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Welder Red Seal · Question

A welder is preparing a 2% Lanthanated (blue band) tungsten electrode for DC negative polarity (DCEN) GTAW on carbon steel. What is the correct tip preparation for this application?

For DCEN GTAW, the tungsten electrode should be ground to a sharp point with a small flat at the very tip. This concentrates the arc, provides good penetration,

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Question: A welder is preparing a 2% Lanthanated (blue band) tungsten electrode for DC negative polarity (DCEN) GTAW on carbon steel. What is the correct tip preparation for this application?

Answer options:

  • A finely balled tip, about 1.5 times the electrode diameter. ✅ A sharp, finely ground point with a small flat at the very tip.
  • A blunted tip with a flat equal to half the electrode diameter.
  • A hemispherical tip, perfectly rounded.

Correct answer: A sharp, finely ground point with a small flat at the very tip.

Explanation: For DCEN GTAW, the tungsten electrode should be ground to a sharp point with a small flat at the very tip. This concentrates the arc, provides good penetration, and promotes arc stability. Balled or hemispherical tips are generally for AC applications, and a large blunted tip would diffuse the arc and reduce penetration.

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