ET 220I AC/DC
BASIC WELDING GUIDE
Manual 0-5346
4-12
Tungsten Electrode Types
Electrode Type
(Ground Finish)
Welding Application
Features
Colour 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 4-4: Tungsten Electrode Types
TIG Welding Filler Rods
AWS Std
Type/Application
ER70S-4
ER70S-6
ER70S-2
For mild-medium strength steels.
Pipes, tubing, roll cages, etc.
ER80S-B2
ER90S-B3
For welding of high strength
Cr-Mo steels used at elevated
temperatures.
ER308L
ER309L
ER316L
For stainless steels. Stainless pipes,
tubing, architectural uses, etc.
R4043
For stainless steels. Stainless pipes,
tubing, architectural uses, etc.
R5356
For cast and wrought aluminium
alloys.
Table 4-5: TIG Welding Filler Rods
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 Litres/min
Joint Type
0.040”
1.0mm
35-45
40-50
20-30
25-35
0.040”
1.0mm
1/16”
1.6mm
5-7
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
0.045”
1.2mm
45-55
50-60
30-45
35-50
0.040”
1.0mm
1/16”
1.6mm
5-7
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
1/16”
1.6mm
60-70
70-90
40-60
50-70
1/16”
1.6mm
1/16”
1.6mm
7
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
1/8”
3.2mm
80-100
90-115
65-85
90-110
1/16”
1.6mm
3/32”
2.4mm
7
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
3/16”
4.8mm
115-135
140-165
100-125
125-150
3/32”
2.4mm
1/8”
3.2mm
10
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
1/4”
6.4mm
160-175
170-200
135-160
160-180
1/8”
3.2mm
5/32”
4.0mm
10
Butt/Corner
Lap/Fillet
Table 4-6: Welding Rate
