Application of the activated sintered tungsten rod of gas tungsten arc welding electrodes

The activated sintering of Ni-doped W-powder compact may provide some advantages such as simplification of sintering equipment and energy savings due to low sintering temperatures but it is rarely used for engineering parts. This is because structures have shown brittle characteristics that could neither satisfy the mechanical properties demanded in a W-structural part nor be subjected to further working for final shaping. However, the application of the Ni-activated sintered W-compact to gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW, or TIG welding) electrodes appears to be feasible since thermal and electrical properties are more important than mechanical properties for a GTAW electrode. This electrode is used in a simple form of round rod with a pointed or hemispherical end and therefore there is no need for plastic working. Finish grinding is carried out for surface smoothness and shaping for end profile. Sintered tungsten can be obtained in the form of round rod.