Why Are Amplify Brand Tungstens More Expensive Than Weldcraft?

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Both are the same type of tungsten and from the same manufacturer?Thanks
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Reply:It doesn't matter how much I spend on tungsten when I dip it in the puddle.  DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:The simple answer is that it depends on from whom you purchase the electrodes.  Distributors have different agreements with each wholesaler.  If you buy direct, you may get better discounts based on your volume and purchase history.  By the same token, Amplify and Weld Craft each have independent agreements with the electrode manufacturers and most likely do not get the same wholesale prices.  Last point on the business side is that the two companies have different profit margins and therefore mark their products up by different amounts.  For example, if Amplify generally sells to small fab-shops and distributors they may price their products lower to better compete with other products on the shelf.  On the other hand, if the majority of Weld Crafts electrodes are sold in bulk to large welding houses and major companies, they may charge a premium prices in exchange for a guarantee of stock and delivery.  That last part is just a hypothetical example of why two companies with the same product may charge different prices, not a real explanation of the situation.On this note though, in the last year or so I have heard many complaints about the overall quality and dependability of many makes of tungsten electrodes.  Many of the tungsten manufacturers are oversees and it turns out that their metallurgy quality control is average at best.  After months of inconsistent welds, the Quality Control Department at Bechtel Plant Machinery undertook detailed metallurgical analysis of a number of differently doped electrodes from multiple suppliers.  The results were startling and troubling.  Electrodes were color coded incorrectly.  Batches of 1.5% La included incorrectly color coded 2% Th electrodes.  Entire packages of 1.5% La color coded electrodes were actually pure tungsten.  Other doping levels were not correct in tri mixes as well as low percentage levels in samples of almost all types procured.  Longitudinal surface cracks were present in almost all specimens, and though not rejectable condition per AWS A5.12, it is rejectable per ISO 6848.  Surface cracks have been linked to inconsistent arc starting as well as unstable arc problems.Some tungsten electrode suppliers have initiated more stringent quality control requirements to ensure that their products do in fact meet the product specifications.  In the past they simply took the electrode manufacturers at their word.  This may also be a contributing factor in variations of prices in what one may assume to be the same product.I hope this was helpful to at least some of you.  Depending on the industries that you are working in and the your governing codes, you may consider carefully selecting from whom you purchase your electrodes.  I recommend only purchasing from well established companies that guarantee their metals are manufactured in the US or Europe and will meet their metallurgical specifications as well as the more commonly applied codes.  These electrodes will most certainly be more expensive than your run of the mill brands, and many applications do not justify the additional expense.  I have had one customer, contracted for very specialized work, required to replace 3 weeks worth of work when it was determined that all welds were performed with electrodes not conforming to the applicable Mil-Spec.  This is an extreme example, but not one that anyone would want to have to go through.  Check your applicable codes carefully and if in doubt, I recommend spending the money on high quality electrodes to cover your butt.
Reply:Thanks  Chris welds!  That makes sense. I appreciate that helpful and informative reply.