What is the purple tungsten used for?

The purple tungsten is a rare-earth electrode that replaces thoriated tungsten without the residual radioactivity. Its ease of use and narrow arc makes it preferred for welding stainless steel.

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.

Can I use purple tungsten for mild steel?

Best Tungsten for Mild Steel FAQ:

The 2% lanthanated tungsten (blue tip), like the rare earth blend (purple tip), works for both AC and DC welding. That means that it can be used not only for titanium, nickel, copper, mild and stainless steel but also for aluminum and magnesium which are recommended for AC welding.

What is purple tungsten for TIG welding?

Tungsten electrodes – Purple is the new red

In some places they are still considered the best solution for welding with direct current of high-alloy and stainless steels. Because of its radioactivity through the doping element thorium, it is now banned in many countries.

What is a purple TIG electrode?

The Lincoln Electric WX Multi Oxide (Purple) Premium Tungsten Electrodes is a very versatile type of tungsten as it provides first class performance and efficiency at all amperages and can be used with both AC or DC current.

TFS: Battle of the Tungsten Colors

What do TIG tungsten colors mean?

Color code and what it means

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. Gold (EWLa-1.5) = 1.5% Lanthanated.

What color tungsten should I use?

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.

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.

What is blue tungsten used 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 the best tungsten to weld aluminum?

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 is red tungsten for?

The EWTh-2 tungsten electrode is color-coded with a red band. It is known for its durability, ability to withstand high currents, and excellent arc starts. It is primarily welded using a negative polarity and direct current. It does not have great characteristics when welding with AC.

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 tungsten do you use for steel?

What color tungsten is for stainless steel? The red TIG tungsten is the most commonly used electrode because the 2% thorium mixed with the tungsten is durable and versatile.

What color is pure tungsten?

Pure tungsten (color code: green)

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 are the different colors of tungsten for TIG welding?

What is the best all around tungsten for TIG welding?

Ceriated and lanthanated tungstens hold up better for AC TIG applications than 2% thoriated tungsten. While thoriated tungsten remains the most common in DC TIG, because of concerns about radiation, most experts strongly recommend ceriated or lanthanated electrodes for AC and DC TIG.

What are the four types of tungsten electrodes and their color classification?

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.

Is blue tungsten good for welding aluminum?

They are coded in blue and are extremely useful in welding alloys, especially aluminum. 2% lanthanated electrodes are found suitable for thinner aluminum sheets (1/8) in AC as the amperage used is less.

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.

What is tungsten Green?

Pure Tungsten (Green) Electrodes

They are made of 99.95% pure tungsten. Pure Tungsten (Green) Electrodes perform well in AC applications and are great for welding magnesium alloy and aluminum alloy.

What is rare earth tungsten used for?

Tungsten electrode is a key material in inert gas shielded welding and plasma welding, cutting, spraying, smelting, and special electric light sources.

What is Zirconiated tungsten used for?

Zirconiated tungsten electrodes have welding characteristics that generally fall between those of pure and Thoriated tungsten. Zirconiated tungsten is most commonly used for AC welding because it balls up well in AC welding and has a more stable arc than pure tungsten. It also resists contamination well in AC welding.