ESAB ET 186i AC/DC
BASIC WELDING GUIDE 4-12 Manual 0-5425
Tungsten Electrode Types
Electrode Type
(Ground Finish)
Welding Application
Features
Color Code
Thoriated 2%
DC welding of mild
steel, stainless steel
and copper
Excellent arc starting,
Long life, High current
carrying capacity
Red
Zirconated 1%
High quality AC
welding of aluminium,
magnesium and their
alloys.
Self cleaning, Long
life, Maintains balled
end, High current
carrying capacity.
White
Ceriated 2%
AC & DC welding
of mild steel,
stainless steel,
copper, aluminium,
magnesium and their
alloys
Longer life, More
stable arc, Easier
starting, Wider current
range, Narrower more
concentrated arc.
Grey
Table 4-5 Tungsten Electrode Types
Base
Metal
Thickness
AC Current for
Aluminium
Tungsten
Electrode
Diameter
Filler Rod Diameter
(if required)
Argon Gas
Flow Rate
JOINT
TYPE
1/16"
1.6mm
60-80
70-90
1/16"
1.6mm
1/16"
1.6mm
15 CFM
7 LPM
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
1/8"
3.2mm
125-145
140-160
3/32"
2.4mm
1/16"-3/32"
1.6mm - 2.4mm
17 CFM
8 LPM
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
Table 4-6 Aluminium Welding Material
Base Metal
Thickness
DC Current
for Mild
Steel
DC Current
for Stainless
Steel
Tungsten
Electrode
Diameter
Filler Rod
Diameter (if
required)
Argon Gas Flow
Rate
Joint Type
0.040"
1.0mm
35-45
40-50
20-30
25-35
0.040"
1.0mm
1/16"
1.6mm
10 CFH(5 LPM)
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
0.045"
1.2mm
45-55
50-60
30-45
35-50
0.040"
1.0mm
1/16"
1.6mm
13 CFH(6 LPM)
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
1/16"
1.6mm
60-70
70-90
40-60
50-70
1/16"
1.6mm
1/16"
1.6mm
15 CFH(7 LPM)
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
1/8"
3.2mm
80-100
90-115
65-85
90-110
1/16"
1.6mm
3/32"
2.4mm
15 CFH(7 LPM)
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
3/16"
4.8mm
115-135
140-165
100-125
125-150
3/32"
2.4mm
1/8"
3.2mm
21 CFH(10 LPM) Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
1/4"
6.4mm
160-175
170-200
135-160
160-180
1/8"
3.2mm
5/32"
4.0mm
21 CFH(10 LPM) Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
Table 4-7: Welding Rate
TIG Welding is generally regarded as a specialised process that requires operator competency. While many of the principles out-
lined in the previous Arc Welding section are applicable a comprehensive outline of the TIG Welding process is outside the scope of
this Operating Manual. For further information please refer to www.victortechnologies.com or contact Tweco.
