In the tungsten cleaning process, what is used to dissolve the end of the tungsten?

The cleaning process for tungsten involves the use of a cleaning compound that is designed to effectively remove any contamination, oxides, or surface impurities from the tungsten electrode. This is crucial in gas tungsten arc welding, as a clean tungsten tip ensures a stable arc and a high-quality weld.

Cleaning compounds typically contain chemicals that can chemically react with the oxides on the surface of the tungsten, allowing these unwanted materials to dissolve and be easily wiped away. This process improves the electrical conductivity of the tungsten and helps maintain consistent arc characteristics during welding.

While water and solvent might have cleaning properties, they lack the specific reactive capability needed to deal with the unique oxides found on tungsten. Acid solutions could theoretically clean tungsten; however, they may also be more aggressive than necessary and could damage the electrode or create safety hazards. Therefore, the most effective and safe choice for cleaning tungsten is the use of a specially formulated cleaning compound.