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CK Worldwide TIG Welding Electrodes/ Tungsten Electrodes offers several Premium grades of tungsten electrode. The tungsten is created using a very slow doping process that allows for principal oxides to be added efficiently. Following is more information on the products.
TIG welding electrodes usually contain small quantities of metallic oxides, which can offer the following benefits:
• Facilitate arc starting
• Increase arc stability
• Improve current carrying capacity of the electrode
• Reduce the risk of weld contamination
• Increase electrode life
Oxides used are primarily zirconium, thorium, lanthanum or cerium. Additions are usually 1% – 4%. These oxides greatly improve arc initiation, especially when direct current (DC) welding is employed. Thorium oxide (thoria) has been used for many years, having been found effective in terms of long life and thermal efficiency. Zirconium oxide (zirconia) has been commonly used for alternating (AC) TIG welding, normally for welding aluminum.
Color Code and Alloying Elements for Various Tungsten Electrode Alloys
ISO 6848
AWS A5.12
PRINCIPAL OXIDE
COLOR Code and alloying
SIZE
PART No.
SHORT TEXT
WT20
EWTh-2
Thorium Oxide (ThO2) 1.7–2.2%
Red
0.5mmx175mm
1.0mmx175mm
1.6mmx175mm
2.4mmx175mm
3.2mmx175mm
4.0mmx175mm
T0207GT2
T0407GT2
T1167GT2
T3327GT2
T187GT2
T5327GT2
Direct Current (D/C) applications. Good D/C arc starts and stability, medium erosion rate, medium amperage range, medium tendency to spit. RADIOACTIVE
WP
EWP
None
Green
0.5mmx175mm
1.0mmx175mm
1.6mmx175mm
2.4mmx175mm
3.2mmx175mm
4.0mmx175mm
T0207G
T0407G
T1167G
T3327G
T187G
T5327G
Alternating Current (A/C) for aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys in low to medium amperage. Balls easy, tends to spit at higher amperages. Used for non-critical welds only. Non Radioactive.
WL15
EWLa-1.5
Lanthanum Oxide (LaO2) 1.30–1.70%
Gold
0.5mmx175mm
1.0mmx175mm
1.6mmx175mm
2.4mmx175mm
3.2mmx175mm
4.0mmx175mm
T0207GL
T0407GL
T1167GL
T3327GL
T187GL
T5327GL
Direct Current (D/C) as an alternative to 2% Thoriated. Best D/C arc starts and stability, low erosion rate, wide amperage range, no spitting. Non-Radioactive.
WC20
EWCe-2
Cerium Oxide (CeO2) 1.80–2.20%
Gray
0.5mmx175mm
1.0mmx175mm
1.6mmx175mm
2.4mmx175mm
3.2mmx175mm
4.0mmx175mm
T0207GC2
T0407GC2
T1167GC2
T3327GC2
T187GC2
T5327GC2
Alternating Current (A/C) or Direct Current (D/C) applications. Good ignition and re-ignition properties, long service life, excellent arc stability, Low erosion rate, best at low amperage range, no spitting, good D/C arc starts and stability. Non-Radioactive.
WL20
EWLa-2
Lanthanum Oxide (La2O3) 1.80–2.20%
Blue
0.5mmx175mm
1.0mmx175mm
1.6mmx175mm
2.4mmx175mm
3.2mmx175mm
4.0mmx175mm
T0207GL2
T0407GL2
T1167GL2
T3327GL2
T187GL2
T5327GL2
Best general purpose electrode for both Alternating Current (A/C) or Direct Current (D/C). Good arc starts and stability, medium to high amperage range, low erosion rate. Non Radioactive
WZ8
EWZr-8
Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) 0.70–0.90%
White
0.5mmx175mm
1.0mmx175mm
1.6mmx175mm
2.4mmx175mm
3.2mmx175mm
4.0mmx175mm
T0207GZ
T0407GZ
T1167GZ
T3327GZ
T187GZ
T5327GZ
Alternating Current (A/C) for aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys. Balls well, less pitting, better arc starts and arc stability than pure tungsten. Non-Radioactive.
Best for automated or robotic applications in Alternating Current (A/C) or Direct Current (D/C) due to low voltage tolerance (changes in tip to work piece distance). Very stable tip geometry, runs cooler than WT20 grade with longer life, low to medium amperage range. Very best low amperage starts. Non Radioactive