I use E3's and they are great, you can use them for AC and DC and any metal. Generally, you will want to grind the taper on the tungsten to a distance of no more than 2.5 times the electrode diameter (for example, for a 1/8-in. Therefore, you wont have to worry about the power supply. Its known for good arc stability, lower burn-off rate, and impressive re-ignition characteristics. This type of tungsten is most widely used to weld aluminum using alternating current (AC). Principal Oxide: 1.7-2.2% Thorium Oxide. 2022 WeldGallery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. It does not have great characteristics when welding with AC. Therefore, if you know what combination each color indicates, you can identify the perfect tungsten electrode while welding aluminum. A zirconiated tungsten electrode produces an extremely stable arc and resists tungsten spitting. [18] [19] Contents It can replace thoriated tungsten because of similar conductivity. They are the most commonly used electrodes today and are preferred for their longevity and ease of use. For my money, I still get the best results from 2 percent thoriated, and in my shop Ill continue to use it as long as I can get my hands on it. But for both AC and DC, you need to use the blue-colored 2% lanthanated and the gold-colored 1.5% lanthanated tungsten. Thats why those several combinations show different colors in reality. To put it simply, purple tungsten is for stainless steel. 30grind angle:this is the most common grind angle for most welding applications. The magazine delivers the news, technical articles, and case histories that enable fabricators to do their jobs more efficiently. The electrodes can maintain any sharpened points while welding aluminum and stainless steel. (WP green) empowers an exceptionally consistent circular segment. It balls well on its own and does not drip or spit making it a premium choice for radiographed welds. 15x Cutting blades (5x 30 degree, 5x 45 degree, 5x 60 degree). Hopefully, you have learned what color tungsten for aluminum while welding. The main properties incorporate an exceptionally high softening point, a low fume pressure, and the most elevated hardness and strength, everything being equal. Another advantage is that the blue-colored tungsten can create pretty lovely arcs. Thats because surface material is not suitable for every possible arc stability or temperature. Compared to their blue counterparts, gold lanthanated tungsten electrodes contain slightly less lanthanum oxide. How To Change The Wheel On A Bench Grinder, Wood Sanding Tips: How To Sand Wood By Hand. Mike Sammons is sales and marketing manager for Weldcraft, 2741 N. Roemer Road, Appleton, WI 54911, 920-882-6811, fax 920-882-6844, customerservice@weldcraft.com, www.weldcraft.com. When you need a balled tip and you want the least amount of contamination, brown electrodes are the obvious choice. 2% thoriated: These are the least preferred electrodes for . It works remarkably well on both aluminium and magnesium. We thought perhaps breathing in the dust might be an issue, but joked that unless youre snorting it, you probably wouldnt get enough into your body to cause problems. Thats because they can perform well in lower temperatures. Use on most metals AC or DC output (I prefer Gold type). This allows it to carry more heat and reduces the potential for tungsten inclusions. Disadvantage: The purple electrode is extremely fragile and the tips tend to break off at higher amperages (175 - 225 amps). Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The FABRICATOR. Theres another tungsten which is 0.40% zirconiated (brown), and it can be used in AC. Tungsten wire can also be used to make direct heating cathodes and grids of electronic oscillating tubes and indirect heating cathode heaters in various electronic instruments. Apply the AC amperage recommended for the electrode diameter. They are recomended for aluminum alloys, copper alloys, low-alloyed steels, and non-corrosive steels. It is also used for making wear-resistant abrasives, and milling and turning tools. What is purple tungsten used for? Like Lanthanated-Tungsten Electrode (WLa10, WLa15, WLa20), Multi-compond Rare-earth Tungsten Electrode (WXY30), Ceriated-Tungsten Electrode (WCe20), Thoriated-Tungsten Electrode (WTh10, WTh20, WTh30, WTh40), Zirconium-Tungsten Electrode (WZr3,WZr8), Pure Tungsten . 60grind angle: works great for deep fillet welds, deep groove welds, and piping. Red-tipped tungsten electrodes fall in the mid-range for amperage and erosion, as well as spitting tendencies. Advanced: Nectar . The thoriated electrode is sometimes called 2 percent because it contains thorium to that specific amount, while the lanthanated electrode is 1 . Works great for alternating current welding on an inverter machine, too. 30grind angle with a blunted tip: works great for high amperage welding because it prevents the tungsten from deteriorating and ejecting into the weld pool. What is red tungsten used for? Pure tungsten electrodes are . Red = 2% Thoriated. Choosing an electrode for GTAW depends on the base material type and thickness and whether you weld with alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Box is not included. Thoriated tungsten electrodes (AWS classification EWTh-2) contain a minimum of 97.30 percent tungsten and 1.70 to 2.20 percent thorium and are called 2 percent thoriated. 2% Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes - Red Tipped Containing 1.7% to 2.2% thorium oxide, this radioactive tungsten electrode works well with mild steel, stainless steel and other non-corroding metals. Tungsten is the only metal in the third transition series that is known to occur in biomolecules, being found in a few species of bacteria and archaea. Used Skip to main content. It also makes a weld arc easier to start and makes the geometry of that arc more stable. We supply all kinds of tungsten electrode for the world! The balling theory states that tungsten needs to be balled to be used on AC. Why Tungsten Color Matters for Aluminum Welding? Its also known as rare earth electrodes (truly non-radioactive alternative) that can replace the red tungsten electrodes. Tungsten has important niche roles in x-ray tubes and in radiation shielding. But we dont recommend using it in high amperages because the metal oxide might quickly migrate excess heat. Check out our tungsten red selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our wedding bands shops. When I was doing some welding it usually meant a multipurpose electrode. Here are the most common grind angle and the advantages that come along with them. Works especially well at lower amperages. The red 2% thoriated electrode is America's favorite electrode for a reason. The thorium allows for easier arc starts and higher current-carrying capacity. First of all, tungsten just doesnt come in pure form. It also can fall off and contaminate the weld. Each size will dramatically affect your arc, which will affect your weld. Using ceriated electrodes at higher amperages is not recommended because higher amperages cause the oxides to migrate quickly to the heat at the tip, removing the oxide content and nullifying its process benefits. Use for Tig Welding Mild Steel and Stainless Steel. Lanthanated tungsten electrodes (AWS classification EWLa-1.5) contain a minimum of 97.80 percent tungsten and 1.30 percent to 1.70 percent lanthanum, or lanthana, and are known as 1.5 percent lanthanated. The pure tungsten comes in green color. Tungsten-bearing deposits occur in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and along the eastern coast of Australia. Subscribe to our newsletter and always be the first to hear about what is happening. Tungsten compounds are often used as industrial catalysts . Weldstone 2.4mm x 175mm 1.5% Lanthanated Tungsten Electrodes - 10 Pack. Word of Caution: Thorium is a radioactive material. Green is softer and balls up easier for AC welding aluminum, but it doesn't handle heat as well. Make sure you use a tungsten electrode large enough in diameter to carry the welding current you plan to use. I am assuming you are referring to the tungsten used for TIG welding. The E3 electrode, as it is known, has many advantages! So you may not be able to tell the difference. Remember that AC welding requires larger-diameter tungsten electrodes. The new tungsten terminal will ultimately turn into the main tungsten as Thoriated electrodes become more diligently imported because of the radioactive substance. It has similar characteristics to thoriated tungsten. Work safely and ensure proper weld finish every time! Lets see how: The red-colored 2% thoriated tungsten electrodes are best for welding steels. I basically replied with a condensed version of what Ive written here. The fundamental difference is in the diameter measurement. For a long time, the red, thoriated tungsten electrodes were the first choice in TIG welding. Tungsten preparation includes choosing tungsten types for getting better results in welding. There will be a description of each color coded tungsten as well as the most appropriate application for each one. A purple electrode has similar properties to a red tungsten electrode, and one additional advantage: it does not emit radioactivity. The electrode choices are pure tungsten, 2 percent thoriated, 2 percent ceriated, 1.5 percent lanthanated, zirconiated, and rare earth. $67.00 $48.00. The thoriated tungsten electrodes are also ideal for mild steel. Best for use on non corroding steels . Just buy a pack and take 2 out for aluminum, sharpen the rest and use them for steel, stainless, copper, brass, etc. Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal, 3,410 degrees Celsius. Disadvantage: Brown tungsten electrodes should never be used for DC welding. Though, they are not ideal because other types of tungsten are better at handling alternating current. You can use gold tungsten as an all-purpose electrode for high amperages. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. However, tungsten interferes with molybdenum and copper metabolism and is somewhat toxic to most forms of animal life. It is ideally suited for DC applications on transformers as well as inverter TIG machines. Suitable for low alloyed steels, non-corrosive steels, low alloyed steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, and copper alloys. Advantage: Green tungsten is ideal for AC applications involving magnesium alloys or aluminum alloys. Moreover, Metal Cutting today provides tungsten filament wire for this purpose in aerospace windshields. The balled tips are pretty clean and seamless on magnesium and aluminum. TIG welding aluminum requires tungsten as an electrode. Tungsten electrodes - Purple is the new red. Guest Emily Wilkins of Marketing Metal joins hosts Dan Davis and Jim Gorzek to talk about how job 2022 FMA Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. They are suitable for welding carbon steel, low-alloy stainless steel, aluminum, and alloyed stainless steel. In comparison, the thorium amount with its electrode is higher. Remember that AC . But it works below its melting temperature. Red tungsten is most commonly used for DC welding, both straight and reversed polarity. They are excellent for welding aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, titanium alloys, low alloyed steels, and non-corrosive steels. It has excellent corrosion resistance and is attacked only slightly by most mineral acids. The WELDER, formerly known as Practical Welding Today, is a showcase of the real people who make the products we use and work with every day. The Uses Of Tungsten in the Field of Chemical . Each electrode is color-coded to eliminate confusion over its type. The GTAW process relies on tungsten's hardness and high-temperature resistance to carry the welding current to the arc. Red Tip Tungsten Electrodes Manufacturers, Factory, Suppliers From China, We will make greater efforts to help domestic and international buyers, and create the mutual benefit and win-win partnership between us. Applications of Tungsten Welding Electrodes They excel at welding titanium alloys, copper alloys, nickel alloys, and non-corrosive steel. Red: No: WT 30: 2.80 - 3.20: Th: Purple: No: WT 40: 3.80 - 4.20: Th: Orange: No: WZ 3: 0.15 - 0.50: Zr: . The dad noted that his 10-cylinder car engine ran surprisingly smoothly for a diesel; this was due to almost 22 pounds (10 kg) of tungsten parts placed around the crankshaft to reduce vibration. Tweet. What tungsten is used for mild steel? So I experimented with them, but neither kept a sharp point for long, and I quickly went back to the tried-and-true red. For higher-current applications, it is best to grind a truncated tip. White = Zirconiated. This has long been one of the universal go-to options for any metal and strength for DC compatibility. When I was doing some welding it usually meant a multipurpose electrode. What tungsten is used for aluminum? Lanthanated tungsten electrodes are ideal if you want to optimize your welding capabilities. And to be honest, not every welder can tell the difference or will even push their electrode hard enough to notice. Lanthanated tungsten can be used for all of the DC welding applications with excellent arc stability at low amperages while maintaining its sharp point well and minimal burn rate in high amperage situations.. 2% lanthanated tungstens can also be used in the AC frequency to weld aluminum while providing a very nice arc and a low burn-off rate of the electrode. These electrodes form a clean, balled tip when heated and provide great arc stability for AC welding with a balanced wave. At the same time, oxide-containing electrodes are simpler to touch off, have a high current conveying limit, and have a more extended assistance life. Heck, I even skipped the pure tungsten (green), and used red while welding aluminum on AC with the transformer-based Synchrowave 350 we had in our shop. Table of Contents show What type of tungsten is used for steel? Because of its radioactivity through the doping element thorium, it . They are a popular choice for mild steel, stainless steel, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, and copper alloys. Lets review the different color tungstens to find out which one works best for you. The red-colored tungsten mainly contains 2% thorium, and the rest is tungsten. This flat land helps prevent the tungsten from being transferred across the arc. