FAQ

Pure Tungsten ( Color Green):: Pure tungsten contain 99.5% tungsten and have the highest consumption rate and are more cost efficient than alloyed tungsten.

Thoriated ( Color Red):: Thoraited tungsten must contain a least 97.3% pure tungsten and 1.7-2.2% thorium. Generally this is referred to as 2% thoriated. Thorium increase the electron emission causing an improvement in the arc start. Thoraited is preferred over its counterparts for the longevity and ease of use.

Ceriated (Color Orange):: Ceriated tungsten must contain a 97.3% tungsten and 1.8-2.2% cerium. Commonly referred to as 2% cerium. This tungsten is ideal for DC welding with low current settings.

Lanthanated ( Color Gold):: Lanthanted electrodes must contain 97.8% tungsten and 1.3-1.7% lanthanum. Also known as 1.5% lanthanated tungsten. This tungsten pairs well with AC or DC electrode negative.

Zirconiated (Color Brown):: Zirconiated tungsten contains 99.10% tungsten and .15-.40% zirconium. The stable arc produced by zirconiated tungsten is ideal for AC welding because it will retain a balled tip.

Rare Earth ( Color Gray):: Rare-earth contain an unspecified additives of  rare-earth oxides or a hybrid combination of different oxides. Each manufacture is required to specify the additives and percentages on the packaging. Ask our staff about additional information regarding Rare Earth Tungsten.

 

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Argon – Nonferrous Metals

Argon & Helium – Aluminum, Magnesium, Copper, & their alloys

Argon & Oxygen – Stainless Steel

Argon & Oxygen – Mid & Low Alloy Steels (and select Stainless with GMAW)

Argon & Carbon Dioxide – Stainless Steel and some Alloys

Helium & Argon – Aluminum, Magnesium, Copper & their alloys

Carbon Dioxide – Mild & Low Alloy Steels (and Select Stainless Steels

Nitrogen – Copper & Copper Allows & purging stainless steel pipe and tubing

Why do we need a shielding Gas?

Shielding gas protects the weld pool from atmospheric gases that can cause cracking, porosity, and nitriding thus leading to a decrease in the strength of a weld joint. Secondly, it helps the flow of electrons in the arc.

CO2 – Welding with CO2 alone will result in a wide and fairly deep weld bead. However, it will produce a significant amount of spatter.

Argon –  Welding solely with Argon will produce a concentration and focused arc that will produce a narrow and deep penetration.

75% Argon/ 25% CO2 – This combination of gases is the most commonly used among welders. CO2 provides a wider penetration bead while the Argon lends stability to the CO2. The Stability helps reduce the spatter produced by CO2 alone.

90% Argon/ 10% CO2 – This gas combination is typically used in robotics or pulse welders. It allows for the needed faster travel speeds. It’s also frequently used with metal-core wire providing the following benefits: no silicon deposits at the weld bead, virtually no slag, and high deposition rates.

The “L” is lower carbon in it than the ‘regular’ filler. Regular 308 is 0.08% carbon max, 308L is 0.03% carbon max.

A: The SI in LSI means that silicon has been added to improve wetting.

Wire Example :: ER308LSi

E= Electrode ; meaning it is capable of being a carrier of electricity

R= Rod ; Meaning it doesn’t have to be an electrode to be used as a weld material.

308= The stainless alloy of the wire

L= Low Carbon ; Opposed to “H” High Carbon

Si= Abnormally High Amounts of Silicon ; Improved the wetting of the weld puddle