National Standard of the People's Republic of China
Tungsten Electrodes for Arc Welding and Plasma Welding and Cutting
GB/T 31908-2015
Introduction to the standard GB/T 31908-2015 Tungsten electrodes for arc welding, plasma welding and cutting
Standard Number: GB/T 31908-2015
Standard Name: Tungsten Electrodes for Arc Welding and Plasma Welding and Cutting
Chinese Name: 电弧焊和等离子焊接、切割用钨电极
Implementation Date: 2016-06-01
Issuing Authorities: General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China; Standardization Administration of China
Competent Authority: China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association
This content is compiled by CTIA GROUP based on publicly available information for reference only. The official standard text shall prevail. The complete standard document should be obtained through authorized channels.
1.Scope
This standard applies to tungsten electrodes used in arc welding, plasma welding, cutting, spraying, and melting processes, covering technical requirements, inspection rules, packaging, transportation, and related specifications.
2.Normative References
This standard references analytical methods for tungsten chemical composition and oxide content determination, serving as the basis for material quality inspection and composition verification.

3.Product Classification
Tungsten electrodes are classified according to chemical composition and additive types, including WP pure tungsten electrodes, WT thoriated tungsten electrodes, WC ceriated tungsten electrodes, WL lanthanated tungsten electrodes, WZ zirconiated tungsten electrodes, and WY yttriated tungsten electrodes.
3.1 Chemical Composition Classification
Main grades include WP pure tungsten electrodes, WT10/WT20/WT30/WT40 thoriated tungsten electrodes, WC20 ceriated tungsten electrodes, WL10/WL15/WL20 lanthanated tungsten electrodes, WZ3/WZ8 zirconiated tungsten electrodes, and WY20 yttriated tungsten electrodes.
3.2 Color Coding Classification
Color identification is standardized for field use. For example, WP is marked green, WT20 is marked red, WC20 is marked gray, WL20 is marked blue, WZ8 is marked white, and WY20 is marked sky blue.

4.Test Methods
This standard defines requirements for color coding, chemical composition, dimensional tolerances, appearance quality, internal quality, and welding performance of tungsten electrodes.
4.1 Chemical Composition Requirements
Tungsten electrodes must meet specified tungsten purity and oxide additive content ranges. Common additives include thorium oxide (ThO2), lanthanum oxide (La2O3), cerium oxide (CeO2), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and yttrium oxide (Y2O3), each controlled within defined composition limits and tolerances.
4.2 Dimensional Specifications
Common diameters include 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.6 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.4 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.8 mm, 6.4 mm, and 10.0 mm. Common lengths include 75 mm, 150 mm, and 175 mm. All dimensions must comply with specified tolerances.
4.3 Appearance Quality Requirements
The electrode surface must be smooth, clean, and free from oil contamination or visible oxidation. No cracks, folds, inclusions, burrs, or defects affecting performance are allowed. Straightness and surface integrity must be maintained.
5.Inspection Rules
This section outlines the inspection items, sampling methods, inspection procedures, and determination rules for tungsten electrodes. Products are typically grouped into inspection lots based on the same grade, specification, and production batch, and can only be delivered after passing inspection. For any items failing to meet the requirements, re-testing and determination can be carried out according to standard protocols.
6.Marking, Packaging, Transportation, and Storage
6.1 Marking Requirements
Each delivery batch must clearly indicate product name, grade, specification, and quantity.
6.2 Packaging Requirements
Moisture-proof, shock-proof, and anti-contamination packaging must be utilized to avoid mechanical damage during transportation.
6.3 Transportation and Storage Requirements
Moisture and collisions must be avoided during transportation. The products must be stored in a dry, ventilated environment free of corrosive media.
7.Quality Certificate and Ordering Requirements
Each batch must be accompanied by a quality certificate confirming compliance with standard requirements.
7.1 Quality Certificate Content
The certificate includes supplier name, product name, grade, specification, batch number, quantity, net weight, and inspection or production date.
7.2 Ordering Requirements
Orders must clearly specify grade, dimensions, quantity, packaging requirements, and applicable standards.
For any inquiry, please contact tungsten electrode manufacturer: CTIA GROUP
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tel: 0086 592 5129696 / 0086 592 5129595
Website: www.tungsten.com.cn
WeChat:
More info>>
