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Gold tungsten electrodes, also known as lanthanated tungsten electrodes, are a type of welding electrode used in TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) .
They are identified by their gold color coding and are known for their desirable properties that make them a popular choice for various welding applications.
These electrodes are made from pure tungsten with a minimum of 97.8% tungsten and are typically doped with 1.30% to 1.70% lanthanum oxide (lanthana), which gives them their golden color. The lanthanum oxide acts as a stabiliser, improving the electrode's performance in several ways.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a gold tungsten electrode used for?
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Welding different metals: Gold tungsten electrodes can weld various metals, including:
- Steel: Both mild steel and stainless steel
- Aluminum and Magnesium: These require special care due to their reactive nature, and gold tungsten electrodes are a good choice for them.
- Other metals: Nickel, copper, and titanium can also be welded with these electrodes.
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Improved performance in TIG welding: The lanthanum oxide content in these electrodes offers several advantages:
- Better arc stability: Less flickering and wandering arc for cleaner welds.
- Easier arc starts: Especially beneficial for beginners or situations with frequent starts and stops.
- Reduced electrode wear: They last longer compared to pure tungsten electrodes.
- Improved weld pool control: More precise control over the molten metal during welding.
What are safety tips for using Gold Tungsten Electrodes?
- Electrode tip preparation: Like other tungsten electrodes, gold tungsten electrodes need to be properly prepared before welding. The tip of the electrode should be sharpened to a point for DC welding (direct current) and balled for AC welding (alternating current).
- AC balance: When using gold tungsten electrodes for AC welding, it is important to set the AC balance correctly. The AC balance controls the ratio of electrode positive and electrode negative cycles. Too much electrode negative can cause the electrode to overheat and wear away quickly.
- Safety: As with all welding operations, it is important to wear proper safety gear when using gold tungsten electrodes. This includes welding gloves, a welding helmet with the appropriate shade lens, and respirator.
What colour are Gold Tungsten Electrodes?
Tungsten electrodes don't just come in one color! They are actually color-coded according to the type of material they are made from and the additives they contain. Each color signifies different properties that make them suitable for specific welding applications. Here's a breakdown of some common tungsten electrode colors:
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Green: Pure Tungsten (EWP classification) - This is the original type, containing at least 99.5% tungsten. It offers superior conductivity and durability but has a high consumption rate and requires specific welding techniques (mainly AC welding).
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Gold: Lanthanated Tungsten (EWLa classification) - Identified by their golden color, these electrodes contain around 1.30% to 1.70% lanthanum oxide. Lanthanum improves arc stability, starting, and reduces burn-off, making them versatile for various metals like steel, aluminum, and magnesium.
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Blue: Lanthanum Oxide Added (EWLa classification) - Similar to gold electrodes but with a slightly different lanthanum oxide content (typically 1.7% to 2.0%). They offer similar benefits to gold electrodes.
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Red: Thoriated Tungsten (EWTh classification) - Traditionally popular, these contain around 1-2% thorium oxide (caution, thorium is radioactive). They provided good arc stability and starts, but due to environmental and health concerns, their use is discouraged.
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Grey: Ceriated Tungsten (EWCe classification) - These contain about 1.8% to 2.2% cerium oxide. They offer good arc starts at low currents and are suitable for thin sheet metal work or delicate parts.
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White: Zirconiated Tungsten (EWZr classification) - Identified by their white color, they contain around 0.8% zirconium oxide. Well-suited for welding aluminum and magnesium due to their ability to handle high currents and provide better arc stability than pure tungsten.
There are other less common colors like pink (combination of lanthanum, zirconium, and yttrium oxide) for specific applications. So, the next time you come across a welder, you can identify the type of tungsten electrode they're using based on its color!
How many types of Tungsten electrodes are there?
There isn't a single definitive answer to the number of tungsten electrode types. Here's why:
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Continuously evolving technology: New types of tungsten electrodes with different material compositions and properties are being developed all the time.
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Variations within color groups: Even within the established color-coded groups (like gold for lanthanum), there can be slight variations in the percentage of additives used, resulting in minor property differences.
However, considering the most common types based on established color coding, there are around 6-8 widely recognized types of tungsten electrodes. This includes:
- Pure tungsten (green)
- Lanthanated tungsten (gold)
- Ceriated tungsten (grey)
- Zirconiated tungsten (white)
- Thoriated tungsten (red) (use discouraged due to radioactivity)
- Lanthanum oxide added (blue) (variation of lanthanated)
There might be additional less common types with specific color codings for niche applications.