All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(18822 products available)
Tungsten Type A Standard
Tungsten type A standard is the closest thing to an all-purpose tungsten electrode. Type A tungsten has 1% thorium. The addition of thorium makes the tungsten electrode easy to sharpen and reducing the tendency to ball when used on AC current. Tungsten type A standard is mostly used on steel alloy, stainless steel and titanium. Some of its uses include AC welding of aluminum and magnesium and welding of metals that have a thin section.
Tungsten Type B Standard
Tungsten type B standard contains 2% thorium. Due to the high percentage of thorium, tungsten type B standard has a higher red arc than type A. Tungsten type B is excellent for DC welding of steel alloys, stainless steel, and titanium. Tungsten type B is also good for welds, particularly in thicker materials.
Tungsten Type C Standard
Tungsten type C standard contains 2% cerium. The cerium reduces the balling effect that is often associated with tungsten. Tungsten type C standard is ideal for low and medium current applications. Tungsten tungsten-2 cerium electrodes are used on welding projects that involve materials like aluminum or magnesium alloys. Tungsten type C standard is utilized on industries interested in environmental-friendly alternatives.
Tungsten Type D Standard
Tungsten type D standard contains 4% lanthanum. Lanthanum is a rare earth element that can be found in numerous minerals. Tungsten type D standard is preferred because it provides consistent arc stability. Tungsten type D is ideal for welding reactive metals like titanium, zirconium, and hafnium. While any standard tungsten electrode is suitable for welds, there are specific preferences that apply.
Cone Point Design
Also known as the pencil point design, the cone point design creates a narrow and sharp point. The tungsten is grounded to a sharpened tip that looks like a cone. This design gives a focused and precise arc. This is especially useful in tight weld areas or for thin materials. The cone point design is commonly used in industries that require detailed work such as aerospace or medical devices.
Flat Point Design
The flat point design is a tungsten electrode with a flat end rather than a pointed tip. The electrode is ground smoothly across the end to create a broad, flat surface. This design distributes the heat over a wider area. It is ideal for deep penetration welds. The flat point design is frequently used in heavy industrial welding such as pressure vessels and heavy machinery.
Ball Point Design
As the name suggests, the ball point design has a rounded tip. Tungsten is balled up at the end instead of having a sharp point. The ball point design provides a stable arc that is less likely to wander. This is especially useful when welding materials that require a higher heat concentration like copper or aluminum. The rounded tip helps prevent sticking during the welding process.
Dual Electrode Point Design
The dual electrode point design is also known as the bifurcated design. This design features two electrodes that branch out into a pointed tip. This allows for simultaneous operation of two different welding processes. It is widely used for industries that need flexibility in their welding methods such as shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing.
Penumbra Design
The penumbra design is a tapered shape. The way the design is shaped allows it to create a softer arc. This makes the penumbra design ideal for thin materials or projects that require more control over heat distribution. It is commonly used in industries like sheet metal fabrication and jewelry making.
Standard tungsten is used in heavy machinery for tungsten carbide sealing rings. These rings are used for pumps and are made of tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide sealing rings are among the strongest and most long-lasting sealing rings that can be found on the market today. Tungsten carbide sealing rings can withstand abrasives like sand and gravel.
Tungsten balls have a very high density and are therefore ideal for military applications. Tungsten balls have the strength and hardness needed to pierce through tough materials. Tungsten love spheres can be used to make bullets and shells. Tungsten shells can be used to destroy armor on tanks, ships, and other vehicles. Tungsten alloy penetrator projectiles utilize tungsten balls to ensure accuracy over long distances. Tungsten projectiles can be used against both soft and hard targets on land and underwater.
Tungsten prevents excessive oxidation and corrosion of steels, especially high-temperature blends. Tungsten carbide's strength makes it ideal for cutting tools, dies, and industrial machinery parts that need to resist wear for a long time. Tungsten's ability to enhance steel residues ensures durable alloys are suitable for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
Tungsten carbide is used to manufacture tools and equipment used in mining. Some tungsten materials used in mining include high wear-resistant bits, drills, and ground engaging tools. These tungsten materials increase efficiency while offering a long lifespan. Because of their durability, they can be used in demanding mining conditions without frequent breakdown. This allows mining operations to continue running smoothly while reducing the costs associated with tool replacement.
In the oil and gas industry, tungsten's high density and hardness make it ideal for drilling equipment. In this industry tungsten carbide tipped drill bits and reamers are used for exploration. Tungsten carbide creates tooling that can withstand abrasive rock formations. This allows it to maintain its integrity and precision over extended drilling operations. The long tool life not only increases efficiency but also reduces downtime for equipment maintenance or replacement. This has a direct impact on operating costs and project timelines.
Tungsten is used in semiconductor manufacturing as an electrically conductive material. It is deposited in integrated circuit structures to form critical features while maintaining high-temperature stability. Tungsten is well suited in this industry because it can withstand the high temperatures that are commonplace in semiconductor processing. It does not oxidize or etch easily. These properties ensure that the deposited tungsten layers maintain their integrity even under harsh conditions.
