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F4 Electrodes for Plasma Spraying Gun
Laser Welding Machines

F4 Electrodes for Plasma Spraying Gun | RFQ Sourcing Details

Laser Welding Machines · Quote on request

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Product specs

CategoryLaser Welding Machines
Unitset
MaterialThoriated Tungsten: The electrode tip is almost exclusively made from tungsten doped with thorium oxide (ThO2) , commonly referred to as 2% Thoriated Tungsten . This
CategoryLaser Welding Machines
AvailabilityInquiry required
Updated2026-05-29

Buyer's Digest

Use this page as a product-first sourcing checkpoint before sending an RFQ. Category: Laser Welding Machines. Confirm application fit, capacity, materials, destination, lead time and compliance requirements before comparing suppliers.

Original product description

The F4 electrode is a critical consumable component located within the cathode assembly of the widely used Oerlikon Metco F4 (and its variants like F4MB, F4NX) DC plasma spray gun. It plays a fundamental role in generating the plasma arc.

Here are its key characteristics and functions: Function: F4 Cathode (Negative Terminal): The electrode serves as the cathode (negative terminal) in the plasma circuit.

Its primary function is to emit electrons necessary to initiate and sustain the plasma arc that ionizes the plasma gas (typically argon, hydrogen, nitrogen, or mixtures).

Material: Thoriated Tungsten: The electrode tip is almost exclusively made from tungsten doped with thorium oxide (ThO2) , commonly referred to as 2% Thoriated Tungsten .

This material is chosen for its exceptional properties: High Melting Point: Essential for withstanding the extreme temperatures at the arc attachment point (>3000°C).

High Electron Emission: Thorium oxide significantly lowers the work function of tungsten, making it much easier for electrons to be emitted from the surface (thermionic emission). This results in a more stable arc at lower voltages and currents compared to pure tungsten.

Erosion Resistance: While it erodes over time, thoriated tungsten offers good resistance to the intense heat and ion bombardment at the cathode spot. Structure: Tip: The critical front-end part is typically conical or slightly rounded.

This is where the high-current-density arc attaches locally ("cathode spot") and electron emission occurs. This tip undergoes the most erosion. Body: The rear section is usually cylindrical and acts as the electrical conductor and thermal path.

It's often made of copper or a copper alloy for excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Assembly: The thoriated tungsten tip is often inserted or brazed into a copper (or copper alloy) holder.

This construction leverages the high conductivity of copper for cooling and current conduction, combined with the superior emission and erosion properties of tungsten at the hot tip. Some designs may use a solid thoriated tungsten rod.

Operation & Electron Emission: When high voltage is applied between the electrode (cathode) and the nozzle (anode), a pilot arc is initiated (often via high frequency). High current flows through the electrode. Due to its electrical resistance and the intense plasma gas hea

F4 | Applications and Buyer Notes

F4 is organized as a sourcing-ready Laser Welding Machines reference. The page combines visible product or company data with structured procurement cues so buyers can compare application fit, specifications, quantity, quality requirements and lead-time questio

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Key specifications

Category
Laser Welding MachinesBased on visible page data; confirm exact value in the RFQ.
Unit
setBased on visible page data; confirm exact value in the RFQ.
Material
Thoriated Tungsten: The electrode tip is almost exclusively made from tungsten dBased on visible page data; confirm exact value in the RFQ.

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Source mix: ugc

Key specifications

CategoryLaser Welding Machines
Unitset
MaterialThoriated Tungsten: The electrode tip is almost exclusively made from tungsten doped with thorium oxide (ThO2) , commonly referred to as 2% Thoriated Tungsten . This

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