Which tungsten electrode designation corresponds to 1/4% to 1/2% Zirconium Tungsten?

• A. EWZr
• B. EWLa-1
• C. EWP
• D. EWCe-2

Answer: (A)

Tungsten electrode designations encode the alloying element in the tungsten. When zirconium is added in a small amount (about 0.25% to 0.50%), the electrode is labeled with zirconium in the code, indicating a zirconium-containing tungsten. That makes EWZr the designation for this exact type of electrode. Zirconium helps with arc ignition and stability, especially in AC TIG welding of aluminum, and can reduce electrode wear. The other labels point to different dopants: lanthanum-doped tungsten, pure tungsten with no alloying, and cerium-doped tungsten, each with its own performance characteristics. So, EWZr specifically identifies zirconium-containing tungsten in that low percent range.