Tungsten Electrodes Find Application in Arc Welding With Tungsten Inert Gas Process or Plasma Welding
When you first look at a weld puddle or tangle of weld, chances are that you'll find one or more layers of rusty brown tungsten electrodes. While this is to be expected under the best of circumstances, it can cause problems for welders who don't pay attention to what they're doing or simply try to go straight to the good stuff when they see it. In order to avoid this, you should understand what all these electrodes actually are and how they interact with your welding process. Once you understand how tungsten electrodes work, you'll see why you need to be cautious with the ones you use in your shop. A major advantage of tungsten as a welding electrode material is its low work function. A tungsten electrode consists of an alloy layer and a backing sheet that act like a shield. It protects the impure particles from penetrating the welding area, while allowing the current to be directed where you need it. In Japan, tungsten electrodes are used when arc welding with the...