T187GL2 - CK Worldwide 2% Lanthanated Tungsten Electrodes (Blue, 1/8 Inch, 10-Pack)

Premium 2% Lanthanated Tungsten Electrodes for Precision TIG Welding

The CK Worldwide T187GL2 2% Lanthanated Tungsten Electrodes represent the pinnacle of non-radioactive tungsten technology, designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern industrial welding. Identified by the industry-standard blue color code, these electrodes are classified as EWLa-2 (or WL20 under ISO standards) and are composed of approximately 97.3% tungsten with the addition of 1.8% to 2.2% lanthanum oxide (La2O3). This specific formulation was developed to mirror the conductivity and arc performance of thoriated tungsten while eliminating the safety hazards associated with radioactive thorium. The presence of lanthanum oxide enhances the electrode's electron emission capabilities, allowing for easier arc starting, improved arc stability, and a wider operating amperage range.

One of the defining technical advantages of the T187GL2 is its exceptional versatility across power source types and polarities. It is engineered to perform flawlessly with both Direct Current (DC) for welding carbon and stainless steels, and Alternating Current (AC) for aluminum and magnesium alloys. In AC applications, the 2% Lanthanated composition maintains a sharpened point better than pure tungsten, providing greater arc control and penetration. Furthermore, these electrodes are optimized for use with square-wave inverter power sources, where their ability to handle high amperage spikes without splitting or excessive erosion is critical. The low erosion rate ensures that the electrode tip geometry remains consistent over longer welding cycles, reducing downtime for regrinding and replacing electrodes.

For industrial MRO and fabrication environments, the 1/8-inch (3.2mm) diameter is a robust choice for medium-to-heavy duty applications. It supports a substantial amperage range, making it suitable for structural welding, pipe fabrication, and aerospace component repair. The electrodes are ground to precision tolerances to ensure consistent diameter and straightness, facilitating smooth feeding in automated systems and reliable performance in manual torches. By standardizing on CK Worldwide's 2% Lanthanated tungsten, facilities can often consolidate their inventory, replacing both Thoriated (Red) and Pure (Green) tungsten with a single, high-performance solution that covers virtually all TIG welding scenarios.