2 Choosing the Proper Tungsten

The proper tungsten material to use for an application depends on many variables, including the type of weld, the composition of the material being welded, the amperage level, among other factors. The following section discusses available options and highlights the accepted standards. The recommendations provided are based on information from industry end users and tungsten manufacturers. However, because of the many variables present in the welding process, it is difficult to generalize. The best way to determine which tungsten material is best suited for a particular application is through testing.

2.1 The Basics

Diameters and Lengths: Tungsten Electrodes are available in a variety of standard diameters and lengths. The most commonly used diameters are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Common Tungsten Electrodes (U.S. and Metric Measurements)

U.S. Customary Measurements Metric Measurements
.040” 1.0 mm
1/16” (.062” and .060”) 1.6 mm
3/32” (.093”) 2.4 mm
1/8” (.125”) 3.2 mm
5/32” (.156”) 4.0 mm
3/16” (.187”) 4.8 mm

In addition to these sizes, some manufacturers also offer .020” (0.5mm) and ¼” (6.4 mm) tungsten. The most common length is 7.00” (175 mm). Tungsten is normally sold in boxes of 10 pieces.

Current Ranges: Refer to Table A.2 of AWS A5.12M/A5.12:2009 Specification for Tungsten and Oxide Dispersed Tungsten Electrodes for Arc Welding and Cutting. The American Welding Society document provides a table that shows the general current ranges for tungsten using Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC). All values listed are based on using argon as the shielding gas. Different electrode materials will vary slightly from these guidelines. Use of other gases will also change the recommended currents. As such, this chart should be used as a general guide. Also keep in mind that for a given amount of amperage, larger diameter electrodes will last longer, but will be harder to arc start. Excessive current will cause the electrode to melt and drop off. Insufficient current will lead to unstable arc.

International Colour Coding Chart: Each stick of tungsten has a color code applied to one end which identifies the material type of the tungsten. Refer to Table 1 of AWS A5.12M/A5.12:2009 Specification for Tungsten and Oxide Dispersed Tungsten Electrodes for Arc Welding and Cutting. The American Welding Society document provides a table that identifies the color coding used in United States, Europe, and Japan, which represent the bulk of the market share of sold tungsten.

Standards: The United States, Europe, and Japan each have a published standard for
tungsten as shown in Table 3. These standards dictate the dimensions, packaging, and
manufacturing requirements that tungsten must meet. However, meeting these
standards does not guarantee that a particular tungsten was manufactured by a highquality

Market Area Standard Name
United States ANSI/AWS A5.12
Europe ISO 6848
Japan JIS

2.2 Determinants of Tungsten Performance

In most applications, welders use tungsten that contains an emission-enhancing oxide such as Thorium, Cerium, or Lanthanum. These oxides naturally migrate from inside the tungsten to the heat at the point of the electrode, where they give off their oxide element in the arc, and leave a film of the metal alloy on the tip. This causes the electrode to have a different temperature at the tip based on the work function of that element. The oxides that are emitted at the tip serve to improve arc starting and stability. They also cause the electrode to provide the same level emission as pure tungsten at much lower temperatures. Lower temperatures improve the longevity of the tungsten and keep the grains within the tungsten smaller for improved arc stability. Thus, oxides are a very important part of tungsten. Each oxide has unique physical characteristics that affect tungsten performance. In addition, the technique used in  manufacturing the tungsten will also affect its performance.

2.2.1 Manufacturing Variables

Grain Size and Structure: Figure 1 shows the molecular structure of the inside of a
point of tungsten and how it is divided into smaller groups called grains. Oxides migrate
to the tip of the tungsten primarily along the boundaries or borders or these grains. It is
much easier for the oxides to migrate from inside the tungsten to the tip on the grain
boundaries than it is for them to migrate within the crystallized grains. In manufacturing
the tungsten, smaller sized grains are better, because they produce more paths and
therefore the oxides can more easily migrate to the tip. However, it is a difficult
manufacturing process to minimize the size of the grains while maximizing the
consistency of the oxide distribution and maintaining the proper quantity of oxides. This
difficulty in the manufacturing process is the primary reason for the differences in
tungsten performance quality that is produced by the different manufacturers.

