What is red tungsten for?

2% THORIATED (RED) quantity. The most commonly used tungsten 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 is red tungsten used for?

The red TIG tungsten is the most commonly used electrode because the 2% thorium mixed with the tungsten is durable and versatile. The thorium allows for easier arc starts and higher current-carrying capacity. The final weld puddle is cleaner since the electrode leaves fewer deposits.

What color tungsten is for what?

Pure Tungsten (Color Code: Green)

These electrodes form a clean, balled tip when heated and provide great arc stability for AC welding with a balanced wave. Pure tungsten also provides good arc stability for AC sine wave welding, especially on aluminum and magnesium.

Can you TIG aluminum with red tungsten?

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. Remember that AC welding requires larger–diameter tungsten electrodes.

What can you weld with red tungsten?

Can be used pretty much any material in AC or DC output. These are the only Tungsten Tig Electrodes we stock as they are the most versatile. Red = 2% Thoriated. Use for Tig Welding Mild Steel and Stainless Steel.

How to choose the correct Tungsten for TIG Welding

Is red tungsten for steel?

2% Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes – Red Tipped

This type should be used on applications with DC current equipment with constant current from a transformer. Containing 1.7% to 2.2% thorium oxide, this radioactive tungsten electrode works well with mild steel, stainless steel and other non-corroding metals.

Is red tungsten safe?

The Thorium used in 2% thoriated tungsten is a radioactive element and therefore can be dangerous to the health of those exposed to it and to the environment.

What is the best tungsten for mild steel?

2% Thoriated Tungsten Electrode. 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 purple tungsten for?

Rare Earth (Purple) Electrodes

It is the perfect substitute for red thoriated electrodes. They perform well in DC applications and are great for welding copper alloys, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, and stainless steel.

What is the difference between red and green tungsten?

The main colors/varieties of TIG electrodes and their American Welding Society abbreviation are as follows: Green (EWP) = Pure Tungsten. Orange (EWCe-2) = 2% Ceriated. Red (EWTh-2) = 2% Thoriated.

What is blue tungsten for?

Blue Tungsten

Blue is made with tungsten and lanthanum with lanthanum being at 2%, giving it the name 2% lanthanated tungsten. 2% (blue) can be used with both AC and DC. It has a simple arc for startup and warming up and can be used with both AC and DC with no issues.

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 2% Lanthanated tungsten used for?

2% Lanthanated (Blue) Electrodes

Blue Lanthanated Electrodes perform well in AC & DC applications and are great for welding aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, titanium alloys, low-alloyed steels, and stainless steel.

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 size tungsten do I need to weld aluminum?

The Electrode Size for TIG Welding Aluminum

You often need to consider a 1/8” electrode for welding aluminum in order to get enough heat and to create a stable arc. Too small an electrode will create a sloppy weld. If you're working on AC with a lanthanated electrode, you may be able to use a 3/16” or 3/32” electrode.

What color is pure tungsten?

Pure tungsten (color code: green)

What tungsten is best for stainless?

Orange Ceriated TIG Welding Electrodes contain about 2% percent ceriated and are ideal for DC welding and lower current processes. 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.

Which end of tungsten do you grind?

To achieve the proper shape, first grind the tungsten to a taper as explained above, then grind 0,2-0,5 mm the tip of the electrode to obtain a flat end. The flat end helps to prevent the tungsten is transferred through the arc and the formation of a ball end.

What is E3 tungsten used for?

E3 Electrode Features and Benefits:

Excellent ignition and consistent welding properties. 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. Reliable and usable for automated welding.

How far should tungsten stick out?

Because the best starting point for a tungsten stick-out is the diameter of the lens in 16th, simply extend the tip of the tungsten out about 1 1/2 inches, then lightly tighten the back cap. Then place the tip into the hole that corresponds with the number on the lens you are holding.

What tungsten is radioactive?

Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels.

Is tungsten poisonous?

Tungsten has been the subject of numerous in vivo experimental and in vitro studies in view of determining its metabolic and toxicity profile. However, tungsten and its compounds are not considered very toxic for humans. Most existing human toxicology information comes from chronic occupational exposure.

Is Green tungsten radioactive?

Alternatives to thoriated tungsten

Lanthanum, cerium, yttrium and zirconium oxides can all be used with tungsten. While they are all marginally radioactive, the risk is even lower than with thoria, so no specific precautions are needed.