| Customization: | Available |
|---|---|
| Type: | welding electrode |
| Material: | Tungsten electrodes |
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WT 20 designates a specific tungsten electrode alloyed with 2.0% thorium oxide (ThO2), commonly known as thoriated tungsten. This electrode grade is primarily used in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and plasma welding processes.
Enhanced Electron Emission: Thorium oxide significantly lowers the electrode's work function, enabling superior arc starting (especially with DC power sources) and maintaining a more stable arc compared to pure tungsten electrodes.
High Current Capacity: WT 20 handles higher current densities effectively without excessive tip melting, making it suitable for medium to heavy-duty welding applications.
Reduced Contamination: Exhibits lower erosion rates and less weld pool contamination than pure tungsten, leading to longer electrode life and cleaner welds.
Good Re-Ignition: Performs well during arc re-ignition, which is beneficial in repetitive or interrupted welding tasks.
Maintained Tip Shape: Resists deformation better than pure tungsten under high heat, helping maintain a stable arc cone.
DC TIG Welding: The preferred choice for DC welding (DCEN - Direct Current Electrode Negative) of stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium, and copper. Excels in applications requiring consistent starts and stable arcs.
Plasma Welding & Cutting: Used as the plasma arc-forming electrode due to its stability and high-temperature performance.
Radioactivity: Thorium is a low-level radioactive material. Grinding the electrode tip generates dust requiring proper ventilation and handling procedures (like local exhaust ventilation and respirators) to avoid inhalation. Always follow manufacturer safety data sheets (SDS) and local regulations.
Alternatives: Due to radioactivity concerns, alternatives like Ceriated (WC), Lanthanated (WL), or Rare Earth (WZ) electrodes are often recommended, especially for general use or where strict regulations apply. However, WT 20 remains popular where its specific performance advantages are critical.
Like other tungsten electrodes, WT 20 is produced using powder metallurgy: blending tungsten powder with thorium oxide powder, pressing into forms, sintering at high temperatures to create a solid structure, and then precision forming (swaging and drawing) to the final rod size and shape.
In summary: WT 20 is a thoriated tungsten electrode (2% ThO2) valued for its excellent DC arc starting, stability, and current-carrying capacity in TIG and plasma welding, particularly on metals like stainless steel and titanium. Its use necessitates awareness and management of the low-level radioactivity associated with thorium during grinding operations.
| Dioxide | dioxide in% | Impurities% | Tungsten% | Color Mark | |
| Thoriated | 1.70-2.20 | ≤0.20 | Bal | Red | |
| Thoriated | 1.98 | 0.18 | Bal | Red | |
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