Head-to-head
WT20 vs WC20: the argument, settled
Red tip or grey tip? The honest answer depends on three things: your current range, your re-start frequency, and your workplace-protection regime. Here is the trade-off table we use with customers.
| Criterion | WT20 thoriated | WC20 ceriated |
|---|---|---|
| Arc starting, low current | Very good | Best of the common types |
| Sustained high DC current | Strongest tip life | Erodes faster above mid range |
| Re-start heavy work (orbital, automated) | Good | Excellent |
| AC suitability | Poor | Acceptable low-mid range |
| Radioactive additive | Yes (thorium) — grinding-dust rules apply | None |
| EU workplace practice pressure | Substitution encouraged where equivalent | No substitution pressure |
| Typical buyer | Heavy DC fab with qualified EWTh-2 procedures | Thin sheet, automation, safety-driven shops |
So who wins?
Neither, universally. WT20 remains the right rod where procedures are qualified on it and current runs high and continuous. WC20 wins wherever starting reliability at low-to-mid current decides quality — and everywhere a safety officer has a vote. The market direction is clear: grey and blue lines grow while red declines in Western Europe, and we stock for both realities.
The honest third option
WL20 lanthanated sits between them: near-WT20 current capability, near-WC20 starting ease, no thorium. If you are standardising one DC rod for a mixed shop, blue is usually the answer.
Transition without downtime
We quote mixed trial cartons — for example 200 × WL20 + 100 × WC20 + 100 × WT20 in one shipment — so welders compare on live jobs while production continues on red. See the Europe page for how EU workshops typically sequence the change.
Send your electrode list today
Type, diameter × length, quantity and packing — mixed sizes welcome. You get a specification-confirmed quotation with lead time, normally within 24 hours.