E3 tungsten electrodes

E3 tungsten is a type of tungsten electrode that contains rare earth oxides and at least 98% tungsten. E3 tungsten is typically color coded purple ( but not always) and can be used for AC and DC welding of a variety of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steels, nickel alloys, aluminum, copper, magnesium alloys and titanium.

So in other words, E3 works on everything.

But is it the very best at everything? No.

No single tungsten electrode type is the best for every possible situation, metal type, amperage, etc.

But E3 is a pretty good choice for an all around all purpose tungsten.

I personally prefer 2% lanthanated tungsten for my all purpose tungsten but E3 is a good choice DC TIG welding of steels and for medium amperage on AC.

So, exactly what alloying elements are in E3 tungsten?

It may be a secret....proprietary formula.

There are several different brands of rare earth blends claiming to be similar to E3 tungsten, but the only ones with a disclosed formula seem to be the 98.3 Tungsten, 1.5 Lanthanum, 0.08 Zirconium, 0.08 Yttrium.

I have tried 1.5% lanthanated and was not impressed but the other elements like Yttrium make a difference.

E3 tungsten has good low amp start ability on DC and also seems to excel at medium amperage ranges for AC welding of aluminum.

E3 does not seem to have the high amp carrying capacity of 2% lanthanated but at mid range amps like 100-175 amps, E3 seems to maintain a very consistent tip on AC welding of aluminum.

How does E3 compare to LaYZr from CK?

I have used both E3 and LaYZr from CK and I can't tell any difference.

Both perform very well when it comes to low amp starts, repeatable restarts, and holding a sharp tip on DC, and mid range amperage on AC.

What is in E3 tungsten electrodes?

The chemical composition of E3 tungsten electrodes typically includes a blend of tungsten with small percentages of rare earth oxides. These electrodes are designed to offer enhanced performance compared to pure tungsten or thoriated tungsten electrodes. The exact composition can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but a typical E3 tungsten electrode consists of:

Tungsten (W): Approximately 97.30% to 98.50%
Oxides of Rare Earth Elements (comprising the remaining percentage):
Lanthanum Oxide (La₂O₃): Around 0.80% to 1.20%
Cerium Oxide (CeO₂): Approximately 0.20% to 0.50%
Yttrium Oxide (Y₂O₃):Approximately 0.10% to 0.30%

These rare earth oxides enhance the electrode's properties, providing benefits such as easier arc starting, improved arc stability, lower rate of electrode consumption, and the ability to handle higher current loads. This makes E3 tungsten electrodes suitable for both AC and DC welding applications.