ET 201i DC
OPERATION
0-5452
4-6
4.10 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
Ceriated 2%
AC & DC welding of mild steel, stainless
steel, copper, aluminum, magnesium and
their alloys.
Longer life, more stable arc, easier
starting, wider current range,
narrower & more concentrated arc.
Grey
4.11 TIG Welding Parameters for Steel
Base Metal
Thickness
DC Current
Electrode
Diameter
Filler Rod
Diameter
Argon Gas Flow
Rate
Joint / Type
Mild Steel Stainless
Steel
0.040"
(1.0mm)
35-45
20-30
0.040"
(1.0mm)
1/16"
(1.6mm)
10 CFH
(5 LPM)
Butt/Corner
40-50
25-35
Lap/Filler
0.045"
(1.22mm)
45-55
30-45
0.040"
(1.0mm)
1/16"
(1.6mm)
13 CFH
(6 LPM)
Butt/Corner
50-60
35-50
Lap/Filler
1/16"
(1.6mm)
60-70
40-60
1/16"
(1.6mm)
1/16"
(1.6mm)
15 CFH
(7 LPM)
Butt/Corner
70-90
50-70
Lap/Filler
1/8"
(3.2mm)
80-100
65-85
1/16" (1.16mm) 3/32" (2.4mm)
15CFH
(7 LPM)
Butt/Corner
90-115
90-110
Lap/Filler
3/16"
(4.8mm)
115-135
100-125
3/32" (2.4mm)
1/8" (3.2mm)
21CFH
(10 LPM)
Butt/Corner
140-165
125-150
Lap/Filler
1/4"
(6.4mm)
160-175
135-160
1/8" (3.2mm)
5/32" (4.0mm)
21CFH
(10 LPM)
Butt/Corner
170-200
160-180
Lap/Filler
4.12 Arc Welding Practice
The techniques used for arc welding are almost identical regardless of what types of metals are being joined. Naturally
enough, different types of electrodes would be used for different metals as described in the preceding section.
4.13 Welding Position
The electrodes dealt with in this publication can be used in most positions, i.e. they are suitable for welding in flat,
horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. Numerous applications call for welds to be made in positions intermediate
between these. Some of the common types of welds are shown in Figures 4-3 through 4-10.
