2% Lanthanated Tungsten Guide: Expert Review, Optimal Use, and Settings
When it comes to precision TIG welding, selecting the right tungsten electrode can significantly impact your welding performance and results. Among various types, 2% Lanthanated Tungsten electrodes stand out due to their versatility, stability, and overall welding quality.
Expert Review of 2% Lanthanated Tungsten
2% Lanthanated Tungsten, recognized by its distinct blue color-coding, offers exceptional stability and reliable arc starts. This tungsten type is ideal for both AC and DC welding applications, making it highly versatile across aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and titanium.
Pros:
- Excellent arc starting and re-ignition capabilities
- Lower electrode consumption
- Superior thermal stability, reducing contamination
- Non-radioactive, safer alternative compared to thoriated tungsten
Cons:
- Slightly higher initial cost compared to standard tungsten electrodes
Practical Usage Tips
To achieve optimal results when using 2% Lanthanated Tungsten, consider these tips:
- Preparation: Grind your electrode to a pointed tip for DC welding and a slightly blunted or balled tip for AC welding.
- Maintenance: Regularly inspect and regrind your tungsten tip to maintain a clean, consistent arc.
- Storage: Keep electrodes in a dry, contamination-free environment to preserve quality.
Recommended TIG Welding Settings
Proper settings are critical for achieving optimal welding outcomes:
- DC Welding (Steel, Stainless Steel):
- Polarity: DCEN (Electrode Negative)
- Tip Shape: Sharply pointed
- Amperage: Typically between 80–250 amps depending on thickness
- AC Welding (Aluminum):
- Polarity: AC balanced or slightly biased toward electrode negative
- Tip Shape: Slightly blunted or balled
- Amperage: Usually 60–200 amps depending on aluminum thickness
| Tungsten Diameter | DC Amperage Range | AC Amperage Range | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.040” (1.0 mm) | 10 – 80 A | 15 – 70 A | Thin gauge metals |
| 1/16” (1.6 mm) | 50 – 150 A | 40 – 120 A | Light fabrication, sheet metal |
| 3/32” (2.4 mm) | 80 – 250 A | 60 – 200 A | General-purpose welding, most common |
| 1/8” (3.2 mm) | 150 – 350 A | 100 – 250 A | Thicker metal welding |
| 5/32” (4.0 mm) | 250 – 500 A | 150 – 350 A | Heavy-duty welding |
- 2% Lanthanated (Blue) EWLa-2/WL20
- Principal Oxide: 1.8 – 2.2% Lanthanum Oxide
- Non-Radioactive. Best general purpose electrode for both Alternating Current (A/C) or Direct Current (D/C) using inverter or transformer based constant current power sources.
- Good for low-alloyed steels, non corroding steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys.
Last update on 2025-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Principal Oxide: 1.8 – 2.2% Lanthanum Oxide
- Good for low-alloyed steels, non corroding steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys.
- Welding Electrodes, tungsten
Last update on 2025-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 2% Lanthanated (Blue) EWLa-2/WL20
- Principal Oxide: 1.8 – 2.2% Lanthanum Oxide
- Non-Radioactive. Best general purpose electrode for both Alternating Current (A/C) or Direct Current (D/C) using inverter or transformer based constant current power sources.
- Good for low-alloyed steels, non corroding steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys.
- Good arc starts and stability, medium to high amperage range, low errosion rate.
Last update on 2025-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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