What tungsten is best for aluminum?

Recommendations
  • Use a pure tungsten or zirconiated tungsten electrode when AC welding aluminum. Don’t use a 2 percent thoriated tungsten electrode.
  • Make sure you use a tungsten electrode large enough in diameter to carry the welding current you plan to use. …
  • Let the tungsten form a round ball on the end.

Can you use GREY tungsten on aluminum?

However, pure tungsten electrodes can only be used in DC for welding aluminum. 2.) 2% ceriated: Seen in the grey coloured label, these electrodes consist of 2% cerium. Usually, these electrodes are used for aluminum in lower amperage DC welders.

Is white tungsten for aluminum?

Zirconiated Tungsten Electrodes for Aluminium 10 Pack

Zirconated tungsten electrodes are generally AC power sources when welding eg. Aluminium or mangnesium. White Tip.

Can you use blue tungsten for aluminum?

You can use blue lanthanated tungsten as an all-purpose option with a variety of metals, including nickel alloys, aluminum, cobalt, copper, carbon steels, and titanium.

What is the best color tungsten for welding aluminum?

If you are AC TIG welding aluminum for the first time we would suggest using a 2% ceriated in 3/32. Two solid options include Blue Demon or Weldcraft. Ceriated is the most popular choice due to the easy arc start at low amperages.

Do you sharpen tungsten for aluminum?

What is GREY tungsten used for?

Grey electrodes perform well in DC applications and are great for welding titanium, copper, magnesium, aluminum, and nickel alloys, as well as non-corroding and stainless steels.

What is light blue tungsten used for?

It is a proprietary product containing multiple additivies of rare earth oxides. Each additive complements others to enhance the welding performance. Being non-radioactive, it is a popluar replacement to thoriated tungsten. True Flex tungsten can be used for both DC and AC applications.

Can I use red tungsten for aluminum?

Red tungsten is ideal for specialty AC welding, including but not limited to welding materials less than 0.0andand for thin-gauge aluminum. Red tungsten is also preferred for DC welding using straight polarity or electrode negative on nickel, steel, stainless steel and titanium.

What color tungsten is for what?

Green (EWP) = Pure Tungsten. Orange (EWCe-2) = 2% Ceriated. Red (EWTh-2) = 2% Thoriated. Gold (EWLa-1.5) = 1.5% Lanthanated.

Where/How to Use Specific Tungsten Colors.
Electrode DiameterDC AmpsAC Amps
0.040” (1/0mm)15-8010-80
1/16” (1.6mm)70-15050-150
3/32” (2.4mm)150-250100-235
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Dec 19, 2015

What is yellow tungsten used for?

Yellow EWTh-1/WT10

This thoriated tungsten electrode is designed for DC applications. The yellow EWTh-1 maintains a sharpened point well and this makes it desirable for welding carbon steel. It’s challenging to maintain a balled end when used with alternating current.

What is the purple tungsten?

Rare Earth (Purple) Electrodes

The innovative Rare Earth Blend tungsten electrode contains 98.34% tungsten, 1.5% lanthanum, 0.08% Zirconium, and 0.08% Yttrium. It is the perfect substitute for red thoriated electrodes.

Is E3 tungsten good for aluminum?

E3 Electrode Features and Benefits:

Universal and suitable for all applications for DC and AC welding pf non-alloyed and high-alloyed steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel, copper, and magnesium alloys.

What metal is red tungsten used for?

The 2% thoriated (color code red) is an all-purpose tungsten electrode and it’s recommended for welding mild steel because they work well on lower temperatures, which is what you need if you don’t want the steel to warp.

What is orange tungsten?

4% THORIATED (ORANGE) quantity. Thoriated tungsten is the most commonly used in the United States. This tungsten is used primarily in DC welding. It has a low work function and provides a high load and amperage capability.

What color is TIG tungsten?

Purple
Colour codes for tungsten electrodes
Identification codeWeight of oxide in %Colour
WT 201.70 – 2.20Red
WT 302.80 – 3.20Purple
WT 403.80 – 4.20Orange
WZ 30.15 – 0.50Brown

What is pink tungsten?

It is a proprietary product containing multiple additives of rare earth oxides. Each additive complements others to enhance the welding performance. Being non-radioactive, it is a popular replacement to thoriated tungsten. Multi-Mix tungsten electrodes can be used at all current ranges on both DC and AC TIG.

What is red tungsten?

Thoriated (Color Code: Red)

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. They are the most commonly used electrodes today and are preferred for their longevity and ease of use.

How do I choose tungsten?

What is pink tungsten good for?

This rare earth tungsten has been proven to dramatically increase weld quality and service life by offering unsurpassed stability and consistency in every weld. … Each additive complements others to enhance the welding performance. Being non-radioactive, it is a popluar replacement to thoriated tungsten.

What tungsten is blue?

The EWLa-2 tungsten electrode is color-coded with a blue band. It is known for its excellent arc starting ability, excellent current carrying ability, and can withstand many arc cycles.