When cleaning a tungsten electrode, what must be avoided to maintain its effectiveness?

To maintain the effectiveness of a tungsten electrode, avoiding excessive heat application is critical. Tungsten electrodes are designed to withstand high temperatures, but subjecting them to excessive heat can lead to contamination and distortion of the electrode tip. This can negatively affect arc stability and may result in poor weld quality. The strength and integrity of the electrode are compromised when it is overheated, causing a degradation in performance during the welding process.

In addition to this key consideration, other factors like handling time, the quality of cleaning compounds, and water immersion all have their implications. However, none of these have the same immediate and pronounced effect on the electrode's performance as excessive heat application does. Therefore, ensuring that the tungsten electrode is cleaned properly without subjecting it to too much heat is essential for effective gas tungsten arc welding.