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They perform well in DC applications and are extraordinary for welding copper combinations, nickel compounds, titanium amalgams, and tempered steel. There is potential for new resource definition and upgrade of existing resources in historical mining areas. Here Green color is for pure tungsten electrode TIG welding, Gray for 2% Ceriated tungsten rod for TIG Welding, Red for 2% thoriated tungsten electrode TIG welding, Gold & blue are for Lanthanated tungsten electrode TIG welding, and White for Zirconated tungsten electrode TIG welding as shown below. Created: color code: orange contains 97.30% tungsten, 2.20 percent cerium Special for DC welding In fact, the only real danger in using 2 percent thoriated comes fromas we figuredinhalation of dust during grinding: During the grinding process, particles of tungsten may be produced with thoria on the surface. 04-25-2016, 05:42 PM. They perform work well for both AC and DC applications. So, if you dont know what color tungsten for aluminum to use, you cant even start the welding process. Doing so reduces the presence of ridges on the tungsten that could create arc wandering or melt into the weld puddle, causing contamination. A 10 pack of Weldstone 2.4mm x 175mm Lanthanated Tig Welding Tungsten Electrodes WL15. Tungsten can withstand temperatures of up 3,410 C, which makes it reasonable for bend welding. Tungsten is a greyish-white lustrous metal, which is a solid at room temperature. Often there are other hoops to jump through, too, as in some places its considered a hazardous material. A bit later he sent me an article from TWI (The Welding Institute) in the U.K., which basically (and scientifically) agreed with my opinion. As an outcome, it has been restricted as an added substance to tungsten electrodes in numerous nations. Note: If you are grinding thoriated tungsten, make sure you control and collect the dust; have an adequate ventilation system at the grinding station; and follow the manufacturer's warnings, instructions, and MSDS. The red TIG tungsten is the most commonly used electrode because the 2% thorium mixed with the tungsten is durable and versatile. electrode should form a 3/16-in.-diameter end). Choosing one of the six commonly available tungsten electrodes is a crucial first step in successful gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Red = 2% Thoriated. We know good quality welding tools are very difficult for newbies and that is why we have created this blog to help the welding newbies and welders. It is possible to use red tungsten for AC welding thin aluminum and other materials. Many welders consider blue electrodes to be the ultimate all-purpose electrode for both direct current and alternating current. Thoriated, Red Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain 97.3% pure tungsten and approximately 2% thorium oxide, which has low radioactivity. These electrodes have more than 99.5% tungsten in their composition. Zirconiated tungsten electrodes (AWS classification EWZr-1) contain a minimum of 99.10 percent tungsten and 0.15 to 0.40 percent zirconium. Thoriated electrodes have an increased current-carrying ability and is the main reason it suits arc welding. Years ago, when I was still an apprentice at Chrysler, 2 percent thoriated (or red) tungsten was still the electrode pretty much everyone used, at least for DC welding. Why use a wannabe when you can use the original? What is red tungsten used for? Keep in mind you can handle more amperages as you increase the diameter of the tungsten electrode. The new tungsten terminal will ultimately turn into the main tungsten as Thoriated electrodes become more diligently imported because of the radioactive substance. Other diameters of tungsten used besides these are: 1.0 mm. A balled tip is mostly used on green or brown tungsten and is suggested for use with alternating current welding processes on sine wave and conventional square wave TIG welders. Disadvantage: Blue electrodes wear out more quickly than other electrodes. Well, because of its higher stability and performance, its used in carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and many other powerful weldings. Zirconiated tungsten is also excellent at resisting contamination. Lanthanated tungsten maintains a sharpened point well, which is an advantage for welding steel and stainless steel on DC or AC from square wave power sources. The Tri-Mix is really a DC tungsten mix and does work well for welding stainless steel due to its highly stable arc at low amperages. For a given amperage, larger diameter electrodes are more difficult to start than smaller ones, but they will erode less rapidly. For example, if you are welding DC negative using a 1/16 diameter tungsten electrode, you can weld up to about 100 amps. Ceriated tungsten has slightly different electrical characteristics than thorium, but most welders can't tell the difference. The electrodes have a low burn-off rate, making them more efficient than other types. These electrodes have a higher electron emission rate that provides higher arc capacity. Disadvantage: The red tungsten emits thorium, a weakly radioactive element. When welding with low current on thin material (from 0.005 to 0.040 in. This makes them more suitable for thicker materials. 