• TIG welding electrodes usually contain small quantities of metallic oxides which can offer the following benefits - facilitate arc starting, increase arc stability, improve current carrying capacity of the electrode, reduce the risk of weld contamination, increase electrode life
• Oxides used are primarily zirconium, thorium, lanthanum or cerium
• Additions are 1% - 4%, improve arc initiation, especially when direct current (DC) welding is employed
• Thorium oxide (thoria), effective in terms of long life and thermal efficiency
• Zirconium oxide (zirconia) has been commonly used for alternating (AC) TIG welding, welding aluminum
• Good current capacity, arc stability and easy arc start on DC current
• High resistance to weld pool contamination
• Maintains sharpened tip configuration
• Not normally used on AC current because it is difficult to maintain the balled end
• Medium tendency to spit
• Medium erosion rate
• ISO color chart: Red AWS A5.12 EWTh-2 ISO 6848 WT20

C.K Worldwide T187GT2 TIG Consumable, Electrode, Size/Rating: 1/8 Inch, 7 Inch Length, 2% Thoriated Tungsten