What is Purple Tungsten used for?

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???

Benefits of Using Purple Tungsten for TIG Welding

Purple tungsten electrodes, commonly known as E3 tungsten, have gained popularity among tig welders for their versatility and superior performance. These electrodes are a blend of rare earth elements, typically lanthanum, cerium, and yttrium. Here are the key benefits of using purple tungsten in TIG welding:

 1. Versatility
- Universal Application: Purple tungsten is suitable for both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) welding processes. This makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of materials, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and copper alloys.
- One Electrode for Multiple Materials: The ability to use a single type of electrode for different materials simplifies the welding process and reduces the need for changing electrodes frequently.

2. Excellent Arc Stability
- Consistent Arc: Purple tungsten provides a stable and smooth arc, which is important for producing high-quality welds. The consistent arc reduces the risk of arc wander and improves control, especially in precision welding tasks.
- Easy Arc Start: These electrodes have a low arc starting voltage, making it easier to initiate the arc. This feature is particularly beneficial in applications requiring frequent arc starts and stops.

 3. Improved Performance
- Higher Load Capacity: Purple tungsten can handle higher amperages compared to some other types of tungsten electrodes. This makes them suitable for both light and heavy-duty welding operations.
- Longer Electrode Life: They have a longer lifespan due to their durability and resistance to contamination. This means less frequent sharpening and electrode replacement, enhancing productivity.
- Lower Burn-Off Rate: The rare earth elements in purple tungsten help reduce the rate of burn-off, maintaining the electrode’s shape and performance over extended use.

4. Ease of Use
- Sharpening and Maintenance: Purple tungsten electrodes are easy to sharpen and retain their point longer than some other types. This reduces downtime and maintenance efforts.
- Minimal Splitting: They are less prone to splitting or cracking during use, ensuring a smoother welding process and consistent weld quality.

5. Environmentally Friendly
- Non-Radioactive: Unlike thoriated tungsten electrodes, which contain radioactive thorium, purple tungsten is non-radioactive. This makes it a safer and more environmentally friendly option.

Purple tungsten electrodes (E3) offer numerous benefits, including versatility, excellent arc stability, improved performance, ease of use, and environmental safety. Their ability to handle a variety of welding tasks with consistent quality makes them a preferred choice for many professional welders.

Why Use Purple Tungsten on Aluminum in TIG Welding?

Using purple tungsten, or E3 tungsten, for TIG welding aluminum offers several advantages that enhance the welding process and improve the quality of the weld. Here’s a detailed explanation of why purple tungsten is a good choice for aluminum:

 1. Great Arc Stability
- Consistent and Stable Arc: Purple tungsten provides a very stable and consistent tip when at mid range amperage on aluminum.   The stable tip shape reduces the risk of arc wander and ensures better penetration and weld consistency .

 2. Ease of Arc Starting
- Low Arc Starting Voltage: One of the significant advantages of purple tungsten is its low arc starting voltage. This makes it easier to initiate the arc, which is particularly beneficial when welding thin aluminum at low amps. Aluminum often requires precise control and a reliable start, and purple tungsten excels in this area .

 3. Versatility with AC Welding
- AC Compatibility: Aluminum is typically welded using alternating current (AC). Purple tungsten performs exceptionally well with AC, and especially when using higher AC frequency settings common on modern TIG inverters. This makes it an excellent choice for aluminum welding applications .

 4. Durability and Longevity
- Longer Electrode Life: Purple tungsten electrodes are known for their durability and longer lifespan compared to other tungsten types. They resist contamination and wear better, meaning they need to be sharpened less frequently. This is particularly useful when welding aluminum, which can be more demanding on electrodes

 5. Minimal Splitting
- Reduced Splitting and Cracking: Purple tungsten is less prone to splitting or cracking during use. This property ensures a more consistent weld and reduces downtime for electrode maintenance, which is crucial for maintaining productivity and weld quality in aluminum welding 

Purple tungsten (E3) offers significant advantages for TIG welding aluminum, including superior arc stability, ease of arc starting, compatibility with AC welding, durability, and minimal splitting. These benefits make it a preferred choice for welders looking to achieve high-quality aluminum welds with less hassle and more efficiency.