Chemical Name: Tungsten Electrodes
Product Classification: Types EWP, EWCe, EWLa, EWTh, and EWZr
Recommended use: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Trade Name:
The composition of the tungsten electrodes varies depending on the type of electrode supplied to different classifications of the relevant National Standards. They consist of tungsten metal containing different amounts of metal oxide powders.
Details of the contents of the tungsten electrodes covered by this data sheet are given below.
Designation |
Chemical Composition |
Tip Color |
||
| ISO 6848 | AWS A5.12 | Oxide Additive % | Tungsten % | |
| WP | EWP | ----- | >=99.95 | Green |
| WT20 | EWTh-2 | ThO2: 1.70-2.20 | >=97.30 | Red |
| WL15 | EWLa-1.5 | LaO2: 1.30-1.70 | >=97.80 | Gold |
| WC20 | EWCe-2 | CeO2: 1.80-2.20 | >=97.30 | Orange/Gray |
| WL10 | EWLa-1 | La2O3: 0.80-1.20 | >=98.30 | Black |
| WL20 | EWLa-2 | La2O3: 1.80-2.20 | >=97.30 | Sky-blue |
| WZ3 | EWZr-1 | ZrO2: 0.15-0.50 | >=99.10 | Brown |
| WZ8 | ZrO2: 0.70-0.90 | >=98.60 | White | |
| WY20 | Y2O3: 1.80-2.20 | >=97.30 | Blue | |
Melting Point: Approximately 3400qC
Boiling Point: Approximately 5900Qc
Specific Gravity (H2O=1): Approximately 19.3
Color: Silver-gray
Odor: odorless
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Vapor. Press: N/A at 25qC
Vapor. Density: N/A
Radioactive Isotope: Th-232
There are no recognized hazards associated directly with unused electrodes prior to grinding and welding. Packaged consumables may be heavy, and should be handled and stored with care. Follow manual handling regulations.
Some low levels of dust may be produced during handling. Do not breathe the dust.
Hot metal spatter and heat, which can cause burns to the hand and body, and may cause fire if in contact with combustible materials.
UV, IR and light radiation from the arc, which can produce ‘arc eye’ and possible eye damage to unprotected eyes. Wear suitable protective equipment.
Fumes produced from the electrodes, material being welded and the arc radiation:
No specific measures required for the electrodes prior to welding.
Welding should not be carried out in the presence of flammable materials, vapours, tanks, cisterns and pipes and other containers which have held flammable substances unless these have been checked and certified safe.
Ventilation: Use plenty of ventilation and/or local exhaust at the arc, to keep the fumes and gases below the threshold limit value within the worker’ s breathing zone and the general work area. Welders should be advised to keep their head out of the fumes.
Respiratory Protection: Use respirable fume respirator or air supplied respirator when welding in a confined space or general work area where local exhaust and/or ventilation does not keep exposure below the threshold limit value.
Eye Protection: Wear a helmet or face shield with a filter lens shade number 12-14 or darker. Shield other workers by providing screens and flash goggles.
Protective Clothing: Wear approved head, hand and body protection, which help to prevent injury from radiation, sparks and electrical shock. See ANSI Z-49.1. This would include wearing welder’ s gloves and a protective face shield and may include arm protectors, apron, hats, shoulder protection, as well as dark substantial clothing. Welders should be trained not to allow electrically live parts to contract the skin or wet clothing and gloves. The welders should insulate themselves from the work and ground.
Waste Disposal Method: Discard any product, residue, disposal container, or liner in an environmentally acceptable manner approved by Federal, State and Local regulations.
No first aid measures should be required for the unused electrodes.
During welding
Inhalation: If breathing is difficult, bring the patient in fresh air; breathe in fresh air deeply.
For skin burns: Submerge affected area in cold water until burning sensation ceases and refer for immediate medical attention.
For eye affects such as arc eye and dusts: Irrigate eye with sterile water, cover with damp dressing and refer for immediate medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Ingestion is considered unlikely due to product form. However, if swallowed do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention. Advice to doctor: treat symptomatically.
Electric shock: If necessary resuscitate and seek immediate medical attention.
No special precautions are required for these welding electrodes.
Welding electrodes are dense materials and can give rise to a handling hazard when multiple packages are lifted or handled incorrectly or with poor lifting posture.
Good practice for handling and storage should be adopted to prevent physical injuries.
There is no stability or reactivity hazards from welding electrodes as supplied.
Hazardous decomposition products such as metal oxide fumes and gases are produced during grinding and welding.
The welding process produces particulate fumes and gases which may cause long term adverse effects in the environment if released directly into the atmosphere. Welding some materials with the electrodes covered by this data sheet can produce carbon dioxide gas, which is dangerous to the ozone layer.
Packaging, and electrode stubs should be disposed of as general waste or recycled.
No special precautions are required for this product, except for the grinding dust and stubs of thoriated electrodes, which may require special disposal.
No special requirements are necessary in transporting these products
Prepared By: E-Biz Center of CTIA - Tungsten, Tungsten Alloy, Tungsten Carbide & Molybdenum Technologies
Date: May 28, 2008
Reason For Issue: Updated Format
The above information is believed to be correct but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. Metalworking Products shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product. Any comments or questions should be directed to: Although Xiamen E-Biz Center of CTIA - Tungsten, Tungsten Alloy, Tungsten Carbide & Molybdenum Technologies has attempted to provide current and accurate information herein, CTIA E-biz Center makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and assumes no liability for any loss, damage, injury of any kind which may result from or arise out of the use of or reliance on the information by any person. The data contained on this sheet was provided for public display via the Internet.