How to Choose the Best Tungsten

In this guide the six types of tungsten electrodes are outlined to help you choose the best tungsten for your welding job. 

• EWG (Tri Mix, E3, or LayzR): This new group of tungsten is 15-20 years old. It was introduced to the market as an "All-in-one" tungsten capable of performing very well under all conditions.  It has gained popularity in the industry and is quickly replacing Thoriated tungsten for many welders.
  • Tip color varies by manufacturer
  • Dopant mixture percentages vary by manufacturer
  • AC or DC current
  • Low and high amperage
  • Can be used with all metals; aluminum, steel, stainless, ect.
  • Extended service life
  • Stable and consistent arc performance

• Thoriated: The go to tungsten in the US for a long time.  Capable of handling anything you throw at it.  Not as popular as it once was due to health concerns of radioactive Thorium and the introduction of other tungsten dopants that out perform this once "king of tungsten".
  • Red Tip for 2% and Orange Tip for 4%
  • Ferrous steel, titanium, nickel, and copper alloys
  • High load and amperage capable

• Pure Tungsten: Primarily used for welding aluminum, pure tungsten usage has declined over the years due to the increased performance of Lanthanated, Zirconated, and EWG tungsten.
  • Green Tip
  • AC current
  • Primarily used for aluminum
  • Low Current Capacity
    
  • Resistant to contamination

• Lanthanated Tungsten: The all around choice for many welders.  Lanthanated tungsten has a reputation of being the shop work horse and is quickly replacing Thoriated tungsten as the most popular tungsten in the workplace.
  
  • 1.5% Gold tip, 2% Blue tip
  • DC is the preferred, but it can handle AC as well
  • Ferrous steel, titanium, nickel, and copper alloys, 
  • Excellent ignition and stable arc

• Ceriated Tungsten: For low amp, thin metal, applications.  When welding thin metal with low amperage, Ceriated tungsten's qualities shine.  Its excellent low amp arc ignition and stable arc allow for delicate welding.
  
  • Gray Tip
  • DC preferred
  • Best on thin steels, nickel, and titanium
  • Low amp stable arc

• Zirconated: A replacement for Pure Tungsten with better performance.  Performs best when welding aluminum with older transformer machines.
  
  • .8% White Tip, .3% Brown Tip
  • AC current
  • Aluminum and Magnesium
  • Ability to "ball" easily and resistant to splitting