WL20 - the blue tungsten electrode for clean seams, long service life and maximum safety

What makes the WL20 so strong?

The WL20 is a lanthanum-doped tungsten electrode. It consists almost entirely of tungsten and contains around 2 % lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃). This lanthanum doping is approximately between 1.8 % and 2.2 % and is the key to the performance of the MMA.

Why is this important? Lanthanum oxide reduces the work function of the Tungsten. This means for you in practical terms:

• The arc ignites more easily.

• The arc remains smoother and wanders less.

• The tip holds its shape longer and does not Torch as quickly.

The result: You get a controlled, clean seam with good penetration and little spatter Penetration and little spatter. Exactly what you want when your Not "somehow joined", but "reliably welded" welded".

The WL20 is classified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 6848 and is clearly recognised identified by the blue colour code. This makes categorisation in everyday use and prevents confusion in the workshop or warehouse.

Safety without compromise

The red, thoriated MMA electrode (WT20) used to be very popular in the TIG sector popular in the TIG sector, mainly because of its strong ignition properties. The problem: Thorium is slightly radioactive. Grinding produces dust that can be which can be inhaled - and that's where the trouble starts.

The WL20 is the modern answer to this problem:

• Radiation-free - no thorium, no radioactivity.

• No special regulations for storage and disposal.

• No radioactive grinding dust in the workplace.

So you get the ignition quality and arc stability you need without the health and legal risks of the old WT20. Precisely is why more and more companies are consistently opting for the blue WL20 as the new standard.

AC and DC - one MMA for almost all materials

A huge advantage of the WL20 is its true universality. This MMA works with both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC ) Alternating current (AC). So you don't have to constantly switch between between different MMAs.

In DC operation (DCEN / MMA on the negative pole):

• Ideal for unalloyed steel, stainless steel, titanium, copper, nickel, Bronze or silicon bronze.

• Smooth, focussed arc.

• Deep, narrow penetration for precise, repeatable seams.

• Very good control even at higher currents or longer welding cycles Welding cycles.

In AC operation (e.g. aluminium and magnesium):

• The WL20 supports the cleaning part of the AC arc.

• The tip forms a stable spherical cap.

• Less spatter, less risk of tungsten inclusions.

• Very good seam quality, even with visible aluminium seams.

This means you can weld steel, stainless steel, aluminium and more with a single MMA, Aluminium and more with a single electrode. This saves effort, storage space and reduces the risk of having the wrong MMA on the wrong component. Especially in series production or when you change components, this is a real components, this is a real productivity factor.

Strong in manual operation - even stronger in automation

The WL20 not only excels in manual welding. It is also perfect for automated TIG welding in robot cells. Why? Because it constantly starts the same way when re-striking. Every Arc starts reliably, without long "re-tickling".

This gives you three clear advantages in automation:

• Fewer process interruptions.

• Fewer electrode replacements.

• Fewer rejects due to unstable starts.

Particularly in automated TIG welding with a robot or in CNC-guided TIG processes, repeat accuracy counts. This is where wL20 clearly stands out from simpler MMAs.

Diameter, service life and suitability for everyday use

The WL20 is available in all common diameters, typically from approx. 1.0 mm to 3.2 mm (and larger), with standard lengths of around 175 mm.

Here's how to find the right size:

• 1.6 mm: good for thin sheets and fine work, but shorter tool life Tool life.

• 2.4 mm: very good all-round diameter for everyday and workshop use Workshop.

• 3.2 mm: first choice for high amperages, thicker materials and long seams.

The larger the diameter, the more robust the tip remains - and the less often you have to regrind or change. For professional users this means: fewer stops, more components per shift.

Grinding and tip shape: how to get the most out of it

The preparation of the MMA determines the quality of your seam Seam.

For DC (e.g. steel, stainless steel), grind the tip to a conical shape. Important:

• Always grind lengthwise, not crosswise.

• Transversely ground grooves make the arc unstable and can lead to tungsten inclusions in the seam Lead to tungsten inclusions in the seam.

• A more acute angle (e.g. approx. 20°) produces a focussed arc with deep penetration Arc with deep penetration.

• A slightly more obtuse angle (25-30°) is thermally more stable at high currents and high currents and increases the service life.

For AC (e.g. aluminium), the tip should not remain needle-shaped but should form a small, clean spherical cap. This round tip stabilises the arc in the alternating current and prevents the tip from Tip from breaking out or overheating.

Tip for professionals: Use a special grinder for tungsten electrodes Tungsten electrodes. You get reproducible geometry and protect From fine dust at the same time.

Don't forget your health when grinding

Even if the WL20 is radiation-free, fine metal dust made of tungsten and Metal dust from tungsten and lanthanum. You can inhale these particles - so so please do not "just quickly use the double grinder without protection". Better:

• Grinder with closed chamber / extraction system.

• Separate grinding disc for clean MMAs.

• Mask (at least FFP2), safety goggles, gloves.

Clean work = clean lungs and clean seam.

Conclusion: WL20 = universal, stable, safe

The blue WL20 tungsten electrode is the logical further development of modern of modern TIG technology. It replaces older, thorium-containing MMA electrodes without Performance loss, delivers top ignition properties, lasts a long time and works in AC and DC - from stainless steel to aluminium.

For you, this means

• Fewer electrode replacements.

• Less process risk.

• Better weld seams - whether single part, series or robot cell.

In short:

WL20 - your reliable MMA for modern TIG welding, manual and automated.