Figure 1: Molecular Structure of the Inside Point of Tungsten


During the extreme temperatures of welding, the grains have a tendency to combine with larger neighboring grains to form one large grain in a process called “grain growth.” However, if a continuous flow of oxides at the grain boundaries is maintained, this serves to surround the grains and keep them from combining. Thus, oxides are grain growth inhibitors. When tungsten runs out of oxides in any area, the grains combine readily, and the tungsten performs poorly because the oxides lack avenues to move to the surface. In Figure 1 the 2% Lanthanated electrode still has a very small grain structure even after one hour of welding time at 180 amps on a 1/16” electrode. This condition is the result of quality manufacturing and the oxide properties of 2% Lanthanated tungsten.

Oxide Distribution and Size: Oxide distribution is a key indicator of quality. Oxides should be distributed homogenously throughout the tungsten. Uneven distribution results in poor performance: areas with little or no oxides will tend to suffer from grain growth, whereas areas with too much oxide will tend to “bottleneck” and prevent the oxides from getting to the point. Higher quality oxides are smaller in size, which allows them to migrate to the tip easier.

2.2.2 Physical Characteristics of Different Oxides

Electron Work Function (eV): Work function is the energy needed to remove an electron from an atom, and it is measured in electron volts (eV). The lower the work function of an electrode, the lower the voltage necessary to strike an arc, thus the easier the arc starts. The oxides added to a tungsten serve to promote the electron emission by lowering the work function of the tungsten. Table 4 lists different oxides and metals and their respective work functions. The lower the eV for the oxide, the easier it will start. The metal work function is important, because upon emitting an oxide, the metal is left as a film on the tip. The lower the eV of the metal at the tip, the lower the temperature will be at the tip which will decrease grain growth and provide a constant flow of oxides and longer service life.

Table 4: Physical Properties of Oxides

Material Oxide eV Metal eV
Lanthanum 2.5 3.3
Thorium 2.6 3.35
Cerium 3.2 2.84
Pure Tungsten No oxide present 4.5

The more of an oxide added to tungsten, the lower the work function that tungsten will have, and thus the better it will arc start. A 2% Lanthanated tungsten will arc start more easily than a 1% Lanthanated tungsten (assuming they were made using the same manufacturing process).

Note: It is difficult to compare different types of electrodes without testing because of the different properties of the oxides.

Density: Each oxide has a different density. Thus a 2% by weight thorium, cerium, or lanthanum electrode will all have different amounts of oxides by volume. Table 5 describes the difference between density and weight for different materials.

Table 5: Density versus Weight of an Oxide in a Material

Material Density (g/cm3) Volume % of 2% by weight electrode
Lanthanum 6.15 5.7
Thorium 11.72 3.8
Cerium 6.65 5.2


Although each material has 2% by weight of the oxides, a 2% Lanthanated tungsten has a significantly higher volume of oxides than 2% Thoriated tungsten to feed to the tip.

Note: Even if electrodes are the same type, electrodes of different manufacturers cannot be compared using only the work function and volume of oxides, because this comparison would not take into account the important manufacturing variables such as grain size and structure of the oxide size and distribution. Therefore, the work function and oxide density numbers should only be used as a general guide. Testing is always the best way to determine which tungsten will be best for you.

Migration and Evaporation Rates: The migration rate, or diffusion rate as it is often called, is the rate at which each of the different oxides naturally travels from inside the tungsten to the heat at the tip of the electrode. The evaporation rate is the rate at which the oxides separate from their metal component and are emitted at the tip of the electrode. The optimum-performing electrode is one that has a balance of good migration and evaporation rates. If the migration rate is slower than the evaporation rate, then there will be an inadequate amount of oxides arriving at the tip to maintain a consistent arc and the tungsten may be reduced to the performance level of pure tungsten. If the evaporation rate is slower than the migration rate, the oxides will be crowded at the point. If both of the rates are very high, welding properties at the beginning of welding will be great, but all of the oxides may be used up quickly.

2.3 Oxide Types

The following provides a description of the general characteristics of common oxide types. Keep in mind that testing is the only way to determine which tungsten is optimal for a particular application.

2.3.1 Thoriated (EWTh-1 Yellow Stripe Electrode Classifications: Yellow Stripe;
and EWTh-2 Electrode Classifications: Red Stripe)

Thoriated tungsten contains thorium oxide (THO2 or thoria), and it is the most commonly used tungsten in America. It has become the standard for comparison. However, because it is a low-level radioactive hazard, many users have switched to other alternatives. 2% Thoriated tungsten is a good general use tungsten. It has one of the lowest work functions, and it performs well when overloaded with extra amperage. However, it does not hold its point as well as some other non-radioactive tungstens that have been introduced.

