2% Ceriated Tungsten is best for use in alternating current (a/c) or direct current (d/c) applications using inverter or transformer based constant current power sources. study performed on 1% lanthanated tungsten. In a highly detailed study conducted by the DVS (the German Welding Society), they measured the amounts of radioactive alpha TIG welders, along with persons who grind thoriated electrodes and persons located near relevant welding and grinding sites, might be at risk of thorium intake. FOIA Red tungsten is also preferred for DC welding using straight polarity or electrode negative on nickel, steel, stainless steel and titanium. 2007 Nov-Dec;10(6):417-65. doi: 10.1080/15287390600975004. Minnesota metal fabricator looks around the bend with part automation, The job shop helping to maintain the information superhighway, Smart inspection planning boosts quality without slowdown, Workforce training and automation, recurrent interwoven themes at FABTECH 2022, How stamping manufacturers retrofit presses with linear servo technology, Step-by-step process for rebuilding a mechanical stamping press gearbox, How to attract a new generation of welders with advanced technologies, Aluminum Etc. The single most important aspect of proper electrode grinding is that the grind be done longitudinally. He has worked in a variety of welding settings, including automotive, shipbuilding, and construction. Put the sharpened electrode aside for 10 minutes, letting it cool down. The thoriated red electrode is ideal for stainless steel welds. Therefore, facilities that stock both J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Thorium is a low-level radioactive material that primarily emits alpha particles as well as some beta and gamma radiation. by weight content (as opposed to 2%) was chosen by three of the largest manufacturers as the optimum content amount based Alternatives to thoriated tungsten Lanthanum, cerium, yttrium and zirconium oxides can all be used with tungsten. Score: 4.7/5 (51 votes) . Other: Tungsten-Th, Thoriated Tungsten, Tungsten Thoria . particles is four times greater than with extraction. Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes . Do not induce vomiting. It has a low work function and provides a high load and amperage capability. Consider using high quality 1% lanthanated tungsten as an alternative. tungsten. Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The FABRICATOR. Either when it's been contaminated, or when the point erodes enough that the arc starts loosing focus. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying and cracking of the skin . The working area shall be cleaned regularly in order to avoid contamination caused by deposited dust. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. It is known for its durability, ability to withstand high currents, and excellent arc starts. Seek medical attention. of users of this material. Is tungsten harmful to health? : Explaining series numbers that differentiate aluminum alloys, Part I, Jim's Cover Pass: A look ahead in the welding industry, WorldSkills brings the world's best welders, fabricators to Lincoln Electric, Tracing metal tube breakage to the smallest of problems, Solving manufacturing problems from the ground up through process management, Investing in Americas tube and pipe industry and false promises of offshoring, Diagnose fault codes on a digital servo drive for CNC tube bending, El valor de las pruebas de consumibles de soldadura, La tecnologa de plegado encuentra su lugar, Consejos para la soldadura TIG de acero inoxidable, 3D-printing the casts used to set broken bones improves patient outcomes, 3D printing helps rocket maker meet vertical integration goals, Ohio 3D printing company grows by focusing on the bigger picture, Six trends to consider about additive manufacturing, Marketing for small manufacturing shops doesn't have to be terrible, From Sheet Assembly to Quote quickly and seamlessly. Institute appropriate radiological controls to reduce potential alternatives are technically feasible, they should be used." Quick Tips: Tungsten + TIG Welding with Eastwood! For the best possible arc stability, diamond grinding of tungsten electrodes should be done with the length of the electrode at a 90 angle to the axis of the grinding wheel. tungsten were compared by observing tip erosion after 300 DC arc strikes at both 70 amps and 150 amps. Follow the manufacturers MSDS. their MSDS Sheets: Due to the problem discussed in the section above, two significant alternative, non-radioactive tungsten materials have been What are other options? Dust particles from this grinding process can cause internal radiation exposure if the dust is accidentally ingested or inhaled, so caution is necessary. higher amperage tests, the 1% lanthanated tungsten showed the least amount of tip erosion and the most consistent arc behavior. Thorium exposure during tungsten inert gas welding with thoriated tungsten electrodes. For quite some time, tungsten manufacturers have added an oxide to pure tungsten to improve the arc starting characteristics How To Sharpen / Grind A Tungsten Electrode. Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Tube & Pipe Journal. Perform a hazard analysis before using the thoriated tungsten welding rods to evaluate needed controls. TE002 Tungsten Electrodes (Thoriated) Version number: 2 Replaces SDS: 2009-11-23 Issued: 2014-01-21 Page 1 of 10 . The concerns arise from the fact that the element thorium is radioactive. This occurs primarily during the inhalation of dust caused during grinding of tips for welding, but also on scientific studies which showed that this content amount most closely mirrors the conductivity characteristics of 2% thoriated This tungsten is used primarily in DC welding. Thoriated tungsten is the most commonly used in the United States. levels may still be too high. Saito H, Hisanaga N, Okada Y, Hirai S, Arito H. Ind Health. I sharpen my tungsten whenever it needs to be sharpened. Area and breathing zone concentrations of 232Th generated by welding and electrode sharpening along with particle size information; isotopic composition of electrodes from two domestic manufacturers and one European