2% Ceriated: Tungsten Benefits and Why It's Ideal For Orbital Welding

Tungsten electrodes are a crucial component in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. Choosing the right tungsten electrode can make a significant difference in the quality of the welding process and the resulting welds. In this article, we will focus on the benefits of 2% ceriated tungsten and why it is a popular choice for TIG welding.

Benefits of 2% Ceriated Tungsten
2% ceriated tungsten offers several benefits over other tungsten electrodes. Its higher current carrying capacity and improved arc stability result in a resistance to spitting during welding. Additionally, it can be used for both AC and DC welding applications and has a longer lifespan than other electrodes like thoriated or pure tungsten.

Why use 2% ceriated tungsten vs pure tungsten
Pure tungsten is one of the most commonly used tungsten electrodes in TIG welding. However, it has its limitations when compared to 2% ceriated tungsten.

2% ceriated tungsten has a lower burn rate and is more suited for high amperage applications. It can handle higher amps and maintain a stable arc for a longer time, making it ideal for welding thicker materials. Furthermore, the addition of 2% cerium oxide to the tungsten electrode results in an electrode that has better arc ignition, improved arc stability, and less tungsten spitting during welding.

The difference in performance between pure tungsten and 2% ceriated tungsten is especially noticeable in AC welding applications. AC welding is commonly used when welding aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. Pure tungsten has a lower current carrying capacity in AC welding than in DC welding, and as a result, it's more likely to have arc wandering and tungsten spitting. 2% ceriated tungsten, on the other hand, has a better current carrying capacity in both AC and DC welding applications, making it a more reliable choice for AC welding.

Quality of Tungsten and Its Effect on TIG Welding Outcome
The quality of tungsten is determined by its purity and the way it's manufactured. Tungsten is typically mined in several countries, including China, Russia, and Canada. However, the quality of tungsten mined in different countries can vary significantly. For instance, tungsten mined in Germany and Austria is known for its high purity, which makes it ideal for TIG welding applications.

Poor quality tungsten electrodes can result in several welding defects, including tungsten contamination, arc wandering, and tungsten spitting. Tungsten contamination occurs when the tungsten electrode melts during welding and mixes with the weld pool, leading to a weaker weld. Arc wandering occurs when the arc strays away from the weld joint, leading to an incomplete weld. Tungsten spitting happens when small particles of tungsten are expelled from the electrode, contaminating the weld.

High-quality tungsten electrodes, such as 2% ceriated tungsten, are manufactured using strict quality control measures to ensure they meet industry standards. 2% ceriated tungsten electrodes are made from high-quality tungsten and have added cerium oxide, which enhances their performance and reliability during TIG welding.

Why Orbital Welders Should Use 2% Ceriated Tungsten
Orbital welding is essential in various industries, including aerospace, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. 2% ceriated tungsten offers excellent performance and reliability, making it a popular choice for orbital welding applications. Unlike standard tungsten, orbital welding tungsten is ground to a flat blunt tip to provide better overall penetration and consistency throughout the weld.

Selecting the right tungsten electrode is crucial for TIG welding applications. 2% ceriated tungsten offers many benefits over other tungsten electrodes, including higher current carrying capacity, improved arc stability, and longer lifespan. Its superiority over pure tungsten makes it the preferred choice for many welding professionals, and its suitability for orbital welding applications makes it a valuable addition to any welding toolkit.