What's Lanthanated Tungsten Electrode?
1.What’s Lanthanated Tungsten Electrode?
Lanthanated tungsten electrode is a non-radioactive tungsten electrode manufactured by uniformly doping tungsten with a small amount of lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃). The addition of La₂O₃ improves electron emission capability, arc-starting performance, and arc stability, making lanthanated tungsten electrode suitable for both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) welding applications. It is widely used for TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding of carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, copper alloys, and other materials. The most common international grades are WLa10 (WL10), WLa15 (WL15), and WLa20 (WL20).
2.Features of CTIA's Lanthanated Tungsten Electrode
(1) Excellent Erosion Resistance and Long Service Life: La₂O₃ significantly increases the recrystallization temperature, reducing grain growth at elevated temperatures and extending service life during continuous operation.
(2) Low Work Function and Easy Arc Starting: With a low electron work function, lanthanated tungsten electrode provides fast and reliable arc ignition even under low-current or low-voltage conditions.
(3) High Current-Carrying Capacity: Under high-current loads, the tip maintains a stable geometry while delivering efficient thermionic emission and strong resistance to tungsten contamination.
(4) Environmentally Friendly and Non-Radioactive: La₂O₃ is non-toxic and non-radioactive, making lanthanated tungsten electrode safe for daily welding operations and grinding processes.
Compared with pure tungsten electrode, lanthanated tungsten electrode offers easier arc ignition and better arc stability. Compared with thoriated tungsten electrode, it contains no radioactive elements and has become one of the most widely used environmentally friendly tungsten electrode types.
3.What Grades of Lanthanated Tungsten Electrode Are Available?
Lanthanated tungsten electrode is classified into three grades according to lanthanum oxide content and is identified by different color codes.
Among these grades, WL15 containing 1.5% lanthanum oxide is the most widely used internationally. Its electrical performance closely matches that of 2% thoriated tungsten electrode, allowing direct replacement without significant welding parameter adjustments.
4.Applications of CTIA's Lanthanated Tungsten Electrode
(1) DC TIG Welding of Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel: Provides a highly concentrated and stable arc for pressure vessels, precision piping, and fabricated metal components.
(2) AC TIG Welding of Aluminum and Magnesium Alloys: Maintains excellent tip durability during AC polarity switching, enabling high-quality welding of aluminum and magnesium alloys.
(3) Robotic and Automated Welding Systems: Superior erosion resistance and tip stability make lanthanated tungsten electrode ideal for continuous production environments such as automotive manufacturing and rail transportation.
(4) Plasma Cutting and Thermal Spraying Systems: Used as a high-temperature emission cathode capable of withstanding high-velocity gas flow and high-density plasma arc exposure.
5.Specifications of CTIA's Lanthanated Tungsten Electrode
(1) Diameter: 0.5 mm–10.0 mm, customizable
(2) Length: 150 mm, 175 mm, customizable
(3) Surface Finish: Ground finish
(4) Packaging: 10 pcs/box, moisture- and oxidation-resistant packaging
CTIA GROUP has been focused on tungsten electrode manufacturing for over 30 years. With integrated capabilities in tungsten powder processing, powder metallurgy, and precision machining, CTIA provides full-range WL10/15/20 lanthanated tungsten electrodes with customized tips and finishes for versatile AC/DC TIG welding.
For any inquiry, please contact tungsten electrode manufacturer: CTIA GROUP
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tel: 0086 592 5129696 / 0086 592 5129595
Website: www.tungsten.com.cn
WeChat:
More info>>