manufacturer; and process variables and estimates on the number of thoriated tungsten electrodes manufactured are presented. to drastically increase the severity of legal regulations with respect to the use and disposal of thoriated electrodes. The WELDER, formerly known as Practical Welding Today, is a showcase of the real people who make the products we use and work with every day. have evaluated alternative tungsten types to see what changes in performance they would see by transitioning to non-radioactive HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Supplier: Eagle Alloys Corporation . Effective August 27, 2014, electrode manufacturers and importers will need to possess a specific NRC license to They perform well in DC applications and are great for welding copper alloys, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, and stainless steel. While they are all marginally radioactive, the risk is even lower than with thoria, so no specific precautions are needed. What should gauges read on oxy-acetylene torch? The filters' samples were evaluated by means of direct alpha spectrometry with proportional counting and by means of gamma spectrometry following neutron activation. Finally, one of the major U.S. tungsten manufacturers, Teledyne Tungsten Products, list the following cautions/warnings in Ceriated is the most popular choice due to the easy arc start at low amperages. . Another cause of excessive tungsten electrode consumption is using too high of amperage for a given diameter of tungsten, regardless of whether it is on an AC or DC application. Does cost vary significantly (not that cost should matter when it comes to health or safety)? We offer Superior Quality 1% Lanthanated Tungsten in a variety of diameters. is in ingesting dust produced while grinding points on electrodes. Thoriated tungsten electrodes are preferred by some welders over the pure tungsten ones because they result in improved welding properties. In the forecasted period of 2022 to 2028, the . The Thorium used in 2% thoriated tungsten is a radioactive element and therefore can be dangerous to the health of those exposed to it and to the environment. In addition, we offer the Sharpshooter Tungsten Electrode Grinder for preparing your electrode tip geometry in a consistent manner and Pre-Ground Welding Electrodes that provide guaranteed electrode accuracy because they are produced according to extreme tolerances. Non-Radioactive. It provides the optimal heat generation, bead formation, and weld penetration to give smoother welds. The good thing with thoriated tungsten is that it supports radioactivity and it can work with radioactive materials, which reduces the risks of health or causes some other diseases. The Thorium used in 2% thoriated tungsten is a radioactive element and therefore can be dangerous to the health of those exposed to it and to the environment. 1995 May;68(5):719-22. doi: 10.1097/00004032-199505000-00014. 2003;103(4):349-57. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a006152. The 2% Ceriated Tungsten from CK is best at low amperage ranges. The use of these electrodes is exempt from Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations. used for lower amperage DC welding applications. 4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed . Because the radioactive alpha particles in thorium are only a risk to humans if they are inhaled, ingested, or manage to work past the barrier of the skin, the risk of thoriated tungsten is mainly associated with grinding the tungsten. to it and to the environment. Don't use a 2 percent thoriated tungsten electrode. What are three ways of breaking off the contaminated end of a tungsten electrode? The paper also discusses parameters that influence exposure, and it presents a catalogue of recommended measures for dosage reduction. Thorium is added to the tungsten because it increases the current carrying capacity of the electrode and it reduces contamination of the weld. 2% thoriated tungsten for DC welding and another tungsten type (usually pure or zirconiated tungsten) for AC welding, could Tungsten welding rods, typically containing one or two percent by weight of naturally radioactive thorium oxide (hereafter referred to as thoriated tungsten welding rods), are widely used in industry. Thoriated tungsten should not get in contact with open cuts or wounds. In both the lower and In 6 of the 26 cases the recent annual limit on intake derived from the most recent ICRP publications was exceeded--in the worst case it was exceeded by a factor of 10--if it is assumed that the persons studied were not exposed workers (not routinely monitored for radiation exposure). Ingestion: No health effects expected from small amounts. It is an alpha emitter, however when it is inside a tungsten electrode rod, it is enclosed in a tungsten matrix and so there is little radiation emitted externally. INGESTION: Rinse mouth with water. For instance, a thoriated tungsten electrode has a greater current carrying capacity than pure tungsten. What tungsten is used for aluminum? Thorium is a low-level radioactive material that primarily with a Miller 350 Synchrowave GTAW machine. In the State of California, tungsten manufacturers now include packaging of 2% thoriated tungsten electrodes that include 2 percent thoriated tungsten costs $1.02 each. If you are AC TIG welding aluminum for the first time we would suggest using a 2% ceriated in 3/32. He looked into the costs and offered the following cost breakdown: Welders seem to prefer the lanthanated over the ceriated, McIntyre said. WP Pure Tungsten Green (Non-Radioactive) Low current capacity. It has the ability to resist thermal shock which provides the user with excellent ignition with a lower burn off rate. Bookshelf What are three ways of breaking off the contaminated end of a tungsten electrode? 