Tungsten for TIG Welding all metals

2% lanthanated tungsten for tig welding

1. Good Arc Starts: Lanthanated tungsten electrodes have excellent ignition properties, making them ideal for initiating the welding arc. They require less amperage for arc starting, reducing the risk of tungsten contamination or sticking during the process.
2. Longer Electrode Life: 2% lanthanated tungsten electrodes have a higher current-carrying capacity compared to most other tungsten electrodes. This allows for higher amperage applications for a given size tungsten without sacrificing electrode life. They exhibit better resistance to heat and have a reduced rate of burn-off, resulting in longer-lasting electrodes.
3. Versatility: Lanthanated tungsten electrodes are suitable for both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) welding applications. They perform well on various metals, including steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium, and nonferrous metals. This versatility makes them a popular choice for a wide range of TIG welding applications.

E3 tungsten is a Rare earth Tungsten

E3 is usually Purple but some companies have been approved to use different colors

E3 tungsten electrodes, also known as rare earth tungsten electrodes, offer several benefits for TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. Here are some of the advantages of using E3 tungsten electrodes:

1. Extended Electrode Life: E3 tungsten electrodes have a long service life compared to some other tungsten electrodes. The addition of rare earth oxides, such as lanthanum, cerium, and yttrium, to the tungsten alloy improves its durability and resistance to degradation.  
2. Enhanced Ignition and Re-ignition: E3 tungsten electrodes have really good ignition properties, making them easier to start and re-ignite. They require less amperage to initiate the arc, ensuring quicker and more reliable arc initiation. This feature is particularly beneficial when working with low-amperage welding applications.
3. Good Arc Stability: E3 tungsten electrodes have excellent arc stability, which means that the arc remains consistent and steady during welding. This stability reduces the chances of arc wandering or arc flickering, resulting in improved control over the weld pool.

It's worth noting that the specific benefits may vary depending on the specific application and welding conditions.  

Ceriated tungsten

While thoriated tungsten electrodes are still popular in some areas, and have been widely used in the past, there are concerns about radioactive thorium dust. For that reason, there has been a shift towards alternatives such as ceriated tungsten due to safety and environmental concerns. Here are some benefits of ceriated tungsten electrodes compared to thoriated tungsten

1. Regulatory Compliance: In some workplaces, the use of thoriated tungsten electrodes is restricted or banned due to the associated health and safety risks. By switching to ceriated tungsten electrodes, companies can ensure compliance with regulations and avoid potential legal issues related to thorium.
2. Versatility: Ceriated tungsten electrodes are suitable for a wide range of welding applications, including both low-amperage and high-amperage DC tig welding and low to mid amperage AC welding. They can be used for welding various metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper alloys. Some welders report that Ceriated tungsten stays sharp longer on DC. While still holding up well at medium amperage on AC. This versatility makes ceriated tungsten electrodes a popular choice among welders who work with different materials.
3. Reduced Health Risks: Thorium is a radioactive element found in thoriated tungsten electrodes. When thorium is present in welding operations, there is a potential risk of inhaling or ingesting radioactive dust or fumes. Overexposure to thorium can lead to health issues Ceriated tungsten electrodes, on the other hand, do not contain radioactive materials, making them safer for the welders and the environment.