Keeping the same material type and switching to premium quality Tungsten can produce a noticeable difference in the arc and resultant weld quality. Look into the alternative materials available and investigate the differences in material quality to ensure that you are getting what your application needs. Once an electrode tip included angle has been established for optimum weld quality it is important that this angle remain constant. Variations in this angle will have some effect on the arc shape and resultant weld penetration profile. Minor variations in the tip flat size will have a significant effect on the resultant weld penetration profile.
Options are available for grinding surface finish.
Ensure that you have the surface finish that best suits your application. There are many variables in welding and sometimes welding systems seem to develop a personality of their own causing the user scrap, rework, schedule delays and pain. There is significant technology behind the Tungsten electrode operation during arc welding in areas such as oxide dispersion and grain size, electrode oxide migration, oxide evaporation and grain growth. These properties can have significant effect on the operation of the welding system. Our Tungsten electrode knowledge combined with our welding experience allows us to predict the most suitable electrode material, tip geometry and surface finish for a variety of applications and to help customers develop electrode specifications for their in-house use.