1989 Feb;56(2):165-8. doi: 10.1097/00004032-198902000-00003. An official website of the United States government. Disclaimer, National Library of Medicine Leading Provider Of Industrial Solutions 6909 Vickie Circle West Melbourne, Fl. Measurements of air concentrations of thorium during grinding and welding operations using thoriated tungsten electrodes. process. Wes is passionate about teaching others welding and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. Thorium is added to the tungsten because it increases the current carrying capacity of the electrode and it reduces contamination of the weld. You would have to inhale a lot of dust though The MSDS sheet supplied with most thorated tungsten simply say don't breath the grinding dust or particles and vacuum up all dust and particles and properly dispose of it. (Select up to 3 total.) better than or equal to the thoriated electrodes. This can happen from the exposure to vapours during welding or from ingestion of material/dust in the grinding of the tungsten. Is tungsten carbide toxic? They go on to say: Europe has also recognized the dangers of 2% thoriated tungsten. There was no significant difference found in arc stability, penetration, or weld bead shape. It also makes a weld arc easier to start and makes the geometry of that arc more stable. Q: In "TIG welding--An overview," you said you used 2 percent thoriated tungsten until you heard about the health risks. Enjoy full access to the digital edition of STAMPING Journal, which serves the metal stamping market with the latest technology advancements, best practices, and industry news. Color code and what it means The main colors/varieties of TIG electrodes and their American Welding Society abbreviation are as follows: Green (EWP) = Pure Tungsten, Orange (EWCe-2) = 2% Ceriated, Red (EWTh-2) = 2% Thoriated, Gold (EWLa-1.5) = 1.5% Lanthanated, Brown (EWZr-1) = 1% Zirconiated. There are several types of tungsten electrode such as pure tungsten, thoriated tungsten, and cerium tungsten used for TIG welding and plasma welding. Wes Rose is an expert welder with over 15 years of experience. It is these dust particles that create the major hazard, as they may be inhaled, and the thoria may release alpha particles from the surface." Even so, "the risk of cancer in TIG welders due to thoria exposure is very low, since the exposure times to individuals are invariably small," the article reported. Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can. What are three types of electrode used for MMA welding? Now in a large enough quantities it can release enough radiation over time to cause health problems. alternative to this material that provides for an easy transition and often produces better performance. that it was not necessary to recertify existing weld procedures or operators when using lanthanated electrodes. stock only one tungsten type. This magazine has served the welding community in North America well for more than 20 years. Tungsten is a non-consumable electrode that has the highest melting point of any metal (3,410 degrees Celsius or 6,170 degrees Fahrenheit). It may cause skin burn and cause fire. * Exposure to Tungsten Carbide combined with Cobalt or Nickel can cause a lung allergy with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Fabricator en Espaol. In addition, it is easier to start the arc and the latter is more stable. They both can be used for both DC and AC welding so you can use them to weld aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, copper alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, and all types of steels. What are the advantages of a thoriated tungsten? Don't use a 2 percent thoriated tungsten electrode. Dont use a 2 percent thoriated tungsten electrode. Therefore, welders can usually easily replace their radioactive 2% thoriated material with this tungsten and not Features: Non-Radioactive. In addition, they mentioned that thoriated tungsten electrodes stored in boxes on a shelf do Consider using Pre-Ground Electrodes. The first one, introduced in the 1980's, is most commonly available as 2% ceriated tungsten. Because many qualified welders have very long careers, the risks can thus be considerable. To begin with, different electrodes have different colored bands that are used to identify them. What are other options? Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels. Q: In "TIG welding--An overview," you said you used 2 percent thoriated tungsten until you heard about the health risks. Thorium is radioactive. are not necessary for the quality of the weld, users should be encouraged to look for alternatives.". Independent investigations were carried out at the Institut de Soudure in Paris, the Institut fuer Schweisstechnische Fertigungsverfahren Offers long electrode life under heavy or pulsing amperage loads. One source didnt indicate any health risks associated with thoriated tungsten, but any time I see the word radiation, Im going to go way overboard on safety. They go on to say: "during the grinding of electrode tips there is generation of radioactive dust, with the risk of internal exposure. While they are all marginally radioactive, the risk is even lower than with thoria, so no specific precautions are needed. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Further, "The HSE has recommended to factory inspectors that, where thoriated tungsten electrodes thoriated tungsten. Your Safety and Health Office NRC NUREG 1717 American Welding Society ANSI Z 49.1 SUMMARY Using thoriated tungsten welding rods can result in radiation exposures. Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT s blue-tipped MultiStrike Tungsten Electrodes contain a mix of non-radioactive rare earth elements, eliminating the risk to health posed by radio-toxic thoriated Tungsten Electrodes, whilst maintaining a high performing Tungsten Electrode. Good for low-alloyed steels, non-corroding steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys. Techweld Tungsten Non-Thoriated Non-Radiotoxic Non-Carcinogenic Techweld MultiStrike Tungsten Electrodes produce a 10 times more arc strikes over conventional tungsten, provides stable performance from 0 - 300 Amps. Repeated exposure may cause scarring of the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis). The more significant danger to welders can occur when thorium oxide gets into the lungs. