How can the end of a tungsten electrode be shaped?

• A. Breaking
• B. Remelting the end
• C. Chemical Compounds
• D. Grinding

Answer: (D)

Shaping a tungsten electrode ends up being a precise grinding task. You remove material with a grinding wheel to form the tip geometry you need, whether a sharp point for a focused, narrow arc or a small rounded ball for a smoother, more stable arc in certain conditions. The way the tip is ground directly affects arc starting, stability, heat concentration, and weld quality, so you shape it deliberately and keep the tungsten clean and uncontaminated.

Breaking the electrode isn’t used because it can create irregular edges and fragments that contaminate the weld and cause arc instability. Remelting the end would alter the electrode’s structure and potentially introduce contaminants or change performance. Chemical methods aren’t how you shape a tungsten tip. Grinding is the standard, controlled method to achieve the desired geometry.