May. 13, 2024
Distinguishing Between Thorium and Cerium
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When it comes to welding, specifically GTAW or TIG welding, there are five main types of non-consumable electrodes to consider: Pure Tungsten, 2% Ceriated, 1.5% Lanthanated, 2% Zirconiated, and 2% Thoriated. Among these, Ceriated Tungsten is the most commonly used for orbital welding, although Thoriated Tungsten is also occasionally used.
Tungsten is a robust, grayish-white metal obtained from minerals like wolframite and scheelite. It features the highest melting point and lowest vapor pressure of any element, making it ideal for high-temperature applications. Classified as a transition metal on the periodic table, tungsten boasts significant chemical inertness and resists reactions with water, acids, bases, and oxygen at room temperature.
Ceriated Tungsten electrodes consist of at least 97.3% tungsten and 1.8% to 2.2% cerium. These electrodes are well-suited for low current settings and are preferred for orbital welding due to their excellent arc-starting capabilities, smooth shape, and polish. Ceriated Tungsten also carries minimal radiation exposure compared to Thoriated Tungsten, making it safer for operators. Notably, these electrodes perform best with AC welding at low currents.
Thoriated Tungsten offers numerous benefits, particularly in plasma welding. These electrodes, infused with 2% thorium, deliver higher electron output and better arc stability, making them ideal for DC welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel, and titanium. Although possible to use for AC welding, the radiation decay and exposure associated with thoriated tungsten can contaminate work surfaces, necessitating thorough cleaning.
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For further details on tungsten electrodes, refer to this helpful guide on How to Select a Tungsten Electrode Size.
The quality of your tungsten is critical for achieving high-integrity welds. While inexpensive tungsten sourced from regions like China and India may be budget-friendly, it often contains impurities that can compromise weld quality. In contrast, tungsten from Europe, especially from countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, tends to be of superior quality, providing stable arcs and better performance in various conditions. Specifically, 2% Ceriated Tungsten excels in providing deeper weld penetration at lower amperages, which is beneficial for welding small diameter tubes.
When it comes to orbital welding, 2% Ceriated Tungsten is an excellent choice. Properly shaped and polished, these electrodes can produce high-quality welds on stainless steel and carbon steel. It is crucial to ensure that the electrodes are ground and polished accurately to maintain high precision and consistency in weld quality.
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