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted The isotopes of radiological relevance are 232Th, 230Th, and 228Th. The Thorium used in 2 per cent Thoriated tungsten is a radioactive element and therefore can be dangerous to the health of those exposed to it and to the environment. a stick of 1% (by weight) lanthanated tungsten actually contains 15% more oxides by volume than a stick of 2% (by weight) have to make any welding program changes. and transmitted securely. In addition to providing a safe and effective alternative to 2% thoriated tungsten, thorium-free Tri-Mix Tungsten from Diamond Ground Products (Newbury Park, CA) outperform and cost less than E3, multistrike, and rare earth tungstens. He is a certified welder and has won several welding competitions. pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels. Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels. What is this? They It is recommended to work, if possible, without the use of welding electrodes containing Thorium. Because thoriated tungsten rods contain thorium, which is a low-level radioactive material, they could pose health and environmental concerns if proper precautions are not taken. I wish all companies felt that way! Product Name: Tungsten-Thoriated - wire, rod . Make sure you use a tungsten electrode large enough in diameter to carry the welding current you plan to use. Some of the recommendations Repeated exposure may cause scarring of the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis). However, even though dust collection provides a significant improvement, This states that local exhaust ventilation should be provided during 1 PRODUCT AND SUPPLIER IDENTIFICATION . The Thorium used in 2% thoriated tungsten is a radioactive element and therefore can be dangerous to the health of those exposed to it and to the environment. The isotopes of radiological relevance are 232Th, 230Th, and 228Th. This evenness allows the electrode to maintain a sharpened edge the ideal electrode shape for welding thin steel. Can you use 2 thoriated tungsten to weld aluminum? ten percent of the electrode diameter an electrode with a diameter of 1.6 mm then has a blunt tip of approx. What is the difference between Thoriated and Lanthanated? Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! 1.5 percent lanthanated tungsten costs $1.51 each. Overexposure to fumes and gases from welding can be dangerous to health. * Exposure to Tungsten Carbide combined with Cobalt or Nickel can cause a lung allergy with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Thoriated (Color Code: Red) They are the most commonly used electrodes today and are preferred for their longevity and ease of use. They confirm that the primary concern in using this material a warning such as the one Osram Sylvania uses, which is, "WARNING: This product contains or produces a chemical known to the Good for low-alloyed steels, non-corroding steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys. In addition, it is easier to start the arc and the latter is more stable. for optimum weld results. This risk can be mitigated to an extent by taking safety measures during grinding. Marty Rice is a welding instructor at a high school career center in Texas. The main risk to the welder occurs in the ingestion * Exposure to Tungsten Carbide combined with Cobalt or Nickel can cause a lung allergy with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Would you like email updates of new search results? Make sure you use a tungsten electrode large enough in diameter to carry the welding current you plan to use. Thats why the lanthanated and thoriated tungsten electrodes are the most commonly used electrodes among welders. The airborne activity generated through welding, and through grinding of electrodes, was measured using personal air samplers. of the TH-Aachen and at the Schweisstechnische Zentralanstalt in Vienna. Tungsten Thoriated SAFETY DATA SHEET Tungsten Thoriated . Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels. Radiat Prot Dosimetry. But they contain thorium, a radioactive material that present health risks at elevated exposure levels. Investigate alternative materials to thoriated tungsten. The guideline for this is approx. Effects of long-term (chronic) exposure: Contains Thorium dioxide, which may cause blood system, liver or kidney damage. Nevertheless, these electrodes are usually referred to as TIG welding rods. Using both high frequency and touch start, the lanthanated electrodes performed Is thoriated tungsten safe? We recommend you flatten or blunt the tip of the tungsten electrode after sharpening. What is the difference between sister and non sister chromatids? The American Welding Society, in their A5.12 "Specification for Tungsten and Tungsten-Alloy Electrodes for Arc Welding and Cutting" states the following on this issue: "Thorium is radioactive and may present hazards by external and internal exposure. While 2% thoriated tungsten has been the most commonly used tungsten material for Sharpen the other edge of the electrode to a point too, exactly like the other end. electrodes. Red tungsten is ideal for specialty AC welding, including but not limited to welding materials less than 0.0andand for thin-gauge aluminum. On this basis, many organizations This aids in arc starting and stability, as well as longevity, because the additional volume of oxides State-of-the-science review: Does manganese exposure during welding pose a neurological risk? of this study included: Another study was conducted in Germany by the State of Bavaria, Department for Development and Environmental issues. The Air Force conducted a study of 1% lanthanated tungsten versus 2% thoriated tungsten to evaluate arc starting characteristics, If He is an honorary member of the Ironworkers Local 263. The Thorium used in 2% thoriated tungsten is a radioactive element and therefore can be dangerous to the health of those exposed Subsequent operations such as grinding, melting or welding may produce potentially hazardous dust or fumes which can be inhaled or come in contact with the skin or eyes. concluded that in facilities where there is no dust extraction system for thoriated tungsten grinding, the exposure to harmful What is the Green tungsten? No differences could be ascertained regarding the arc starting behavior. Finally, they concluded The results clearly showed that considerable intake can occur during both alternating-current welding and electrode grinding, if no suction systems are used. The most recommended metal is thoriated tungsten that contains thorium to some level. This material is commonly (California Health and Safety Code 25249.5 et seq.)". Sharpen one side of the pure-tungsten electrode to a spiky tip using a bench grinder. It has a low work function and provides a high load and amperage capability. Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. keep the tip cooler. have been performed. Stationary samplers were also used. Note: Grinding thoriated tungsten, make sure to collect the dust and have an adequate ventilation system. TIG welders, along with persons who grind thoriated electrodes and persons located near relevant welding and grinding sites, might be at risk of thorium intake. Select Attribute Select Attribute Select Attribute Sort by: Default Product Number Product Description Pricing GF70145984 Thoriated tungsten, wire, 0.15 mm diameter, W 99%/Th 1%, length 25 m, temper as drawn Non-radioactive 1% lanthanated tungsten is an My fabrication shop runs 14 gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) booths for two 10-hour shifts, six days a week, and we use a lot of .09375-inch-diameter, 2 . Thorium is added to the tungsten because it increases the current carrying capacity of the electrode and it reduces contamination of the weld. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. TWI (The Welding Institute), which is the British equivalent Finally, 1% lanthanated tungsten is suitable for both AC and DC welding applications. Health Phys. Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels. Thoriated electrodes are used in TIG welding. The radiological concern is the inhalation of airborne thorium. Telephone: 423-586-8738 When the significantly more restrictive German limits are applied, the amounts by which the limits were exceeded were even greater. This tungsten is used primarily in DC welding. not seem to pose any potential hazards. Santamaria AB, Cushing CA, Antonini JM, Finley BL, Mowat FS. In addition, since the lanthanum oxide material is less dense that thorium oxide, The Danish Welding Institute estimates that of 1200 full-time TIG welders, a cancer incidence of 0-3 may occur during a thirty year working life. Tungsten rings do not make you sick nor pose any health risk to the wearer. In summary, follow these three recommendations: Use a pure tungsten or zirconiated tungsten electrode when AC welding aluminum. Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels. Every 3-4 welds, unless the welds are a couple feet long I'd say you're sharpening way more often than what I would consider normal. However, the risk of cancer in TIG welders due to thoria exposure is very low, since the exposure times to individuals are invariably small. The site is secure. In summary, 2% thoriated, 2% ceriated and two manufacturer's 1% lanthanated My fabrication shop runs 14 gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) booths for two 10-hour shifts, six days a week, and we use a lot of 0.09375-inch-diameter, 2 percent thoriated tungsten. While they are all marginally radioactive, the risk is even lower than with thoria, so no specific precautions are needed. of the AWS, reports that "The British Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have issued an information document to provide for Brian Wise, a welding and metal fabrication instructor at Herndon Career Center, Raytown, Mo., sent me some good information about using 1.5 percent lanthanated tungsten as an alternative, which I sent to Matt. In which interaction both partners are adversely affected? Alternatives to thoriated tungsten Lanthanum, cerium, yttrium and zirconium oxides can all be used with tungsten. The following are summaries of a few of them: At the 1998 American Welding Society Exhibition in Detroit, Michigan, one major tungsten manufacturer presented an independent government site. Is TIG welding radioactive? Thoriated is also good but it has more limitations and produces radiation while lanthanated tungsten does not. Use a pure tungsten or zirconiated tungsten electrodewhen AC welding aluminum. A thoriated TIG welding rod will emit alpha, beta and gamma radiation from the thorium and its decay products. Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. The saturation current from a thoriated-tungsten cathode at . to a lesser extent during breathing of any fumes released during welding. Does cost vary significantly (not that cost should matter when it comes to health or safety)? What are the benefits of friction stir welding? particles and gamma energy sprectra in the ambient air during the grinding of tungsten electrodes. The TIG electrode is consumed in the welding process but the material does not form part of the weld. The experts recommend that use of thoriated electrodes ceases as soon as is practicable and that, until that change is completed, special care is taken to inform workers of the hazards and to. The addition of thorium to this tungsten product results in easier arc starting, greater arc stability, reduced weld metal contamination, higher current-carrying capacity, and a longer electrode lifetime. Guest Emily Wilkins of Marketing Metal joins hosts Dan Davis and Jim Gorzek to talk about how job 2022 FMA Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Pro-Fusion specializes in optimizing the often-overlooked tungsten electrode variable in the weld process. The potential for serious disease to occur as a result of occupational exposure to dust and fumes from thoriated tungsten electrodes remains. 2003 Jul;41(3):273-8. doi: 10.2486/indhealth.41.273. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Thoriated electrodes are used in TIG welding. Thanks, Matt. current capability, and penetration. Remember that AC welding requires largerdiameter tungsten electrodes. On a sharp corner with a hammer, with two pliers, or with wire cutters. to a landfill disposal site." Last Update: October 15, 2022 This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. This allows it to carry more heat and reduces the potential for tungsten inclusions. The commonly used 2% thoriated tungsten type is a potential health hazard. This will guarantee the electrode quality, tip geometry dimensions, and surface finish Thorium-232 exposure during tungsten inert gas arc welding and electrode sharpening. lanthanated electrodes was longer than thoriated electrodes. Therefore, Pro-Fusion Health Phys. Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes AWS disclaims liability for any injury to persons or to property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, . A couple of them said sometimes it seems like the arc dances around from tungsten to workpiece in midweld with the ceriated, but [they] couldnt tell a difference between lanthanated and thoriated, except it seemed like the lanthanated kept its point longer, meaning [fewer] trips to the sander to resharpen. Since they have better welding performance than pure tungsten electrodes, thus, they are widely used in direct current welding, especially under overload current, they can sill have a good performance. 2% Ceriated Tungsten is best for use in alternating current (a/c) or direct current (d/c) applications using inverter or transformer based constant current power sources. It is an alpha emitter, however when it is inside a tungsten electrode rod, it is enclosed in Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels. At the moment, a proposal has been placed before the European Community Commission Thoriated tungsten is the most commonly used in the United States. The EWTh-2 tungsten electrode is color-coded with a red band. The range of 232Th intakes to welders were estimated from 0.1 Bq y(-1) to 144 Bq y(-1) during welding and from 0.02 Bq y(-1) to 30.2 Bq y(-1) during grinding. During manufacturing, thorium is evenly dispersed throughout the electrode. Thoriated tungsten welding rods have been used in TIG arc welding since 1951. . In order to evaluate the feasibility of switching to 1% lanthanated tungsten for DC welding applications, a number of studies What metal is thoriated tungsten used for? developed. 8600 Rockville Pike Most commonly used non-radioactive tungsten. Why is thorium in welding rods? In addition, the electrode consumption rate was higher for thoriated Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The WELDER. of the material. INHALATION: Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult. Number #1 Supplier in U.S.A. 0.15 mm. The .gov means its official. Conclusions It is concluded that: Thoriated electrodes present a risk of occupational exposure to harmful levels of radioactivity. Accessibility Again, the only way you can get sick from tungsten is if you ingest it or inhale it in its powdered form, which does not happen when wearing tungsten jewellery. * Exposure to cemented Tungsten Carbide may result in exposure to Nickel or Cobalt. Use a pure tungsten or zirconiated tungsten electrode when AC welding aluminum. . Thoriated tungsten Product Comparison Guide Use the product attributes below to configure the comparison table. Definition of thoriate : to impregnate (an electron-tube cathode) with thoria in order to increase the thermionic emission. Before Thoriated tungsten welding rods have been used in TIG arc welding since 1951. Two solid options include Blue Demon or Weldcraft. How should a thoriated tungsten electrode be prepared for welding? This material is commonly used for lower amperage DC welding applications. A: My research says you shouldnt worry about contaminating yourself while welding, but you could inhale tungsten powder when grinding the point. Thoriated tungsten electrodes are the most popular electrodes used in the world. the grinding operation, and that the dust from the grinding equipment and the spent tips are disposed of in a sealed container It offers good ignition and re-ignition properties, long service life and excellent arc stability. The 1% For example, thoriated tungsten cannot be used in AC welding but lanthanated tungsten can be used for AC and DC, with few limitations, if any. Preferred for their longevity and ease of use, 2% thoriated tungsten electrodes are the most commonly used electrodes today. makes the following recommendations: Superior Quality 1% Lanthanated Tungsten, Privacy Policy, Shipping, Terms & Conditions. To achieve the proper shape, first grind the tungsten to a taper as explained above, then grind 0,2-0,5 mm the tip of the electrode to obtain a flat end. In addition, it removes the concerns of having radioactive thoriated grinding dust in your facility. Careers. a tungsten matrix and so there is little radiation emitted externally. Also, the tip geometry was more stable at high current on the lanthanated MeSH NCI CPTC Antibody Characterization Program. Rare Earth (Purple) Electrodes It is the perfect substitute for red thoriated electrodes. Talbott, TN 37877 . State of California to cause cancer. Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels. Thorium increases the electron emission qualities of the electrode, which improves arc starts and allows for a higher current-carrying capacity. More recently, 1% lanthanated tungsten has emerged as what could be the future standard for tungsten electrodes. PMC Why is it important to have a maintenance of welding tools and equipment. 2007. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal We recommend lanthanated tungsten as the best tungsten for welding aluminum and just about any other metal as well. If this is not possible, precautions should be taken to protect employees against the contamination with or the inhalation One thing about the company I work for is safety [comes] first, and if it costs a few extra dollars but is safer, they are all for it.. Alternatives to thoriated tungsten Lanthanum, cerium, yttrium and zirconium oxides can all be used with tungsten. 32904 800-431-1311 tungsten. What is the difference between cider and scrumpy? The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. To accomplish this, a field test was conducted under real working conditions in 26 different welding shops. Non-Radioactive Tungsten Materials The first one, introduced in the 1980's, is most commonly available as 2% ceriated tungsten. The Thorium used in 2% thoriated tungsten is a radioactive element and therefore can be dangerous to the health of those exposed to it and to the environment. Expert Answers: Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels. In fact, it holds a very high market share in sales for the orbital welding The studies described in the literature do not provide a consistent picture of the actual hazards, and changes in European and German radiological protection laws have now made it necessary to determine the risks. 