Two types of Thoriated tungsten electrodes are available. The EWTh-1 and EWTh-2 electrodes contain 1 percent and 2 percent, respectively, evenly dispersed through their entire lengths. Thoriated tungsten electrodes are superior to pure tungsten electrodes in several respects. The thoria provides about 20 percent higher current-carrying capacity, generally longer life, and greater resistance to contamination of the weld. With these electrodes, arc starting is easier, and the arc is more stable than with pure tungsten or Zirconiated tungsten electrodes. The EWTh-1 and EWTh-2 electrodes were designed for DCEN applications. They maintain a sharpened tip configuration during welding, which is desirable for welding steel. They are not often used with AC because it is difficult to maintain the balled end, which is necessary with AC welding, without splitting the electrode.

Note: Regarding the radioactivity, thorium is an alpha emitter, but when it is enclosed in a tungsten matrix the risks from radioactivity are negligible. Thus holding a stick of Thoriated tungsten in your hand should not pose a great threat unless a welder has open cuts on their skin. Thoriated tungsten should not get in contact with open cuts or wounds. The more significant danger to welders can occur if thorium oxide gets into the lungs. This can happen from the exposure to vapors during welding or from ingestion of material/dust in the manufacture and grinding of the tungsten. Therefore, precautions should be taken when welding. The use of an exhaust system should be implemented to remove the grinding dust from the work area. Proper disposal in an environmentally-friendly way is also a
responsibility. Europe has discussed eliminating the use of thorium altogether because of these problems. Welders should obtain current information on the subject for a complete understanding.

2.3.2 Ceriated (EWCe-2 Electrode Classification: Grey/ Formerly Orange Stripe)

Ceriated tungsten was introduced into the United States in the early 1980s as the first non-radioactive alternative to Thoriated tungsten. It is most commonly offered as 2% Ceriated tungsten, and it is readily available. The EWCe-2 electrodes are tungsten electrodes containing 2 percent cerium oxide (CEO2), referred to as ceria. It is known to be especially good for DC welding with low amperage because it starts very easily at low amps and usually requires about 10% less amps than Thoriated material to operate. Thus it is the most popular material used for orbital tube and pipe welding, and it is also commonly used for welding very small parts. Compared with pure tungsten, the Ceriated electrodes exhibit a reduced rate of vaporization or burn-off. These advantages of ceria improve with increased ceria content. Cerium also has the highest migration rate so it gives it good welding properties at the beginning, but it has a significantly reduced migration rate over time due to grain growth. However, at lower amperages it should last longer than Thoriated tungsten. Because of these properties, it is generally good for short welding cycles or when a specific number of welds are called for and then the electrode is to be replaced. Higher amperage applications are best left to Thoriated or Lanthanated material. EWCe-2 electrodes will operate successfully with AC or DC, however, it is used primarily for DC welding as it may split if used for AC welding.

2.3.3 Lanthanated (EWLa Electrode Classification)

The most common Lanthanated tungsten contains 2 percent lanthanum oxide (La203), referred to as lanthana. In Europe and Japan, Lanthanated tungsten has been the most popular alternative to 2% Thoriated tungsten for most applications. It is available as 2%, 1.5%, and 1% Lanthanated tungsten. Lanthanum Trioxide has the lowest work function of any if the materials thus it usually starts easiest and has the lowest temperature at the tip, which resists grain growth and promotes longer service life. Testing of 2% Lanthanated material has shown that it offers a much longer life than Thoriated if not overloaded and better arc starting in most applications. It is also especially good at (a) resisting the “Thermal shock” of pulsing, (b) working in welding in situations where there are numerous re-ignitions with a short weld cycle, and (c) resisting contamination. Welders with tube mill applications have been especially satisfied with this material because its longer life reduces down time. Also, as a general rule it will probably require about 15% less amps to start and sustain low current arcs. The Lanthanum in this tungsten is a “rare earth” material and is not radioactive. It has not been as heavily marketed and used in the United States as in Europe or Japan, however Diamond Ground Products, Ltd. has been offering this material since 1993. This tungsten is primarily used for DC welding, but will also show good results for AC welding. The EWLa-1 electrodes were developed around the same time as the Ceriated electrodes and for the same reason, that lanthanum is not  radioactive. These electrodes contain 2 percent lanthanum oxide (La203).

