Description2.0% Lanthanated Tig Electrodes 1.6mm x 1 (blue)Tungsten is a rare metallic element used in manufacturing Tig welding electrodes. The Tig process relies on the tungsten’s hardness and high-temperature resistance to carry the welding current to the arc. Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal, 3,410ºC. Tungsten electrodes are non-consumable and come in a variety of sizes, they are made from pure tungsten or an alloy of tungsten and other rare earth elements. Choosing the correct tungsten depends on the material being welded, amps required and whether you are using AC or DC welding current. Tungsten electrodes are colour-coded at the end for easy identification These TIG electrodes are alloyed with non radioactive lanthanum oxide, often referred to as lanthana, another of the rare earth elements. These electrodes have excellent arc starting, low erosion rate, arc stability and excellent re-ignition characteristics. The addition of 1 – 2% lanthana increases the maximum current carrying capacity by approximately 50% for a given size electrode using alternating current compared to pure tungsten. The higher the percentage of lanthana, the more expensive the electrode. Since lanthana electrodes can operate at slightly different arc voltages than thoriated or ceriated tungsten electrodes these slight changes may require welding parameters and procedures to be adjusted. The 1.5% content appears to most closely match the conductivity properties of 2% thoriated tungsten. Compared to cerium and thorium the lanthana electrodes had less tip wear at given current levels. Lanthanum electrodes generally have longer life and provide greater resistance to tungsten contamination of the weld. The lanthana is dispersed evenly throughout the entire length of the electrode and it maintains a sharpened point well, which is an advantage for welding steel and stainless steel on DC or the AC from Advanced Squarewave power sources. Thus the lanthana electrodes 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. 2.0% Lanthanated Tig Electrodes 1.6mm x 1 (blue)https://www.wecs-ltd.co.uk/product-category/mig-wires/https://specialisedwelding.co.uk/
