What kind of tungsten for tig welding

Why use green, pure tungsten electrodes? They work well on AC sine wave welding and form a solid balled tip that results in a stable arc.

Welders can grind the tip of these electrodes to a sharp point and enjoy and stable arc that last a long time. The final weld puddle is cleaner since the electrode leaves fewer deposits, and thorium allows for easier arc starts and higher current-carrying capacity. Welders can work on projects that include thin aluminum, titanium, carbon steel, stainless steel, and nickel. Since thorium is radioactive, welders remain cautious about using these electrodes.

Since it can weld carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium, some welders have found that it works well as a replacement for thoriated electrodes. Ceriated is not recommended for welding at higher amps since the heat can change the composition of the electrode. Welders prefer to work with Ceriated electrodes at lower temperatures for small, precise parts, pipe fabricating, and welding thin metal.

It can weld steel from a square wave power source and it offers reliable arc starts and arc stability. Due to its durability and versatility, some welders use Lanthanated in place of thoriated since there are no radioactive elements in the metal. Below is a table describing the differences in TIG electrode types , and you can find the full product line at midwesttungsten.

Extremely long lasting and highly durable, these electrodes are a staple in DC welding applications. These red electrodes are best for copper alloys, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, and non-corroding steels. Buy Now Ceriated Grey DC Grey ceriated electrodes are popular due to their extreme ease of striking an arc with lower amperages, and their extraordinary performance with regard to DC welding applications.

They perform best with titanium alloys, copper alloys, magnesium alloys, aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, non-corroding steels, and low-alloyed steels. Buy Now 0. Green electrodes are perfect for weld projects containing magnesium alloys or aluminum alloys.

Buy Now 1. They are best for welds with titanium alloys, copper alloys, nickel alloys, and non-corroding steel. Which should I use? Fill out the form below or email us at mts tungsten. However, the metal has minimal heat-resisting properties and needs to be manipulated to increase heat resistance as well as current-carrying ability.

Rare-earth, lanthanum, thorium, cerium, and zirconium add to tungsten and improve its ball maintaining capability. They help in point maintenance in the electrodes. The production efficiency of TIG welding directly depends upon the use of an electrode, the power supply, the choice of shield gas, and the welding job. Ceriated and Lanthanated electrodes are ideal for both AC and DC welding because of their performance and because they are radiation-free.

You can use them for all welding jobs, and they are easily comparable to thoriated electrodes. Thoriated electrodes do not ball up evenly, but they carry amperage very well.

With thorium oxide, you can use a smaller electrode. It is commonly used with an AC power supply. Zirconiated electrodes produce extremely stable arcs and are highly resistant to splitting. They perform better than thorium in AC welding. The thoriated red electrode is ideal for stainless steel welds. It provides the optimal heat generation, bead formation, and weld penetration to give smoother welds. A pure tungsten electrode or a zirconiated tungsten electrode works best with AC aluminum welds.

An AC power supply requires the use of larger diameter electrodes to reduce resistance. Blue tungsten is a good substitute for thorium oxide. It provides proper arc ignition and is more long-lasting than thoriated electrodes. It can be used for both AC and DC welding with both transformer and inverter power sources. Additional menu.

Types of Tungsten Electrodes Choosing the right electrode is a critical part of an efficient welding procedure. Pure Tungsten — Green Pure tungsten electrodes comprise of Rare Earth-Gray Rare Earth is one of the elements that are added to pure tungsten.

Thorium Oxide Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain They are useful when it comes to welding the following materials: Aluminum alloys Magnesium alloys Nickel alloys copper alloys titanium alloys Low-alloyed steels Non-corroding steels Cerium Oxide Ceriated electrodes are made of Some compounds metals that they can be used with are: non-corroding steels carbon nickel aluminum magnesium titanium copper alloys They are long-lasting electrodes with excellent ignition and re-ignition capabilities.

Zirconiated Electrodes Zirconiated electrodes consist of Advantages A DC supply is ideal for welders who require faster deposit rates Produces very little spatter Gives a smoother weld Higher production yield A consistent and stable electrical arc Disadvantages Requires special equipment Costly Unsuitable for aluminum High-intensity heat production High-risk procedure When using Direct Current power sources, take extra care.

Alternating Current Power Supply An AC power source alternates the current flow from positive to negative and negative to positive around times per second, depending upon the frequency of the supply.