2.3.4 Zirconiated Tungsten (EWZr01 Electrode Classification: Brown Stripe; and
EWZr-8 Classification: White Stripe)

Zirconiated tungsten electrodes (EWZr) contain a small amount of zirconium oxide (ZrO2). Zirconiated tungsten electrodes have welding characteristics that generally fall between those of pure and Thoriated tungsten. Zirconiated tungsten is most commonly used for AC welding because it balls up well in AC welding and has a more stable arc than pure tungsten. It also resists contamination well in AC welding. However, while it has better current carrying and arc starting characteristics than pure tungsten, on the whole it is the worst non-radioactive tungsten from a performance standpoint. 2.3.5 Pure Tungsten (EWP Electrode Classification: Green Stripe) Pure tungsten electrodes (EWP) contain a minimum of 99.5 percent tungsten, with no intentional alloying elements. Pure tungsten has a very high work function, and thus it is
more difficult to start and produce a stable arc than other materials. Also, because of the high work function, the temperature at the tip is higher and grain growth occurs. This leads to an unstable arc, starting difficulty, and a shorter service life. Pure tungsten is only used for AC welding; however; better alternatives are available.

2.3.6 Other Options

In addition to the materials listed above, there are other less common materials, such as 1% Thoriated, 4% Thoriated, 2% Yttriated, and also mixes of different oxides in the same tungsten. Diamond Ground Products Ltd introduced tungsten called TRI MIXTM, which combines three non-radioactive materials into one tungsten. The goal was to make the best possible tungsten by balancing the migration and evaporation rates, while keeping the work function down. It starts and re-ignites very well, and it offers a particularly excellent service life in welding situations where welding cycles of at least 15 minutes are used. Technical studies in Japan have shown that mixed tungsten is very successful in optimizing welding, and thus it is expected that more of this type of product will become available in the U.S. market. The Japanese and European markets are already recognizing the benefits of combining three non-radioactive oxides into one electrode. Cryo-T tungsten is a Thoriated tungsten that has been treated with a multistep cryogenic process. This process produces a more dense structure of the Thoriated tungsten blend. User testing has shown that Cryo-T tungsten has resulted in:

  • Easier starting compared to 2% Thoriated tungsten.
  • A much longer tip life compared to non-treated 2% Thoriated tungsten electrodes.
  • More consistent welds as a result of crisp starts.
  • Longer overall electrode life when compared to a 2% Thoriated tungsten.
  • Higher amperage tolerance as compared to a 2% Thoriated tungsten.

Cryo-T is recommended for all current users of 2% Thoriated tungsten.

2.3.7 Electrode Sizes and Current Capacities

Selecting the correct electrode for specific applications must take into account the different current levels and power supplies. Current levels that are in excess of those recommended for a given electrode size and tip configuration will cause the tungsten to erode or melt. Tungsten particles may fall into the weld pool and become defects in the weld joint. Current levels that are too low for a specific electrode diameter can cause arc instability. Direct current with the electrode positive requires a much larger diameter to support a given level of current, because the tip is not cooled by the evaporation of electrons but heated by their impact. In general, a given electrode diameter on DCEP would be expected to handle only 10 percent of the current possible with the electrode negative. With alternating current, the tip is cooled during the electrode negative cycle and heated when positive. Therefore, the current carrying capacity of an electrode on AC is between that of DCEN and DCEP. In general, it is about 50 percent less than that of DCEN.

2.4 Determining Which Tungsten to Use

Testing is the best way to determine which tungsten material is best for a particular application and/or which manufacturer produces a high quality tungsten. Document the following properties of the different tungsten when testing in order to compare products.

Ease of Ignition (arc starting)
  • Ease of first arc start
  • Ease of re-ignition of same tip after previous use(s)
Service Life
  • Maximum number of ignitions
  • Retention of tip geometry during use
Quality of Welds
  • Arc shape
  • Arc stability
  • Quality of welding joint
  • Depth of weld pool
Power Consumption
  • Compare amount of power used


Utilizing materials that last longer and improve arc starting can lower costs and improve the welding process. In addition, reduced down time in replacing and preparing new electrodes is a substantial savings to consider.