Tungsten Heavy Metal Electrode
Tungsten heavy metal electrode is electrode made of material of tungsten, which has high melting point, high corrosion resistance, high density,and good thermal and electricity conductivity. Tungsten metal electrode is used when arc welding with the Tungsten Inert gas (TIG) process or when plasma welding. In both processes the electrode, arc and weld pool are protected from atmospheric contamination by an inert gas. Both processes rely on tungsten's hardness and high temperature resistance to carry the welding current to the arc, as it has the highest melting point of any metal.
Pure Tungsten Heavy Metal Electrodes: Suitable for welding under alternating currents;
Cerium Tungsten Heavy Metal Electrode:
The cerium tungsten heavy metal electrode has good starting arc performance under the condition of low current; therefore, the electrodes can be used for welding of pipe, stainless and fine parts. Cerium tungsten heavy metal electrode is the first choice for replacing thoriated tungsten heavy metal electrode under the condition of low DC.
Lanthanated Tungsten Heavy Metal Electrodes:
The lanthanated tungsten heavy metal electrodebecame very popular in the circle of welding in the world soon after it was developed because of its good welding performance. The electric conductivity of lanthanated tungsten is most closed to that of 2% thoriated tungsten. Welders can easily replace thoriated tungsten Electrodewith lanthanated tungsten electrode at either AC or DC and not have to make any welding program changes. The radioactivity from thoriated tungstencan thus be avoided. Another advantage of lanthanated tungsten electrode is being able to bear high current and having the lowest burn-loss rate.
Zirconiated Tungsten Heavy Metal Electrodes:
The zirconiated tungsten heavy metal electrode has good performance in AC welding, especially under high load current. Any other electrodes in terms of its excellent performance can not replace zirconiated tungsten heavy metal electrodes. The electrode retains a balled end when welding, which results in less tungsten permeation and good corrosion resistance.
Thoriated Tungsten Heavy Metal Electrodes:
Thoriated tungsten heavy metal electrodeis the most commonly used tungsten heavy metal electrode, throium is a low-level radioactive material, but it was the first material to display a significant improvement over pure tungsten.
Yttrium Tungsten Heavy Metal Electrodes:
Yttrium tungsten heavy metal electrode is mainly applied in military and aviation industry with narrow arc beam, high compressing strength, and highest welding penetration at medium and high current;
Composite Tungsten Heavy Metal Electrodes
Their performances can be much improved by adding two or more rare Earth oxides which are mutually complementary. The composite tungsten heavy metal electrodes have thus become outstanding in the electrode family.