What is Lanthanated tungsten good for?

Lanthanated tungsten electrodes are ideal if you want to optimize your welding capabilities. They work well on AC or DC electrode negative with a pointed end, or they can be balled for use with AC sine wave power sources.

Why do we no longer use thoriated tungsten?

While 2% thoriated tungsten has been the most commonly used tungsten material for many years, this electrode type is increasingly being scrutinized because of concerns for the environment and for the safety of users of this material. The concerns arise from the fact that the element thorium is radioactive.

What does thoriated tungsten mean?

INTRODUCTION. Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain thorium, a radioactive material that can pose health and environmental risks at elevated exposure levels. Thorium is a low-level radioactive material that primarily emits alpha particles as well as some beta and gamma radiation.

What Colour is 2% Lanthanated tungsten?

2% Lanthanated (Blue) EWLa-2/WL20 Tungsten It is good for low-alloyed steels, non corroding steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys and is typically our recommendation if you are purchasing your first package of tungsten electrodes.

What is the difference between Thoriated and Lanthanated?

Thoriated is also good but it has more limitations and produces radiation while lanthanated tungsten does not. We recommend lanthanated tungsten as the best tungsten for welding aluminum and just about any other metal as well.

Can I use thoriated tungsten to weld aluminum?

Use a pure tungsten or zirconiated tungsten electrode when AC welding aluminum. Don’t use a 2 percent thoriated tungsten electrode. Make sure you use a tungsten electrode large enough in diameter to carry the welding current you plan to use. Remember that AC welding requires larger–diameter tungsten electrodes.

What are the advantages of a thoriated tungsten?

For instance, a thoriated tungsten electrode has a greater current carrying capacity than pure tungsten. This allows it to carry more heat and reduces the potential for tungsten inclusions. It also makes a weld arc easier to start and makes the geometry of that arc more stable.

What is the best all around tungsten for TIG welding?

Ceriated and lanthanated tungstens hold up better for AC TIG applications than 2% thoriated tungsten. While thoriated tungsten remains the most common in DC TIG, because of concerns about radiation, most experts strongly recommend ceriated or lanthanated electrodes for AC and DC TIG.

What’s the best tungsten for welding aluminum?

If you are AC TIG welding aluminum for the first time we would suggest using a 2% ceriated in 3/32. Three solid options include Blue Demon , Weldcraft or CK. Ceriated is the most popular choice due to the easy arc start at low amperages.

What metal is thoriated tungsten used for?

That’s why the lanthanated and thoriated tungsten electrodes are the most commonly used electrodes among welders. They both can be used for both DC and AC welding so you can use them to weld aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, copper alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, and all types of steels.

Can you weld aluminum with thoriated tungsten?

What tungsten is best for steel?

Best Tungsten for Mild Steel FAQ: The 2% lanthanated tungsten (blue tip), like the rare earth blend (purple tip), works for both AC and DC welding. That means that it can be used not only for titanium, nickel, copper, mild and stainless steel but also for aluminum and magnesium which are recommended for AC welding.

Can you use a 2% thoriated tungsten for aluminum?

Can you use Lanthanated tungsten for aluminum?

2% lanthanated electrodes are found suitable for thinner aluminum sheets (1/8) in AC as the amperage used is less. 4.) 1.5% lanthanated: Labeled in gold color, these electrodes are also used for welding aluminum.