These 1.5% lanthanated tungsten electrodes offer good arc starts, good arc stability, and minimal spitting in AC or DC welding on stainless steel, titanium, nickel, and copper. Lanthanated tungsten electrodes can sometimes be used to replace thoriated tungsten electrodes, which contain radioactive thorium, without needing to make significant changes to the welding program. The electrodes insert into a compatible TIG torch that is connected to a TIG welder that supplies current to the electrode.

These 2% lanthanated electrodes feature good arc starts and good arc stability in AC and DC welding on aluminum, magnesium, nickel, copper, titanium, carbon steel, low-alloy steel, and stainless steel. Lanthanated tungsten electrodes can sometimes be used to replace thoriated tungsten electrodes, which contain radioactive thorium, without needing to make significant changes to the welding program. The electrodes insert into a compatible TIG torch that is connected to a TIG welder that supplies current to the electrode.

Ceriated tungsten electrodes provide good arc starts, good arc stability, and minimal spitting for low-current AC and DC welding on titanium, copper, magnesium, aluminum, nickel, stainless steel, carbon steel, and low-alloy steel. Because they are used at low amperages, ceriated tungsten electrodes are commonly used for welding thin sheet metal and small and delicate parts. These electrodes can sometimes be used to replace thoriated electrodes, which contain radioactive thorium, without needing to make significant changes to the welding program. The electrodes insert into a compatible TIG torch that is connected to a TIG welder that supplies current to the electrode.

Pure tungsten electrodes form a clean, balled tip when heated. They offer good arc stability for low- to medium-amperage AC welding on aluminum and magnesium. The electrodes insert into a compatible TIG torch that is connected to a TIG welder that supplies current to the electrode.

Rare earth tungsten electrodes offer good longevity, good arc stability, and minimal tungsten spitting in low- to moderate-amperage AC and DC welding on aluminum, magnesium, titanium, nickel, copper, carbon steel, low-alloy steel, and stainless steel. Rare earth tungsten electrodes can sometimes be used to replace thoriated tungsten electrodes, which contain radioactive thorium, without needing to make significant changes to the welding program. The electrodes insert into a compatible TIG torch that is connected to a TIG welder that supplies current to the electrode.

Thoriated tungsten electrodes are consumed more slowly than other types of TIG electrodes and are the most commonly used type of tungsten electrode. They provide good arc starts and good arc stability for moderate-current AC or DC welding on copper, nickel, titanium, and stainless steel. Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, which is a radioactive substance. The electrodes insert into a compatible TIG torch that is connected to a TIG welder that supplies current to the electrode.

Zirconiated tungsten electrodes retain a balled tip and provide good arc starts, good arc stability, and minimal spitting in AC welding on aluminum and magnesium. They can withstand higher amperages than pure tungsten electrodes. Zirconiated tungsten electrodes are not recommended for DC welding. The electrodes insert into a compatible TIG torch that is connected to a TIG welder that supplies current to the electrode.