Tungsten question !!
Tungsten question !!
(OP)
I know that for welding steel, I am supposed to use 2% thoriated tungsten,(red band), and for welding aluminum, I'm supposed to use pure tungsten(green band). I use 2% thoriated for all my welding, and get excellent results. I have tried pure tungsten on aluminum, but I find no difference. I ball my tungsten on a piece of copper before use on aluminum, and grind to a sharp point for steel. Could someone please tell me why you have to use different tungstens for different materials?? Thanks. Dan B.
RE: Tungsten question !!
RE: Tungsten question !!
RE: Tungsten question !!
RE: Tungsten question !!
Material AWS Class ISO Class Oxide Content
2% Thoriated EWTh-2 WT20 1.7-2.2% ThO2
2% Ceriated EWTh-2 WC20 1.8-2.2% CeO2
1½% Lanthanated EWLa-1.5N/A 1.3-1.7% La2O3
1% Lanthanated EWLa-1 WL10 0.8-1.2% La2O3
Zirconiated EWZr-1 WZ3 0.15-0.40% ZrO2
Pure Tungsten EWP W None
Mil-Std 248 permits the substitution of the electrode, as they are considered a non-essential element of the welding process.
“No single material is the right choice for every application”. Most welders used 2% Thoriated Tungsten for most GTAW welding applications. “However, because this material is slightly radioactive and ingestion of the dust during grinding represents a health hazard, many welders have looked to other alternatives. Non-radioactive 2% Ceriated Tungsten has proven itself to be very good in low amperage welding and is commonly used by orbital welders. The new non-radioactive 1½% Lanthanated Tungsten electrode is an excellent substitute for 2% Thoriated Tungsten in almost every application. In addition, independent, controlled tests have shown that it actually offers better arc starting and longer life.