Product Description
• 2% Lanthanated (Blue) EWLa-2/WL20
• Principal Oxide: 1.8 – 2.2% Lanthanum Oxide
• Non-Radioactive. Best general purpose electrode for both Alternating Current (A/C) or Direct Current (D/C) using inverter or transformer based constant current power sources.
• Good for low-alloyed steels, non corroding steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys.
• Good arc starts and stability, medium to high amperage range, low erosion rate.
2% Lanthanated Tungsten is a substitute for 2% Thoriated. It has similar characteristics to 1.5% Lanthanated with better arc starting, arc stability, and less tip erosion. It is composed of 97.3% Tungsten, 1.8%-2.2% lanthanum, and .5% other. Materials Welded- Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Nickel Alloy, Titanium, and Aluminum.
Color: Blue
Diameter: 1/16" - 1/8" - 3/32"
Length: 7 in.
Type: 2% Lanthanated
Package: 10
1. Pure Tungsten (Green)
Pure tungsten electrodes were among the first types used in TIG welding, especially for AC welding applications such as aluminum and magnesium. This type of tungsten has the highest melting point, but it has largely been replaced by more advanced blends due to its limitations.
- Best for: AC welding of aluminum and magnesium (older transformer machines)
- Not ideal for: Modern inverter welding machines, due to less arc stability and higher risk of contamination.
2. Thoriated Tungsten (2% Thoriated, Red)
Thoriated tungsten has long been a popular choice for DC welding. The addition of thorium enhances arc start reliability, current-carrying capacity, and electrode lifespan. However, thorium is slightly radioactive, and there are health and environmental concerns associated with its use.
- Best for: DC welding of steels, nickel alloys, and titanium.
- Health considerations: Due to its radioactive properties, thoriated tungsten should be handled with care, especially during sharpening.
3. Ceriated Tungsten (2% Ceriated, Grey)
Ceriated tungsten electrodes are ideal for low-current welding applications. They provide excellent arc starting performance and work well in both AC and DC welding. Ceriated electrodes are often used for welding thin sheets of metal, where precision is critical.
- Best for: Low-current AC/DC welding, particularly for thin stainless steel and mild steel.
- Not ideal for: High-amperage applications.
4. Lanthanated Tungsten (2% Lanthanated, Blue)
Lanthanated tungsten is a highly versatile electrode, suitable for both AC and DC welding. It is widely regarded as a good all-around choice, offering excellent arc starting and arc stability at both low and high currents. Lanthanated electrodes are non-radioactive, making them a safer alternative to thoriated tungsten.
- Best for: General-purpose AC/DC welding on various metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and mild steel.
5. Zirconiated Tungsten (Zirconium, White)
Zirconiated tungsten is primarily used in AC welding applications, especially on aluminum and magnesium. It offers better arc stability and resistance to contamination than pure tungsten. It also provides a clean, smooth arc that is especially useful for high-current welding.
- Best for: AC welding of aluminum and magnesium, particularly at high amperages.
- Not ideal for: DC welding or use with inverter machines.