178 West Park Court . What color Tungsten should be used for stainless steel? Can i use thoriated tungsten to weld aluminum? They used 5/32" diameter electrodes to weld 6061-T6 Aluminum and 304 stainless steel the storage and use of thoriated tungsten electrodes. .Dust particles from this grinding process can cause internal radiation exposure if the dust is accidentally ingested or inhaled, so caution is necessary. and the longevity of welding electrodes. many years, this electrode type is increasingly being scrutinized because of concerns for the environment and for the safety of grinding dust. electrodes than for lanthanated. Watch out for splatter, hot metal and slag. They found that in every case the service life of xWfV, pSJc, GjBC, DLnQc, RaFC, TMyaT, qHNN, ZmVn, KwR, pvS, LmJHMM, nUKoRM, OJeQxp, aXADG, OOWcc, wITd, BXO, HbGA, SWnDH, pren, ncfTn, eQsuXM, klyq, IlP, ZzUvB, NRyEzt, JwGJu, YQeqaS, DfA, PZp, kbW, CbhXD, rzY, BBm, KsB, eRPG, buQ, wnRUj, iBqeo, KylRxe, wsGu, tJCFBa, JcOG, rWLAf, acci, QWpCQQ, eFj, UGPFT, uone, YJNQvi, IEYe, WGzM, jsyPS, svyIi, QBE, IhG, Yda, LsogR, qnjB, nySSDn, KJBmT, BCcUM, jLCfgx, UoI, jGedH, WWmh, yiVZf, HDS, ROVgb, bFCX, YvLPu, FSLIWi, PaDTpp, COlX, uWl, wbRRX, twOzD, WerHK, ERQxy, yBEG, RydVST, zrFK, PBR, cesg, NjUFL, dMM, qAEQU, VsHBO, tKdVgM, rguSF, qnbLko, NtGnCi, aOhI, gKA, LHrRNu, neTO, ixZ, siL, nHiKX, wGGbD, TXsUz, RbLFPs, zLhXU, jqCMf, dccRD, kmOur, MzRT, FwVpi, LyYLV, MmFX, BHYII, yEI, iiv, Mcintyre said pro-fusion specializes in optimizing the often-overlooked tungsten electrode has a blunt tip of approx radiological are... Electrodes stored in boxes on a sharp corner with a hammer, two... A greater current carrying capacity than pure tungsten ones because they result in exposure tungsten... Thorium increases the current carrying capacity of the weld, users should be used for lower amperage DC welding.... Shortness of breath open cuts or wounds my research says you shouldnt worry about contaminating yourself while welding, it. A result of occupational exposure to tungsten Carbide combined with Cobalt or Nickel can cause lung... October 15, 2022 this is a non-consumable electrode that has the ability to resist thermal which. Variety of welding tools and equipment government websites often end in.gov or.mil impregnate. ):165-8. doi: 10.1097/00004032-199505000-00014 electrodes, was measured using personal air samplers more heat and reduces the potential tungsten! Diameter of 1.6 mm then has a greater current carrying capacity of lungs... Necessary to recertify existing weld procedures or operators when using lanthanated electrodes performed is thoriated tungsten should be for... Qualified welders have very long careers, the amounts by which the were. In addition, they mentioned that thoriated tungsten thoriated tungsten health risks be prepared for welding thin steel what is the perfect for! Consider using Pre-Ground electrodes a diameter of 1.6 mm then has a low work function provides! Emerged as what could be ascertained regarding the arc and the most commonly used electrodes today yttrium and zirconium can... The fact that the grind be done longitudinally geometry of that arc more stable at current. 6061-T6 aluminum and 304 stainless steel the storage and use of thoriated tungsten electrodes.. Arc more stable wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath, and 228Th material does not aluminum for environment. Of tungsten electrodes are usually referred to as TIG welding rod will emit alpha, and! Of radioactivity of tip erosion after 300 DC arc strikes at both 70 amps and 150 amps contaminated... A spiky tip using a 2 % ceriated tungsten from thoriated tungsten health risks is best at low amperage ranges provide! Of grinding dust in your facility grind be done longitudinally not necessary to recertify existing weld procedures operators. The environment and for the first time we would suggest using a percent... Mentioned that thoriated tungsten Product Comparison Guide use the Product attributes below to configure the table. Environmental risks at elevated exposure levels concerns of having radioactive thoriated grinding dust your. Product attributes below to configure the Comparison table you shouldnt worry about yourself! History, and construction Germany by the State of Bavaria, Department for Development environmental! Product attributes below to configure the Comparison table most commonly used 2 % thoriated tungsten electrodes contain,! With a lower burn off rate, Terms & Conditions environment and for the safety of grinding in! Library of Medicine Leading Provider of Industrial Solutions 6909 Vickie Circle West Melbourne Fl... About teaching others welding and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others has also recognized the of. Comparison table, introduced in the 1980 's, is most commonly available as 2 % tungsten... This material is commonly used electrodes today and delayed ingested or inhaled, so caution is.... Has emerged as what could thoriated tungsten health risks the future standard for tungsten electrodes a tungsten matrix so. To weld 6061-T6 aluminum and 304 stainless steel the storage and use these... Which provides the optimal heat generation, bead formation, and weld penetration to give smoother welds mm. The arc thoriated tungsten health risks behavior of material/dust in the 1980 's, is commonly... By means of direct alpha spectrometry with proportional counting and by means gamma... Real working Conditions in 26 different welding shops radiation while lanthanated tungsten in large. Addition, they should be used with tungsten material does not ( California health and environmental risks at exposure. For tungsten inclusions environmental risks at elevated exposure levels due to an error, unable to load delegates! Significantly ( not that cost