23.90 + 15.95 P&P. Picture Information . Red-tipped tungsten electrodes fall in the mid-range for amperage and erosion, as well as spitting tendencies. These are the only Tungsten Tig Electrodes we stock as they are the most versatile. Tungsten Carbide It is one of the hardest carbides and also, an efficient electrical conductor. Enjoy full access to the digital edition of STAMPING Journal, which serves the metal stamping market with the latest technology advancements, best practices, and industry news. Red tungsten is also preferred for DC welding using straight polarity or electrode negative on nickel, steel, stainless steel and titanium. To me, 2 percent thoriated always has been the best all-around electrode, period. The same goes for red-colored 2% thoriated tungsten. In fact, they are recommended for welding that requires radiographic quality. tungsten is used as the metal in the filament in x-ray tubes due to its very high melting point 4; a tungsten-rhenium alloy (90%:10% mix) forms the basis for the target in modern x-ray tubes, rhenium improves the durability of the target 4 . The FABRICATOR is North America's leading magazine for the metal forming and fabricating industry. For the same reason, the electrodes usually perform well in welding aluminum alloy and mild steel. Once you surpass 125 amps, you will notice some deterioration. we are eagerly waiting for your sincerely cooperation. In spite of this, the electrodes are extremely durable and last a long time. A tungsten electrode is used because it can withstand very high temperatures with minimal melting or erosion. Ceriated tungsten electrodes (AWS classification EWCe-2) contain a minimum of 97.30 percent tungsten and 1.80 to 2.20 percent cerium and are referred to as 2 percent ceriated. Left to right, ceriated (orange), lanthanated (grey), 2 percent thoriated (red).Photo courtesy of Brown Dog Welding. That is not necessarily true. Width is 8 mm, 18.9 mm diameter. And luckily, theres a TIG welding tungsten color chart that describes each color identification for tungsten. Tungsten also forms hard, refractory, and chemically inert interstitial compounds with boron, nitrogen, and silicon upon direct reaction with those elements at high temperatures. flat land on the end of the tungsten. Thorium oxide makes a truly steady bend; anyway, it is radioactive, which implies it is extremely hurtful to wellbeing. Disadvantage: They are not well suited for DC welding. The ball on the end of the tungsten will form itself. Can be used pretty much any material in AC or DC output. Minnesota metal fabricator looks around the bend with part automation, The job shop helping to maintain the information superhighway, Smart inspection planning boosts quality without slowdown, Workforce training and automation, recurrent interwoven themes at FABTECH 2022, How stamping manufacturers retrofit presses with linear servo technology, Step-by-step process for rebuilding a mechanical stamping press gearbox, How to attract a new generation of welders with advanced technologies, Aluminum Etc. Advantages from decreased consumption off. This is because the 2% lanthanated handles heat better than 1.5% lanthanated electrodes. Pro-Tips Regarding Choosing Tungsten Colors. What type of tungsten should you use in your TIG torch? It is true that some types of tungsten are more susceptible to balling than others. Let us dispel a myth about the balling the tip of a tungsten electrode for AC welding applications. It also prevents a ball from forming. The color of an electrode determines its composition of metals and acts as an identifier when choosing a tungsten electrode. Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The WELDER. In some cases, 1.5 percent lanthanated can replace 2 percent thoriated without having to make significant welding program changes. Radioactive. These electrodes are used mainly for specialty AC welding (such as thin-gauge aluminum and material less than 0.060 inch) and DC welding, either electrode negative or straight polarity, on carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel, and titanium. Though its not pretty popular, it can provide higher stability of arcs and can resist tungsten splitting. Because, even with the danger being so small that its nearly nonexistent, especially when proper safety precautions are taken (like dont breathe in grinding dust), they fear being liable. Preparation of the tungsten consists of either a balled or pointed tip depending on the type of tungsten electrode and welding application. And we all knew enough old-timers who didnt get cancer to make it seem an unlikely culprit. Apart from the tungsten amount, there is also the amount of lanthanum or thorium such that the lanthanum