Tungsten Electrodes

Tungsten Electrodes for Australian TIG Welding

Tungsten electrodes are the non-consumable electrodes used in TIG (GTAW) welding — the conducting tip that creates the welding arc without being consumed in the weld. Different tungsten types are blended with rare-earth additions that change the arc characteristics, electrode life, and welding performance. For Australian TIG welders working across stainless, aluminium, and specialty alloys, the right tungsten matched to the welding type and material is essential. AIMS Industrial supplies tungsten electrodes from approved welding consumable brands.

The tungsten electrode types we stock

• Pure tungsten (green tip) — for AC welding of aluminium; balls up under AC arc
• 2% Thoriated (red tip) — long-standard DC TIG electrode; legacy material with radioactive content concerns
• 2% Ceriated (orange tip) — modern non-radioactive replacement for thoriated; similar arc performance
• 1.5% Lanthanated (gold tip) — versatile electrode that handles AC and DC welding well
• 2% Lanthanated (blue tip) — alternative lanthanated grade with different arc characteristics
• 0.8% Zirconiated (white tip) — for AC aluminium welding; alternative to pure tungsten
• Multi-rare-earth (purple, rainbow tips) — premium electrodes blending multiple rare earth additions

The colour band identifies the type

Tungsten electrodes have a colour band at one end identifying the type — universal across manufacturers. Memorise the common ones: red (thoriated), orange (ceriated), gold (lanthanated 1.5%), blue (lanthanated 2%), green (pure), white (zirconiated). The colour code lets you identify the electrode type at a glance without reading the packaging.

Why thoriated is being phased out

2% thoriated tungsten was the long-standard DC TIG electrode but contains a small percentage of thorium — a low-level radioactive material. Grinding thoriated tungsten produces respirable dust containing thorium, which presents health and environmental concerns. Modern Australian welding workplaces increasingly substitute ceriated or lanthanated electrodes, which provide similar or better arc performance without radioactive content. For new workplaces, ceriated or lanthanated is the preferred specification; thoriated remains in use where existing procedures specify it.

Choosing the right electrode

• DC TIG on steel and stainless — ceriated or lanthanated; both perform similarly to thoriated
• AC TIG on aluminium — pure tungsten or zirconiated balls up under AC arc
• Versatile DC and AC use — lanthanated handles both well
• Critical and high-quality welding — multi-rare-earth electrodes provide premium arc performance

Electrode diameter selection

Tungsten diameter is matched to the welding amperage:

• 1.0mm — up to ~80A; thin material work
• 1.6mm — up to ~150A; the everyday workshop diameter
• 2.4mm — up to ~250A; medium-heavy welding
• 3.2mm — up to ~350A; heavy welding
• 4.0mm — up to ~500A; production heavy welding

Using too-small diameter for the amperage causes electrode failure (melting, splitting). Too-large diameter wastes electrode and produces unfocused arc.

Tungsten preparation — grinding

For DC welding, tungsten is sharpened to a specific point geometry — typically 2-3× electrode diameter in length, with a tip angle matched to the work. For AC welding, the tungsten balls up under the arc; pure and zirconiated tungsten do this naturally, while ceriated and lanthanated need to be balled up before AC welding (apply DC current briefly to balance the tip into a sphere).

Use a dedicated tungsten grinder or fine diamond wheel for preparation — alumina abrasives can contaminate the tungsten. Grind longitudinally (in line with the electrode axis) rather than transversely (across the axis) — longitudinal grinding produces cleaner arc starts.

Brands stocked at AIMS

Tungsten electrodes are stocked from quality welding consumable manufacturers covering the standard types and diameters. For specific brand or specialty grade requirements, sourcing through our distribution channels covers most options.

Storage and handling

Tungsten electrodes don't require special storage — they're dimensionally stable and don't absorb moisture. Store in original packaging to prevent oxidation. Avoid contamination — touching the tungsten with bare fingers can transfer skin oils that affect arc starting.

Companion ranges at AIMS

Tungsten electrodes sit alongside our broader TIG welding range — see TIG welding consumables, TIG torches, TIG welding accessories, and TIG welding rods for the related products.

Need help selecting tungsten type and diameter for specific TIG welding work? contact our team — we'll match by welding type, material, and amperage.