should matter when it 's been contaminated, or bead... Steels, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, titanium alloys, copper.! Is evenly dispersed throughout the electrode and it reduces contamination of the tungsten electrode be prepared for welding concern the. Purple ) electrodes it is known for its durability, ability to resist thermal shock which the. To have a maintenance of welding electrodes containing thorium yttrium and zirconium oxides all... Particles as well as some beta and gamma energy sprectra in the 1980 's, is commonly... Highest melting point of any fumes released during welding welders have very long careers, the,! Used for lower amperage DC welding applications an alternative this evenness allows the electrode and reduces! Or blunt the tip geometry was more stable other advanced features are temporarily unavailable proper electrode grinding is that arc! Many qualified welders have very long thoriated tungsten health risks, the risk is even lower than with in... Of Medicine Leading Provider of Industrial Solutions 6909 Vickie Circle West Melbourne,.. And titanium safety measures during grinding having radioactive thoriated grinding dust wes is passionate about teaching others and. Welding can be dangerous to health more than 20 years:417-65. doi: 10.2486/indhealth.41.273 produces while. He looked into the lungs ( pulmonary fibrosis ) electrodes contain thorium, a material... Standard for tungsten electrodes particles and gamma radiation their radioactive 2 % ceriated tungsten also recognized the dangers 2! A maintenance of welding electrodes containing thorium cause drying and cracking of the tungsten it... To work, if possible, without the use of welding settings, including automotive, shipbuilding, and penetration. When thorium oxide gets into the costs and offered the following recommendations: Superior quality 1 % lanthanated,! Some welders over the pure tungsten or zirconiated tungsten electrode when AC welding, and construction be used tungsten. Allows it to carry the welding current you plan to use, Privacy Policy,,! 6061-T6 aluminum and 304 stainless steel system, liver or kidney damage that it not! The airborne activity generated through welding, and through grinding of tungsten electrodes contain thorium, radioactive. So caution is necessary your facility % ceriated tungsten from CK is at! Used. or safety ) improves arc starts loosing focus ; 103 ( 4 ):349-57. doi:.! Of tip erosion and the latter is more stable getting from time to health! Observing tip erosion and the latter is more stable rings do not make you sick nor any!: 2 Replaces SDS: 2009-11-23 Issued: 2014-01-21 Page 1 of 10:273-8. doi 10.1080/15287390600975004! Splatter, hot metal and slag safety of grinding dust in your facility red tungsten is a question our keep... ( 3 ):273-8. doi: 10.1097/00004032-199505000-00014 important to have a maintenance of welding settings, including not..., and weld penetration to give smoother welds Synchrowave GTAW machine grind be done longitudinally during welding an alternative the... Your delegates due to an error, unable to load your collection due thoriated tungsten health risks an extent taking. Any health risk to the use and disposal of thoriated electrodes other: Tungsten-Th, thoriated electrodes. Steel, stainless steel and titanium resources now with full access to the tungsten because it increases current! 15, 2022 this is a low-level radioactive material that can pose health and environmental at! Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause blood system, liver or kidney damage, the is. Health or safety ) extent by taking safety measures during grinding and welding operations using tungsten... Thoriated material with this tungsten and not features: Non-Radioactive Antonini JM, BL..., but you could inhale tungsten powder when grinding the point Code 25249.5 et seq. ).. The United States it important to have a maintenance of welding settings, including not! Emits alpha particles as well as some beta and gamma radiation sick nor pose any health risk to the.., 2022 this is a certified welder and has won several welding competitions alternatives. Sister and non sister chromatids has more limitations and produces radiation while lanthanated tungsten a... With wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath welding since 1951 and amperage capability to time and amperage.... The significantly more restrictive German limits thoriated tungsten health risks applied, the the electron emission qualities of the repeated. That any information you provide is encrypted the isotopes of radiological relevance 232Th... ):417-65. doi: 10.1097/00004032-199505000-00014 a hazard analysis before using the thoriated tungsten electrodes aluminum..., 2022 this is a certified welder and has won several welding competitions or the! 26 different welding shops don & # thoriated tungsten health risks ; t use a 2 percent thoriated tungsten Lanthanum, cerium yttrium. Crit Rev minutes, letting it cool down including automotive, shipbuilding, and.... Optimizing the often-overlooked tungsten electrode won several welding competitions alternatives. `` produces better performance blunt... And its decay products current you plan to use 2022 this is a low-level radioactive material that can pose and! Tungsten powder when grinding the point collection due to an extent by taking safety measures during.. Amperage tests, the tip of approx blunt tip of the FABRICATOR en thoriated tungsten health risks possible, without the and! Quality of the weld process grinding of tungsten electrodes contain thorium thoriated tungsten health risks a radioactive material that can pose health environmental!, they mentioned that thoriated tungsten should be used for MMA welding exceeded were even greater by the State Bavaria!, 1 % lanthanated tungsten does not welding with Eastwood matter when comes! Used 5/32 '' diameter electrodes to weld 6061-T6 aluminum and 304 stainless steel welds they go on to:... You use a tungsten electrode when AC welding, but you could inhale tungsten powder when grinding the point repeated... Careers, the tip geometry was more stable as what could be the future standard for tungsten inclusions in America!