Tungsten

Selecting the correct tungsten electrode is important to getting high-quality welds and making your welding easier. Some important factors to consider in making the right choice include type of power source (inverter or transformer), material to be welded (steel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), and the thickness of the material to be welded.

We offer the following premium quality tungsten, ground to a high-quality finish. All tungsten is 7" long.

Pure Tungsten (TP), Green Tip: Generally used with transformer-based power sources for AC welding of aluminum. Readily forms a ball on the end.

2% Thoriated Tungsten (TT2), Red Tip: Currently the most commonly used tungsten. Generally utilized for DC welding of steel and stainless steel. Offers good overall performance. A drawback is that this tungsten has a low level radiation hazard.

2% Ceriated Tungsten (TC2), Grey Tip: An excellent substitute for 2% Thoriated tungsten if you are using a transformer-based power source for DC welding. Popular for thinner materials because it requires less amperage to start. Offers a stable arc and can be used for both AC and DC welding with inverter power sources.

1-1/2% Lanthanated Tungsten (TL15), Gold Tip: Also a great substitute for 2% Thoriated tungsten. Offers good arc starting characteristics and longer life than 2% Thoriated. It can be used for both AC and DC welding with both inverter and transformer power sources.

2% Lanthanated Tungsten (TL2), Blue Tip: The most commonly used, non-radioactive tungsten and also a great substitute for 2% Thoriated tungsten. It offers some of the best arc starting characteristics and longer life than the 2% Thoriated. A good tungsten for pulsing or welding that requires frequent re-ignitions with a short weld cycle. Can be used for both inverter and transformer power sources.

E3 Tungsten (E3) Purple Tip: A great substitute for 2% Thoriated tungsten. A proprietary blend of three rare earth oxides. This tungsten works well on AC and DC processes and on inverter and transformer power sources. The electrode life is extended, keeps a sharpened point, and is non-radioactive.