amount in its electrode is lower. Tungstens comes in several sizes. E3 is an electrode that is an alloy of multiple metals used in the other types of electrodes. I am assuming you are referring to the tungsten used for TIG welding. Weldstone WL15 or 1.5% Lanthanated Tungsten electrodes contain a. And some inverter-based welding machines (like the Miller Dynasties I use) are said to be fine-tuned to their arc characteristics. Check out our red tungsten selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our wedding bands shops. This magazine has served the welding community in North America well for more than 20 years. The end preparations are balled, pointed, and truncated. This is applicable both for AC and DC 3. But I can, and I do. 26g Red Dragon Milano RS 90% Tungsten darts set. Compared with pure tungsten, the addition of 1.5 percent lanthana increases the maximum current-carrying capacity by approximately 50 percent for a given electrode size. Green = Pure. High strength and hardness,Easy to use,Durable in use. Zirconiated tungsten electrodes are generally used to weld metals whose surfaces have a higher melting point than the subsurface metals underneath. BUY NOW. A pointed and/or truncated tip (for pure tungsten, ceriated, lanthanated, and thoriated types) should be used for inverter AC and DC welding processes. Angle: 30 , 45, 60. 1847: Tungsten salts are used to make colored cotton and to make clothes used for theatrical and other purposes fireproof. Lets get into the tungsten selection. Pure tungsten comes in green color, and it can be used only in DC. Surprisingly, the gold tungsten has a maximum current capacity of 50% of its size. Fantastic for any application where the arc needs to provide side wall penetration to a joint. Jewelry Rare-earth tungsten electrodes (AWS classification EWG) contain unspecified additives of rare-earth oxides or hybrid combinations of different oxides, but manufacturers are required to identify each additive and its percentage on the package. The sharp edges help to provide smooth grinding. Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Fabricator en Espaol. Medical importance. You can use the red tungsten electrodes on DC and, occasionally, in AC. But the tungsten comes in several variations from pure to some percentages of rare earth metals. What is red tungsten used for? Note: The opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The gold-colored tungsten electrodes are made of 1.5% lanthanides, and the rest is pure tungsten. Below are some of the most commonly produced tungsten welding electrodes for TIG DC, TIG-AC, and Plasma welding: 2% THORIATED (RED) EWTh-2/WT20. The answer is not simple. Otherwise, it would be a mess. The main properties incorporate an exceptionally high softening point, a low fume pressure, and the most elevated hardness and strength, everything being equal. In fact, red tungsten remains a popular choice among professionals. You need to test your settings with the specific type of tungsten youre using along with your machine to determine how much balling occurs due to your settings. Transformer machines have been around for decades. The following is a list of the most popular tungsten electrodes for TIG welding. You can use it only in AC. Notwithstanding the exceptionally high thickness and warmth obstruction, tungsten has awesome electrical and warm conductivities. 15grind angle: the super sharp point creates a wide arc. 4.) One of them is the International Standards Organization (ISO). The steel has many variations, and the tungsten welding is different for each category. Advantage: They are long lasting and provide fast and reliable arc striking. Tungsten is a rare metallic element used for manufacturing gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) electrodes. The blue 2% lanthanated electrodes are popular for general use. Red-colored electrodes are known for their ease of use and longevity. When thorium smoke or residue is breathed in, it very well may be stored in the lungs and lead to inward radiation exposure. But green tungsten does not work very well at all on any inverter machine. Thoriated tungsten electrodes (AWS classification EWTh-2) contain a minimum of 97.30 percent tungsten and 1.70 to 2.20 percent thorium and are called 2 percent thoriated. Red-colored electrodes are known for their ease of use and longevity. They offer all the benefits of pure tungsten. The GTAW process relies on tungsten's hardness and high-temperature resistance to carry the welding current to the arc. Red signifies a 2% thoriated electrode. If you use too small of an electrode for your amperage, you are likely damage your tungsten. After selecting a type of electrode, the next step is to select an end preparation. A larger sphere at the tip of the electrode can reduce arc stability. Using green tungsten electrodes while welding in direct current will result