Exploring The Composition and Best Uses Of Ceriated Tungsten Electrodes
An essential part of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is tungsten electrodes. Selecting the appropriate tungsten electrode can have a big impact on the caliber of the welds produced throughout the welding process. The advantages of ceriated tungsten and the reasons it is a common option for TIG welding will be the main topics of discussion in this piece.
ADVANTAGES OF TUNGSTEN CERIATED
Compared to other tungsten electrodes, ceriated tungsten has several advantages. Because of its increased arc stability and larger current carrying capacity, it resists spitting when welding. Furthermore, compared to other electrodes like thoriated or pure tungsten, it has a longer lifespan and may be utilized for both AC and DC welding applications.
WHY USE CERIATED TUNGSTEN INSTEAD OF PURE TUNGSTEN?
One of the most used tungsten electrodes for TIG welding is pure tungsten. But as compared to 2% ceriated tungsten, it has drawbacks.
With a reduced burn rate, ceriated tungsten is better-suitable for high amperage applications. It is perfect for welding thicker materials because it can take more amps and sustain a stable arc for extended periods. Moreover, an electrode with 2% cerium oxide added to the tungsten electrode has greater arc stability, arc ignition, and reduced tungsten spitting during welding.
In AC welding operations, the performance difference between 2% ceriated tungsten and pure tungsten is very apparent. When welding aluminum and other non-ferrous metals, AC welding is frequently used. Arc wandering and tungsten spitting are more common when pure tungsten is used in AC welding due to its lesser current-carrying capability compared to DC welding. Conversely, 2% ceriated tungsten is a more dependable option for AC welding because it has a higher current carrying capacity in both AC and DC welding applications.
THE IMPACT OF TUNGSTEN QUALITY ON THE RESULTS OF TIG WELDING
The purity and manufacturing process of tungsten define its quality. Usually, tungsten is mined in a few different nations, such as China, Russia, and Canada. But there can be big differences in the quality of tungsten that is mined in various nations. For example, the high purity of tungsten mined in Germany and Austria makes it perfect for TIG welding applications.
Arc wandering, tungsten spitting, and contamination are just a few of the welding faults that can be caused by subpar tungsten electrodes. A weak weld results from tungsten contamination, which happens when the tungsten electrode melts during welding and combines with the weld pool. A partially completed weld results from arc wandering, which happens when the arc veers off the weld joint. Tiny tungsten particles that are ejected from the electrode and contaminate the weld are known as tungsten spitting.
Strict quality control procedures are used during the manufacturing process to guarantee that premium tungsten electrodes—like 2% ceriated tungsten—meet industry standards. The addition of cerium oxide to 2% ceriated tungsten electrodes, which are composed of premium tungsten, improves their performance and dependability during TIG welding.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the appropriate tungsten electrode is essential for applications involving TIG welding. When compared to other tungsten electrodes, 2% ceriated tungsten has several advantages, such as increased current carrying capability, enhanced arc stability, and extended lifespan. Many welding specialists prefer it over pure tungsten because of its higher performance, and it's a useful addition to any toolkit because it can be used for orbital welding.