less tungsten into the weld puddle, so they cause less weld contamination.

These electrodes are used mainly for specialty AC welding (such as thin-gauge aluminum and material less than 0.060 inch) and DC welding, either electrode negative or straight polarity, on carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel, and titanium.

During manufacturing, thorium is evenly dispersed throughout the electrode, which helps the tungsten maintain its sharpened edge—the ideal electrode shape for welding thin steel—after grinding. Note: Thorium is radioactive; therefore, you must always follow the manufacturer’s warnings, instructions, and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for its use.

3/32” X 7” 2% Lanthanated tungsten electrodes (AWS classification EWLa-2) contain a minimum of 97.80 percent tungsten and 1.30 percent to 1.70 percent lanthanum, or Lanthana, and are known as 1.5 percent Lanthanated. These electrodes have excellent arc starting, a low Burn off rate, good arc stability, and excellent re ignition characteristics—many of the same advantages as Ceriated electrodes. Lanthanated electrodes also share the conductivity characteristics of 2 percent Thoriated tungsten. In some cases, 1.5 percent Lanthanated can replace 2 percent Thoriated without having to make significant welding program changes.

Lanthanated tungsten electrodes are ideal if you want to optimize your welding capabilities. They work well on AC or DC electrode negative with a pointed end, or they can be balled for use with AC sine wave power sources. Lanthanated tungsten maintains a sharpened point well, which is an advantage for welding steel and stainless steel on DC or AC from square wave power sources.

Unlike Thoriated tungsten, these electrodes are suitable for AC welding and, like Ceriated electrodes, allow the arc to be started and maintained at lower voltages. Compared with pure tungsten, the addition of 1.5 percent Lanthana increases the maximum current-carrying capacity by approximately 50 percent for a given electrode size.