Welding aluminum is one of the most challenging tasks. With the right tools and proper technique, it can be a breeze! Whether you’re a beginner or experienced professional, selecting the best tungsten for TIG welding aluminum requires careful consideration.
One factor that can have an enormous effect on the success of your workpiece is tungsten material selection. According to research, a good tungsten for TIG welding aluminum can increase deposition rates by 18% and maintain a higher arc stability for up to five times longer.
So, what is the best tungsten for TIG welding aluminum? Let’s find out!
What is the Best Tungsten for Tig Welding Aluminum?
Tungsten is a metal alloy used in welding aluminum in a process called tig welding. With the popularity of aluminum for its strength and durability, the use of tungsten has also become common.But, what is the best tungsten to use when welding aluminum?
Types of Tungsten:
There are a few types of tungsten that can be used for welding aluminum.These include:
- Pure tungsten
- Ceriated tungsten
- Thoriated tungsten
- Lanthanated tungsten
Thoriated tungsten has a higher melting point than ceramic-based tungsten. Lanthanated tungsten is the strongest and can be used to weld thicker aluminum applications.
Selecting the Right Tungsten:
When selecting the right tungsten for welding aluminum, it is important to consider the type of aluminum weld you are performing. Thicker aluminum welds usually require tougher tungsten, such as lanthanated tungsten, while thinner aluminum applications may require softer tungsten, such as ceriated tungsten.The type of current used for welding also plays a role in selecting the right tungsten. Tungsten for AC welding should have a higher resistance than for DC welding.
Conclusion:
When selecting the best tungsten for tig welding aluminum, it is important to consider the type of aluminum weld, the type of current used, and the strength and durability of the tungsten.Pure tungsten is the most resistant to welding, but ceriated tungsten can be used on thinner aluminum applications. Thoriated tungsten has a higher melting point, while lanthanated tungsten is the strongest. The right tungsten can make the difference between a successful weld or not. Citation URL: https://www. esabna. com/us/en/education/arc-welding-knowledge/tungsten-types-v. cfm https://www. millerwelds. com/resources/articles/tig-welding-tungsten-electrodes https://www. eastwood. com/tig-welding-tungsten-electrodes-and-their-uses. html