Metal Concept

TIG Electrodes

At the heart of the TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding process is thetungsten electrode plays a crucial role in the quality and consistency of welds. The choice of electrode determines arc stability, weld bead precision, and tool life. Concept Métal offers a complete line ofTIG electrodes in all standard grades, suitable for all non-ferrous metals, stainless steels, and special alloys.

Why

What is a tungsten TIG electrode?

The TIG electrode is a rod of refractory tungsten (melting point 3,422 °C) used to generate a stable electric arc between the torch and the workpiece, without being consumed during the process. It operates in an inert atmosphere—usually argon or an argon-helium mixture—which protects the molten pool from oxidation.

TIG electrodes are standardized in accordance with ISO 6848, which specifies both their chemical composition and a standardized color code applied to one end for quick identification. Concept Métal distributes electrodes that comply with this standard, as well as all custom-made electrodes in the grades listed below.

Nuances

The Different Grades of TIG Electrodes

Each electrode grade represents a balance of dopants that affect its emission performance, arc stability, and service life.

Here are the main products available from Concept Métal:

WP - Pure Tungsten

Designed for AC TIG welding of aluminum and its alloys. It has a spherical tip and provides good stability when welding light alloys.

WT20 - 2% Thoriated Tungsten

A historical note: it offers excellent ignition properties in direct current (DC) on steel, stainless steel, and titanium. Its use is declining due to the slight radioactivity of thorium.

WL10 - 1% Lanthanum Tungsten

A good thorium-free alternative, versatile for both DC and AC welding. It offers stable arc initiation and a decent service life, making it suitable for everyday tasks.

WL15 - 1.5% Lanthanum Tungsten

A highly versatile thorium-free alternative suitable for both DC and AC welding. Excellent durability and arc stability.

WL20 - 2% lanthanum-doped tungsten

Better arc initiation at low current, ideal for precision welding on stainless steel, titanium, and nickel.

WC20 - 2% cerium-doped tungsten

Good cold-start performance and a good all-around choice for manual welding of steel and stainless steel.

WTR - Tungsten with Rare Earth Elements

A versatile electrode combining several oxides (lanthanum, cerium, yttrium, etc.). Very good ignition performance, excellent arc stability, and long service life. Suitable for DC and AC welding on a wide range of materials (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium).

WZ8 - Zirconium-doped tungsten

Optimized for AC welding of aluminum and magnesium, it minimizes the risk of contamination of the weld pool.

WY20 - Yttrium Oxide Tungsten

Excellent for high-precision welding of reactive metals.

Choose

How do you choose the right TIG electrode?

The choice of TIG electrode depends mainly on the metal being welded, the type of current used (DC or AC), and the welding current. Here are a few practical guidelines:

Welding of steel, stainless steel, and titanium : Use WL15 or WL20 lanthanum-alloyed grades with direct current (DC).
Welding Aluminum and Magnesium : Use pure tungsten (WP) or zirconium-coated tungsten (WZ8) with alternating current (AC).
Low-intensity precision welding : The WL20 or WC20 provide the best arc initiation.
Replacement of thorium-containing electrodes : The WL15 and WTR are the closest alternatives in terms of performance, without radioactivity.

Our specialists will advise you on selecting the optimal grade based on your application, equipment, and production rates.

Available Sizes

Available diameters, lengths, and packaging options

Concept Métal supplies TIG electrodes in all standard sizes available on the market:

Diameters : 1.0 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 3.2 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 6.4 mm.
Lengths : 150 mm and 175 mm (standard) and custom lengths available upon request.
Packaging : packs of 10 electrodes, industrial boxes, or custom packaging for large-scale production.

To meet the needs of the most demanding applications, we offer custom-made electrodes featuring a variety of geometries: specialized tips, non-standard diameters and lengths, as well as custom sharpening.

Concept Metal, your supplier of TIG electrodes

Concept Métal, a specialist in non-ferrous metals and tungsten, carefully selects its TIG electrode suppliers to guarantee consistent quality and full traceability.

Based in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, we deliver to welding professionals throughout France: metal fabrication shops, pipefitters, aerospace subcontractors, precision machinery manufacturers, and all welding equipment retailers.

For any price inquiries or advice on choosing a TIG electrode grade