What is Blue Tungsten used for?

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We put together this tungsten bundle because 3/32" is the most versatile and most commonly used tungsten but you still need a few 1/16" and 1/8"..

you know what I mean???

Blue tungsten electrodes (2% lanthanated electrodes) are highly regarded for their versatility, arc stability, and ability to carry high amperage.

They are a reliable choice for both AC and DC welding, making them suitable for a wide range of materials and welding applications. Their ability to provide a stable arc, handle higher loads, and offer longer life makes them a preferred option as a single all purpose tungsten by many professional welders.

Blue Tungsten might just be the Best All-Around Tungsten Electrode for all metals and all polarities.

Blue tungsten might not be the absolute best choice for every single application but it is a great choice if you are looking for one single all around tungsten to use for everything.

Blue tungsten electrodes, also known as 2% lanthanated tungsten, have emerged as a preferred choice for many welders. Here’s why blue tungsten is considered the best all-around tungsten electrode:

  1.  Versatility 
- **Multiple Applications**: Blue tungsten is versatile and performs well with both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) welding processes. This makes it suitable for a wide range of materials, including aluminum (AC) and stainless steel (DC) .
- **Wide Range of Materials**: It can be used for welding various metals like aluminum, magnesium, carbon steel, tool steels, chromoly, high strength steels, copper, nickel alloys, titanium, cobalt alloys, and stainless steel, eliminating the need to switch electrodes frequently.

 2.  Arc Stability 
- **Consistent Arc**: Blue tungsten electrodes provide a very stable and consistent arc. This stability is essential for producing high-quality welds with minimal defects. The steady arc reduces the risk of arc wander and ensures better control .
- **Low Arc Start Voltage**: They have a low arc start voltage, which makes initiating the arc easier and more reliable. This feature is particularly beneficial for precision welding applications.

 3.  Improved Performance 
- **Higher Load Capacity**: Blue tungsten electrodes can handle higher amperage compared to all the rest, making them suitable for both light and heavy-duty welding tasks.
- **Longer Life**: These electrodes tend to have a longer lifespan than some other types of tungsten electrodes.  
- **Lower Burn-Off Rate**: The lanthanum oxide additive in blue tungsten electrodes enhances their durability and reduces the rate of burn-off, which means less frequent replacements and more consistent welding performance.

 

Is Blue tungsten the best for every TIG welding job?

While there is no one single tungsten electrode that is best for every single application but blue tungsten (2% lanthanated) is a great all around choice that performs well on both AC and DC, and carries more amperage than most other tungsten so for a given electrode size, the upper amperage limit is generally higher.

That sometimes eliminates the need to switch to a larger tungsten.

A good example where this comes into play is for 200 amp tig welding machines.

A 3/32" 2% lanthanated tungsten electrode will generally handle everything a 200 amp tig welder can do. And that makes things very simple.

I asked chat gpt "what type of tungsten carries the most amperage"?

For a 3/32" (2.4 mm) diameter tungsten electrode, the type that typically carries the most amperage is the **lanthanated tungsten electrode** (specifically 2% lanthanated, also known as EWLa-2).

### **Lanthanated Tungsten Electrode (EWLa-2)**

**Characteristics:**
- **Composition:** Contains 2% lanthanum oxide (La2O3)
- **Current-Carrying Capacity:** Can handle higher current loads compared to pure tungsten or thoriated tungsten electrodes.
- **Versatility:** Suitable for both AC and DC welding, making it versatile for various applications.

### **Amperage Range for 3/32" Diameter Lanthanated Tungsten:**

- **Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN):** 150 to 250 amps
- **Alternating Current (AC):** 130 to 210 amps

### **Benefits of Lanthanated Tungsten:**

1. **High Current-Carrying Capacity:**
- Lanthanated tungsten electrodes can carry a higher amperage without overheating or degrading as quickly as other types of tungsten electrodes.

2. **Good Arc Stability:**
- These electrodes provide excellent arc stability, making them suitable for precise and high-quality welds.

3. **Longer Electrode Life:**
- The addition of lanthanum oxide helps to extend the electrode life by improving its durability and resistance to wear.

4. **Versatility:**
- They perform well on both AC and DC applications, making them a versatile choice for different welding tasks, including aluminum and stainless steel welding.

By choosing a 2% lanthanated tungsten electrode as a single all round all purpose tungsten, you can benefit from improved performance, longer electrode life, and excellent arc stability at low,medium, and even high amperage range applications... particularly with a 3/32" diameter electrode.

We put together this tungsten bundle because 3/32" is the most versatile and most commonly used tungsten but you still need a few 1/16" and 1/8"..

you know what I mean???

But if you almost always weld carbons steel, stainless, or chromoly, 2% ceriated or E3 tungsten are great choices and stay sharp a long time on DCEN tig welding applications.

I find myself welding different materials a lot and going back and forth from AC to DC so it makes sense for me to use 2% lanthanated.