Tungsten electrodes were first introduced into the United States market in the early 1980's. These
electrodes were developed as possible replacements for Thoriated electrodes because cerium, unlike
thorium, is not a radioactive element. The EWCe-2 electrodes are tungsten electrodes containing 2
percent cerium oxide (CEO2), referred to as ceria. Compared with pure tungsten, the Ceriated electrodes
exhibit a reduced rate of vaporization or burn-off. These advantages of ceria improve with increased ceria
content. EWCe-2 electrodes will operate successfully with AC or DC.