Ceriated tungsten electrodes perform best in DC welding at low
current settings but can be used proficiently in AC processes. With its
excellent arc starts at low amperages, ceriated tungsten has become popular in
such applications as orbital tube and pipe fabricating, thin sheet metal work,
and jobs involving small and delicate parts. Like thorium, it is best used to
weld carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium, and in some
cases it can replace 2 percent thoriated electrodes. Ceriated tungsten has
slightly different electrical characteristics than thorium, but most welders
can't tell the difference.