Lanthiated

Lanthanated tungsten electrodes in 1.5% (gold tip) and higher-lanthanum blue tip options from UNIMIG and North Welding Products, in 1.6mm to 4.8mm diameters. Lanthanated has become the modern default tungsten: thorium-free, easy striking, low burn-off and comfortable on both AC and DC across steel, stainless and aluminium.

What's the difference between 1.5% and 2% lanthanated tungsten?

Very little in practice. Higher lanthanum content gives marginally better current capacity and point life at high amperage, while 1.5% strikes a touch easier at low current. Both replace thoriated tungsten directly on DC and run well on AC inverters — grind a sharp point for DC and a slightly truncated point for AC.

WeldCo keeps lanthanated tungstens in the common sizes at Melbourne and Adelaide.