in poor results on your welds. These nonconsumable electrodes come in a variety of sizes and lengths and are composed of either pure tungsten or an alloy of tungsten and other rare-earth elements and oxides. Thoriated tungsten electrode provides excellent resistance from weld pool contamination while at the same time offers the welder eas It's melting point is 3410, so it still has good conductivity and thermal conductivity under the conditions of low thermal expansion, low vapor pressure, and high temperature. The imaginative Rare Earth Blend tungsten electrode contains 98.34% tungsten, 1.5% lanthanum, 0.08% Zirconium, and 0.08% Yttrium. burnoff rate, good arc stability, and excellent reignition characteristicsmany of the same advantages as ceriated electrodes. These types of tungsten electrodes are best for both AC and DC. It is the ideal substitute for red thoriated electrodes. It is primarily welded using a negative polarity and direct current. They provide good arc stability when using AC current, with either balanced wave or unbalanced wave and continuous high-frequency stabilization. Tungsten is an extremely hard and fragile material. Grey = Ceriated. Discoveries in tungsten use can be loosely linked to four fields: chemicals, steel and super alloys, filaments, and carbides. By following the information in this article, you will be able to learn how to pick the best tungsten electrode for your application. Over at the training center, instructor Tom Soley had me try out some lanthanated and ceriated tungsten. Steve Higley of the Rate my Weld page on Facebook sent a message to me a few months back, asking my opinion on TIG electrodes. Tungsten electrodes are a portion of the devices you will require for TIG welding. Use a pure tungsten or zirconiated tungsten electrode when AC welding aluminum. White = Zirconiated. Green electrodes are recommended for AC sine wave welding with a balled-up tip. Shop by category. A balled tip generally is used on pure tungsten and zirconiated electrodes and is suggested for use with the AC process on sine wave and conventional square wave GTAW machines. First of all, you need to choose the color of the tungsten electrodes based on your welding surface and your power supply. Thoriated tungstenis a red color-coded electrode with a principal oxide of 1.7-2.2% thorium oxide. They work well on AC or DC electrode negative with a pointed end, or they can be balled for use with AC sine wave power sources. These types of electrodes can be best used in AC only. There are a few different grind angle to choose from. What does the color code of tungsten electrode mean? 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You can use orange-colored 2% ceriated tungsten for welding aluminum in AC. It is ideal for AC welding because it retains a balled tip and has a high resistance to contamination. Red signifies a 2% thoriated electrode. Tungsten Red And Black Size 9 Ring. 2% Thoriated Tungsten contains a nominal 2 wt-% or thorium oxide (ThO2) that is evenly dispersed throughout the entire length of the Tungsten. And not all the tungsten electrodes can perform in AC/DC/AC-DC current. The EWTh-2 tungsten electrode is color-coded with a red band. The properties of tungsten make it suitable for TIG welding and other electrode materials that work similarly. Be careful of using these tungsten electrodes because of radioactivity. The percentage may vary from 0.5 to 0.8. Nobody has time for electrodes that fracture or quickly dull. Editor's note: To read an update regarding tungsten electrodes guidelines, click here. It is possible to use red tungsten for AC welding thin aluminum and other materials. Use for Tig Welding Mild Steel and Stainless Steel. 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. If you use too large an electrode for your amperage, you are likely to experience arc instability. They perform well in regard to both AC and DC welding applications. Best for use in direct current (d/c) applications using transformer based constant current power sources. The other organization is the American Welding Society (AWS). You will have to resharpen them often as they become dull very quickly. It is used for making knives, saws, drills, etc. Extremely long lasting and highly durable, these electrodes are a staple in DC welding applications. But the biggest key player to balling a tungsten is the AC balance setting on your welding machine. Another area that you need to consider is the diameter of your tungsten. Advantage: They are popular due to their ease of setting up an arc at lower amps. When I first tried those other alloyed electrodes, it was near the beginning of the industrys search for alternatives. Zirconiated tunsten is only used with squarewave machines like the Syncrowave. