Ceriated (Color Code: Orange) Like thorium, it is best used to weld carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium, and in some cases it can replace 2 percent thoriated electrodes. Ceriated tungsten has slightly different electrical characteristics than thorium, but most welders can't tell the difference.

What color tungsten do you use for steel?

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. So here are my top picks!

What is the best tungsten for mild steel?

2% Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes – Red Tipped

Containing 1.7% to 2.2% thorium oxide, this radioactive tungsten electrode works well with mild steel, stainless steel and other non-corroding metals. Red-tipped tungsten electrodes fall in the mid-range for amperage and erosion, as well as spitting tendencies.

Can you use green tungsten for steel?

Why use green, pure tungsten electrodes? They work well on AC sine wave welding and form a solid balled tip that results in a stable arc. ... 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 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.

How to choose the correct Tungsten for TIG Welding

19 related questions found

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 the Green tungsten?

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 purple TIG tungsten?

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.

What is blue tungsten?

Blue tungsten is a good substitute for thorium oxide. It provides proper arc ignition and is more long-lasting than thoriated electrodes. It can be used for both AC and DC welding with both transformer and inverter power sources.

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.

Can you weld mild steel with a TIG welder?

Mild steel is a steel alloy that has a low percentage of carbon, generally 0.3 percent or less. For this reason, mild steel is also called low-carbon steel. ... Mild steel can be welded using tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding techniques, and the result is a clean and precise weld.

Is TIG welding DC positive or negative?

DC TIG Welding is carried out with the torch negative and the work positive. That is also known as DCEN (DC electrode negative) or "straight" polarity for those with older welders. About two thirds of the heat goes to the positive side or the arc. For TIG the negative torch helps avoid overheating the tungsten.

Can you weld tungsten to steel?

Weldable tungsten carbide is generally used to mean the joining of tungsten carbide to steel without the use of braze alloy. ... A tungsten carbide saw tip with a large amount of surface cobalt can be induction “welded” reliably and easily.

What gas is used for TIG welding mild steel?

Since only a few gases can be used for TIG welding, argon is the most popular choice because it's a versatile gas that can be used on a variety of metals including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Argon is also used to MIG weld stainless steel or aluminum.

How many amps can a 3 32 Tungsten handle?

3/32" is good from about 65 – 200 amps. And 1/8" 2% thoriated electrodes are good in the 85 – 300 amp range.

What type of tungsten should I use?

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.

Can you weld aluminum with GREY 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.

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.

What color is Zirconiated tungsten?

1% Zirconiated, Color Code WHITE Zirconiated tungsten electrodes (AWS classification EWZr-1) contain a minimum of 99.10% tungsten and 0.80% zirconium. A Zirconiated tungsten electrode produces an extremely stable arc and resists tungsten spitting.

What is white tungsten?

Tungsten by itself is a grayish powdery metal. It cannot be made into a ring unless it is combined with carbon, forming tungsten carbide. ... They can be plated with platinum group metals to make them have the same color as platinum. These types of tungsten rings are called white tungsten rings.

What is 2% Lanthanated tungsten used for?

2% Lanthanated (Blue)

Blue electrodes are effective for welding aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, titanium alloys, low-alloyed steels, and non-corroding steels.

Can a DC TIG weld stainless steel?

What Metals can I weld with TIG? "DC" (Direct Current) TIG welding machines can be used to weld a variety of "ferrous metals" including mild steel & stainless steel, and also copper and chrome moly. (But NOT aluminium).

Can I weld Aluminium with DC TIG?

DC GTAW can work very well on aluminum, so don't be afraid to try it. Just be aware that the technique is different than that used for AC. I recommend that you practice for a while before you decide to use it on actual components.