Ceriated Tungsten Electrode for TIG Welding with Stable Arc and Low Work Function.
A rare earth compound tungsten electrode doped with cerium oxide, offering reliable arc starting and consistent performance as a non-radioactive alternative to thoriated electrodes.
Product Overview
Ceriated tungsten electrode is a compound rare earth tungsten electrode doped with cerium oxide (CeO2) at 1.8-2.2% by weight. It is designed for use in gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and serves as a non-radioactive substitute for thoriated tungsten electrodes and other conventional tungsten types.
The electrode has an electric work function between 2.7 eV and 2.8 eV, which contributes to stable arc initiation and low arc voltage. Its impurity level is less than 0.05%, and it has a grey color.
AKWELD supplies this electrode in the diameters listed below, suitable for a range of welding applications requiring consistent performance and clean arc characteristics.
Application: Mainly as substitute for radioactive thoriated tungsten electrode and otherr tungsten electrodes. Ceriated-Tungsten electrode: Oxide addition: CeO 2 Dopant: 1.8-2.2% Impurities: <0.05% Electric work function: 2.7eV-2.8eV Color: Grey.
Key Benefits
Stable Arc Starting
The cerium oxide doping improves arc starting reliability, especially at low currents, reducing the need for high-frequency initiation and minimizing electrode wear.
Low Electric Work Function.
With a work function between 2.7 eV and 2.8 eV, the electrode requires less energy to emit electrons, resulting in easier arc ignition and more stable welding performance.
Non-Radioactive Alternative
This electrode replaces thoriated tungsten without the health and environmental concerns associated with radioactive materials, making it safer for handling and disposal.
Low Impurity Content
Impurities are kept below 0.05%, which helps maintain consistent arc behavior and reduces the risk of contamination in the weld pool.
Where It Is Used
- TIG welding of stainless steel, aluminum, and other non-ferrous metals.
- Precision welding in automotive, aerospace, and fabrication industries.
- Applications requiring clean, stable arcs and minimal electrode degradation.
- Workshops seeking non-radioactive alternatives to thoriated tungsten electrodes.
Who It Is For
- Welding consumable distributors offering safe, compliant TIG electrodes.
- Fabricators and maintenance teams working with sensitive materials where contamination must be avoided.
- Facilities requiring compliance with regulations restricting radioactive materials.
Problems It Solves
- Replacing thoriated tungsten electrodes with a non-radioactive option without sacrificing arc stability or performance.
- Reducing arc starting difficulties at low currents, especially in thin-section welding.
- Avoiding contamination from high impurity levels in lower-grade tungsten electrodes.
Specifications
Published by the factory for Tungsten Electrode. Values not shown are not published on the datasheet and are marked as such rather than estimated.
Mechanical property data for this grade is not published on the factory datasheet. Ask our technical team for the test record before you qualify it.
Technical Features
- Doped with cerium oxide (CeO2) at 1.8-2.2% by weight.
- Impurity level less than 0.05%
- Electric work function between 2.7 eV and 2.8 eV.
- Grey color
Use Guide
- Select electrode diameter based on material thickness and welding current: smaller diameters for thin sections and lower currents.
- Use direct current electrode negative (DCEN) for most applications, especially with aluminum and stainless steel.
- Clean the electrode tip with a wire brush before use to remove contaminants and ensure consistent arc performance.
- Avoid touching the electrode tip during handling to prevent contamination and arc instability.
How It Compares
Ceriated tungsten electrodes offer similar arc starting performance to thoriated electrodes but without radioactivity. They are more stable at low currents than pure tungsten and have better longevity than lanthanated electrodes in certain applications. Unlike zirconiated tungsten, which is optimized for AC welding, ceriated tungsten performs well in both DC and AC modes but is most commonly used in DCEN for precision welding.
Related Grades
Other welding wire in the same family.
Tungsten Electrode Questions
What is the cerium oxide content in this electrode?
What is the electric work function range?
Is this electrode radioactive?
What packing is Tungsten Electrode supplied in?
Can we test Tungsten Electrode before placing a production order?
Request a Quotation for Tungsten Electrode
Send the diameter, the quantity and the destination port. Our technical team replies with packing, pricing and the data you need to qualify the grade.