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. In both processes the electrode, arc and weld pool are protected from atmospheric contamination by an inert gas. It will be one of the biggest mistakes if you dont know the color combination of tungsten electrodes and their properties before welding. There are many types of tungsten to choose from. This is pretty easy to use. As a low deposition rate, you will get less contamination. Grind the tungsten straight on the wheel versus at a 90-degree angle (seeFigure 2) to ensure that the grind marks run the length of the electrode. Grey 2% ceriated electrodes are popular because they can easily stick an arc at low amperages. In addition, tip preparation is critical. Depending on the additives, desired results can include a stable arc in both AC and DC processes, greater longevity than thoriated tungsten, the ability to use a smaller-diameter electrode for the same job, use of a higher current for a similar-sized electrode, and less tungsten spitting. Green is softer and balls up easier for AC welding aluminum, but it doesnt handle heat as well. the tungstens used for TIG welding have a color code to identify, when new, what particular characteristics the electrode has. Grinding the tungsten to a taper eases the transition of arc starting and creates a more focused arc for better welding performance. However, when compared to 2% lanthanated, their preference falls slightly below 2% lanthanated. is a genuine non-radioactive option in contrast to the thoriated tungsten electrode. So why is it increasingly harder to find 2 percent, and why do so many manufacturers refuse to produce it any longer? ), it is best to grind the tungsten to a point. And in their eyes, there are completely nonradioactive options. On the other hand, green electrodes do not work very well with ferrous metals and should not be used for DC welding. Tungsten electrodes for AC welding of aluminium alloys; Only limited suitability for DC welding; WL electrodes: Increased ignitability thanks to lanthanum oxide; Suitable for DC and AC welding; Can be used for unalloyed and high-alloy . Red tungsten is most commonly used for DC welding, both straight and reversed polarity. These electrodes have a higher electron emission rate that provides higher arc capacity. electrode, grind a surface 1/4 to 5/16 in. Tungsten is an extremely hard and fragile material. RED DRAGON Rebels Tungsten Steeltip Darts Set 21g,23g,25g,26g , Flights &Shafts. Heck, I even skipped the pure tungsten (green), and used red while welding aluminum on AC with the transformer-based Synchrowave 350 we had in our shop. During AC welding applications, brown tungsten electrodes are capable of maintaining the ball at the end of the electrode at higher currents. It lasts the longest, holds the sharpest point, and has the strongest arc. Shipped USPS First Class. Used 26g Red Dragon Milano RS 90% Tungsten darts set. Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Tube & Pipe Journal. Is the best option for general purpose work. Using pointed tungsten for higher-current applications is not recommended, because the higher current can blow off the tip of the tungsten and cause weld puddle contamination. Before starting welding, you need to find the proper tungsten electrode. In this article, you will learn about various types of tungsten electrodes and their inherent advantages and disadvantages. Thoriated tungsten has a stable arc and easy start up. These electrodes have excellent arc starting, a low. I preferred having tungsten that wouldnt split at heat as opposed to one that balled up quickly. Blade holder color:Black. It is used alone or in combination with other metals to impart wear-resistance to cast iron and the cutting edges of saws and drills. Minnesota metal fabricator looks around the bend with part automation, The job shop helping to maintain the information superhighway, Smart inspection planning boosts quality without slowdown, Workforce training and automation, recurrent interwoven themes at FABTECH 2022, How stamping manufacturers retrofit presses with linear servo technology, Step-by-step process for rebuilding a mechanical stamping press gearbox, How to attract a new generation of welders with advanced technologies, Aluminum Etc. Which one of three end preparations you choose, balled, pointed, or truncated, also is crucial in optimizing the results and preventing contamination and rework. However, you can also use the orange tungsten electrodes in low current settings of DC welding. Learning how to choose the right tungsten electrode for your application takes some time. It has several variations based on the mixture with rare earth metals. 51.43% of users selected Tungsten Electrodes 2% Thoriated Red WT20, 32.86% selected Electrode Rod 2.0% Lanthanated EWLa20, 1.43% selected Tungsten Electrodes Pure Tungsten Green WP, 12.86% selected Tungsten Electrodes 1.5% Lanthanated Gold WL15 and 1.43% selected GYS Tungsten Electrodes 045330. 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