Tungsten is used in aerospace as a material for fighter jet nose cones and radar-evading coatings. Tungsten's high density makes it suitable for creating compact and weighty components that enhance the aerodynamics of these missile shells. Tungsten allows aerospace components to function effectively at high speeds while resisting wear from extreme atmospheric conditions. Its strength ensures that critical parts can endure the pressures generated during flight without deforming or failing.
Before starting the installation process of tungsten, preparation should first be done.
Next, set up the welding machine for the tungsten electrode installations to begin.
After properly preparing the work area and setting up the machine, it's time to begin installing the standard tungsten.
Tungsten should be regularly inspected for wear, damage, or contamination. Check for signs of balling, thinning, or tip chipping. Any such signs will affect the tungsten's performance. One way to easily maintain tungsten is through regular examination during operation. Use periodic inspections as a way to identify potential issues before they affect performance.
Tungsten should be cleaned based on the type of contaminants present on it after use.
Sharpen the tungsten to maintain a precise point that allows for arc stability. A sharpened tip will limit the amount of heat that is dispersed, which will be useful when carrying out thin metal constructions.
Ensure there is proper storage of the tungsten when not in use to stop it from being damaged or contaminated even when it's not being used. Proper storage also helps in easy access to the tungsten when needed.
Lastly, replace the tungsten electrode after it has reached its maximum capacity.
Purity And Composition
Tungsten has a very high melting point, excellent tensile strength, and is extremely dense. Tungsten comes in multiple forms, such as pure tungsten, tungsten-rhenium alloys, and tungsten carbide. Pure tungsten has excellent electrical conductivity and is used in arc welding. Tungsten carbide is made by combining tungsten with carbon. Tungsten carbide is used to produce cutting tools, drills, and ball bearings.
Electrode Manufacturing Standards
Standard tungsten electrodes should be manufactured under strict quality control processes. Tungsten electrodes come in various forms, like pure tungsten, thoriated tungsten, cerium tungsten, and lanthanated tungsten. Each type offers unique benefits. For example, thoriated tungsten provides better arc stability, enhancing the electrode's performance during welding.
Sizing And Specifications
Tungsten electrodes are classified according to diameter and length specifications. Common diameters vary based on the welding current range. Larger currents often require thicker electrodes. The main diameter also helps ensure a focused arc, which is essential for precise welds on thin materials. Standard tungsten electrodes must be sized appropriately for the welding task to achieve optimal results.
Electrical Safety
Long exposure to electrical current can result in electric shock, burns, or even fatality. Electric shocks are only experienced when a person comes into contact with a live electrode or poses a conductive path to the ground. Proper grounding and equipment locking reduce the chances of electric current leaking into exposed surfaces. Other ways to prevent electrical hazards include wearing electric-insulating gloves and performing regular inspections of welding equipment to identify faulty ground connections.
Radiation Exposure
Welding arc produces bright light gamma rays, which are forms of radiation. Prolonged exposure to radiation can cause skin burn or damage to the eyes. Eye damage can cause either temporary or permanent vision loss. With gamma rays, exposure can lead to radiation sickness or an increase in cancer risk. Radiation exposure is managed through proper shielding and the use of protective helmets designed with filters that block harmful radiation wavelengths.
Inhalation Risks
Welding fumes contain toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium. These metals can cause respiratory problems, poisoning, or long-term organ damage. Respiratory hazards can be caused by poor ventilation. Respiratory hazards can therefore be reduced by ensuring proper ventilation in work areas. Use exhaust systems to filter fumes and reduce inhalation risks.
Thermal Burns
The equipment used in welding often reaches extraordinarily high temperatures. These hot surfaces can lead to severe thermal burns if touched without adequate protection. There is also the possibility of fire, which can start if flammable materials are in the vicinity of the welding work area. Fires can be managed by removing flammable materials from the work area and using welding screens to segregate the work area.
A1:Standard tungsten refers to a tungsten alloy with 97% tungsten and 3% tantalum or thorium. It acts as a universal metal solution because of its high heat and wear resistance. It can therefore be used in a wide range of industries ranging from aerospace to manufacturing applications.
A2: Tungsten is a heavy, silvery-grey metal with a very high melting point and density. Tungsten is used to make filaments, electrodes, and hard alloys. Thoriated tungsten refers to tungsten that has been combined with a small percentage of thorium. Thoriated tungsten is used in welding electrodes because it provides better arc stability and a longer lifespan.
A3: Tungsten has multiple uses, ranging from making light bulb filaments, furnace components, X-ray tubes, shielding for radioactive sources, and probes in aerospace. Tungsten is also used to manufacture alloys for cutting and drilling tools, auto parts, and armor-piercing projectiles.
A4: Yes. Tungsten can be carcinogen when suspended in the air due to the fine particles that may contain soluble tungsten. Only the soluble fraction has been shown to promote carcinogenesis. But it's still crucial to handle tungsten properly and avoid breathing in dust or fumes.
A5: Tungsten has a very high melting point of over 3,400 °C which makes it useful for electrodes and filaments in high-temperature applications. Tungsten is extremely dense and hard, making it ideal for armor-piercing shells and industrial tools.
