Thorium increases the electron emission qualities of the electrode, which improves arc starts and allows for a higher current-carrying capacity. This electrode operates far below its melting temperature, which results in a considerably lower rate of consumption and eliminates arc wandering for greater stability. Compared with other electrodes, thoriated electrodes deposit less tungsten into the weld puddle, so they cause less weld contamination.

These electrodes are used mainly for specialty AC welding (such as thin-gauge aluminum and material less than 0.060 inch) and DC welding, either electrode negative or straight polarity, on carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel, and titanium.

Specifications:

Length: 50mm 75mm 150mm 175mm

Diameter: 1.0mm 1.6mm 2.0mm 2.4mm 3.2mm4.0mm 4.8mm  6.4mm 8.0mm 10.0mm

Quality of surface: polish annealed, or ground annealed

Applications: TIG welding and plasma welding, cutting, spray-coating and smelting