Details
Tungsten Electrodes
- 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 1% - 4%, improve arc initiation, especially when direct current (DC) welding is employed
- Thorium oxide (thoria), effective in terms of long life and thermal efficiency
- Zirconium oxide (zirconia) has been commonly used for alternating (AC) TIG welding, welding aluminum
- Electrode length: 7"
- Each package contains 10 electrodes; Pure:
- Lowest current capacity and least expensive
- Maintains a clean balled end for welding on AC
- More prone to weld contamination than other types of tungsten electrodes
- Tends to spit at higher currents
- Used for non-critical welds only