Lanthanated tungsten heavy metal electrodes are becoming more and more popular in the circle of welding in the world soon after they were developed, because of their good welding performance. The electric conductivity of lanthanated tungsten electrode is most closed to that of 2% thoriated Tungsten electrodes. Welders can easily replace thoriated tungsten electrodes with lanthanated tungsten electrodes at either AC or DC and not have to make any welding program changes.

Lanthanated tungsten heavy metal electrodes (AWS classification EWLa-1.5) contain a minimum of 97.80 percent tungsten and 1.30 percent to 1.70 percent lanthanum, or lanthana, and are known as 1.5 percent lanthanated. These electrodes have excellent arc starting, a low burnoff rate, good arc stability, and excellent resignation characteristics—many of the same advantages as ceriated electrodes. Lanthanated electrodes also share the conductivity characteristics of 2 percent thoriated tungsten. In some cases, 1.5 percent lanthanated can replace 2 percent thoriated without having to make significant welding program changes.

2% Lanthanated Tungsten (TL2) – gold tip – 2% lanthanated is probably the most popular substitute for 2% thoriated tungsten. It offers good arc starting characteristics and longer life than 2% thoriated. It can be used for both AC and DC welding with both inverter and transformer power sources.