In one of the ESAB catalogs, they mention as another benefit of the copper coating...copper to copper (instead of copper to steel) contact at the tip means far better current transfer, less arcing, less contact tip erosion at higher WFS and better contact tip life. Quick arc starting minimizes weld spatter. Produces spray arcs at lower arc voltages, lower weld metal hydrogen levels and better penetration. <---sales catalog, so take that for what it is worth.