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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.
What color tungsten do you use for welding aluminum?
Pure Tungsten (Color Code: Green) Pure tungsten also provides good arc stability for AC sine wave welding, especially on aluminum and magnesium. It is not typically used for DC welding because it does not provide the strong arc starts associated with thoriated or ceriated electrodes.
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.
Do you sharpen tungsten for aluminum?
Don’t focus too much on making a perfect ball on the tip; just make sure the tungsten is rounded. Sharpen one side of the pure-tungsten electrode to a spiky tip using a bench grinder. Again, let the electrode rest. After it has cooled down, you can go ahead and use it to weld aluminum.
What are the different types of tungsten for TIG welding?
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. 0.8% ZIRCONIATED (WHITE) EWZr-8/WZ8. 1.5% LANTHANATED (GOLD) EWLa-1.5/WL15. 2% CERIATED (GREY) (Formerly Orange) EWCe-2/WC20.
What tungsten is used for 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.
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 is 2 Ceriated tungsten used for?
The first one, introduced in the 1980’s, is most commonly available as 2% ceriated tungsten. This material is commonly used for lower amperage DC welding applications. In fact, it holds a very high market share in sales for the orbital welding process.
What is purple tip tungsten for?
This rare earth tungsten offers excellent ignition characteristics and consistent welding properties. They are universal and suitable for all applications in the whole range of AC and DC welding of non-alloyed and high-alloyed steel, aluminium, titanium, nickel, copper and magnesium alloys.
Why does my tungsten ball up when welding aluminum?
The reason why the tungsten balls up is because of your machine’s frequency setting. Without going too much into it, frequency is the amount of times the alternating current goes from positive to negative and back in one second, and is measured in “hertz” (Hz).
Can Cigweld WeldSkill 185 weld aluminium?
Spool Gun Capable (185 Only) Ideal for Aluminium Fabrication, Repairs and Auto/Marine work. For more intricate welding jobs, especially Aluminium, you can’t go past the WeldSkill 185 which is specifically built to run the SGT250 spool gun!.
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 color tungsten is for what?
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, Brown (EWZr-1) = 1% Zirconiated.
What type of electrode is best for aluminum?
For these reasons, pure tungsten or zirconiated tungsten are recommended for aluminum welding. In addition, the electrode diameter for AC welding has to be significantly larger than when using DC. It is recommended to start with an electrode that is 1/8″ and adjust as needed.
What metal is blue tungsten used for?
What is blue tungsten used for? 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 e3 tungsten used for?
These tungsten electrodes are high-quality and ideal for use with both TIG and plasma arc welding applications. These tungsten electrodes are high-quality and ideal for use with both TIG and plasma arc welding applications.
Can you use ceriated tungsten for 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.
Can I use Lanthanated tungsten on 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 2% tungsten?
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.
Is GREY tungsten good for aluminum?
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 GREY tungsten?
The 2% Ceriated Tungsten from CK is best at low amperage ranges. It offers good ignition and re-ignition properties, long service life and excellent arc stability. Features: Non-Radioactive.
