30
TUNGSTEN ELECTRODES
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4UNGSTENELECTRODESARECOLORCODEDATTHEENDFOREASYIDENTIlCATION
"ELOWARETHEMOSTCOMMONLYUSEDTUNGSTENELECTRODES
Tungsten
Diameter in
inches (mm)
Gas Cup
(Inside
Diameter)
TYPICAL CURRENT RANGE
Direct Current, DC
Alternating Current, AC
DCEN
70% Penetration
(50/50) Balanced Wave, AC
Ceriated
Thoriated
Lanthanated
LaYZr
™
Zirconiated
Ceriated
Thoriated
Lanthanated
LaYZr
™
Zirconiated
Pure
LaYZr
™
Ceriated
Thoriated
Lanthanated
LaYZr
™
.040" (1.0mm)
#6 (3/8")
15 –80 amps
20–60 amps
15–80 amps
10–30 amps
20–60 amps
1/16" (1.6mm)
#6 (3/8")
70–150 amps
50–100 amps
70–150 amps
30–80 amps
60–120 amps
3/32" (2.3mm)
#8 (1/2")
150 –250 amps
100–160 amps
140–235 amps
60 –130 amps
100 –180 amps
1/8" (3.2mm)
#8 (1/2")
250 –400 amps
150–200 amps
225–325 amps
100–180 amps
160–250 amps
All values are based on the use of Argon as a shielding gas. Other current values may be employed depending on the shielding gas, type of
equipment, and application. DCEN = Direct Current Electrode Negative (Straight Polarity)
TUNGSTEN ELECTRODE CHARACTERISTICS
TUNGSTEN ELECTRODE CURRENT RANGES
Tungsten
Color Code
Characteristics
Pure
Provides good arc stability for AC welding. Reasonably good resistance to contamination. Lowest
current carrying capacity. Least expensive. Maintains a balled end. Used on transformer based
machines only.
2% Ceriated
Similar performance to thoriated tungsten. Easy arc starting, good arc stability, long life.
Possible replacement for thoriated.
2% Thoriated
Easier arc starting. Higher current capacity. Greater arc stability. High resistance to weld pool
contamination. Difficult to maintain balled end on AC.
1.5% Lanthanated
2% Lanthanated
Similar performance to thoriated tungsten. Easy arc starting, good arc stability, long life, high
current capacity. 1.5% possible replacement for thoriated. 2% possible replacement for Pure.
Similar performance to thoriated tungsten. Easy arc starting, good arc stability, long life, high
current capacity. 1.5% possible replacement for thoriated. 2% possible replacement for Pure.
.8% Zirconiated
Excellent for AC welding due to favorable retention of balled end, high resistance to
contamination, and good arc starting. Preferred when tungsten contamination of weld is
intolerable. Possible replacement for Pure.
LaYZr
™
Best for use on automated or robotic applications. Runs cooler than 2% Thoriated with longer life.
Low to medium amperage range.
Green
Gray
Red
Gold
Blue
White
Chartreuse*
*Substitute for Purple (Same oxide blend).
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