OPERATION
percent tungsten and 1.80 to 2.20percent cerium and are referred to as 2 percent ceriated.
Ceriated tungstens perform best in DC welding at low current settings. They have excellent
arc starts at low amperages and become popular in such applications as orbital tube welding,
thin sheet metal work. They are best used to weld carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys,
and titanium, and in some cases it can replace 2 percent thoriated electrodes. Ceriated
tungsten is best suited for lower amperages it should last longer than Thoriated tungsten
higher amperage applications are best left to Thoriated or Lanthanated tungsten.
Lanthanated (Color Code: Gold)
Lanthanated tungsten electrodes (AWS classification EWLa-1.5) contain a minimum of
97.80 percent tungsten and 1.30percent to 1.70 percent lanthanum, and are known as 1.5
percent lanthanated. These electrodes have excellent arc starting, a low burn off rate, good
arc stability, and excellent re-ignition characteristics. Lanthanated tungstens also share the
conductivity characteristics of 2 percent thoriated tungsten. Lanthanated tungsten
electrodes are ideal if you want to opti-mise your welding capabilities. They 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. Lanthanated tungsten maintains a sharpened point well, which is an
advantage for welding steel and stainless steel on DC or AC from square wave power
sources.
Zirconiated (Color Code: White)
Zirconiated tungsten electrodes (AWS classification EWZr-1) contain a minimum of 99.10
percent tungsten and 0.15 to 0.40percent zirconium. Most commonly used for AC welding
Zirconiated tungsten produces a very stable arc and is resistant to tungsten spitting. It is
ideal for AC welding because it retains a balled tip and has a high resistance to
contamination. Its current-carrying capacity is equal to or greater than that of thoriated
tungsten. Zirconiated tungsten is not recommended for DC welding.
Tungsten Electrodes Rating for Welding Currents
DC Current Amps
Torch Negative
2% Thoriated
AC Current Amps
Un-Balanced Wave
0.8% Zirconiated
AC Current Amps
Balanced Wave
0.8% Zirconiated
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