10 Best Tungsten for Aluminum Welding: [Reviews & Buying Guide]

TIG welding makes sense when you need to craft delicate welded joints and seams. Jobs like these require precision just as much as tungsten electrodes. In addition, some metallic oxides in tungsten contribute to their non-consumable nature, making them staples where minimal erosion is expected even in extremely high temperatures.

Welding aluminum is challenging, but your skills and experience may create a difference. Conversely, a wrong choice of electrodes can bring about utter failure regardless of your expertise.

From facilitating the arc initiation and maintaining stability to reducing the occurrence of weld contamination, these accessories do a lot more than just improving the rod’s capacity to carry the current.

How do you buy the right non-consumable for aluminum welding? It can be tricky, but not so much if you take a few minutes to know what I have to say.

Best Tungsten For Welding Aluminum: 10 Electrodes Compared

The following table only gives you the quick specs, which you’ll find useful as you dig deep into my reviews of the products.

Tungsten	Type	Quantity	Size
TIG Welding Tungsten Electrodes (WL20)	2% Lanthanated (Blue)	10	3/32″
YESWELDER Tungsten Electrode	2% Lanthanated (Blue)	10 (5+5)	3/32″, 1/16″
Pure Tungsten Electrodes	Pure (Green)	10	1/16″
2% Lanthanated Tungsten Electrodes	2% Lanthanated (Blue)	10	3/32″
KINGQ TIG Welding Tungsten Electrodes	2% Lanthanated (Blue)	10	3/32″
GENSSI TIG Welding Tungsten Electrode	2% Lanthanated (Blue)	10	1/16″
Amplify Brand Tungsten Electrodes	2% Lanthanated (Blue)	10	3/32″
Tungsten Electrodes (WC20)	2% Ceriated (Grey)	10	1/8″
Tungsten Electrodes Aluminum Solder Wire	Pure	20	0.08″
1.5% Lanthanated Tungsten Electrode	1.5% Lanthanated (Gold)	10	3/32″

10 Best Tungsten For Aluminum Welding Reviews

I spent hours developing my understanding of tungsten and finally came up with a list of products that have earned customers’ appreciation. Let’s start with the ones that fare much better than the rest.

1. TIG Welding Tungsten Electrodes 2% Lanthanated (3/32″)

According to electrode classification, this tungsten is called EWLa-2 and comes with a blue band that indicates its class. Welding professionals choose to use lanthanated electrodes because they facilitate arc starting well, carry the current efficiently, and withstand quite a few arc cycles.

The blue electrodes require low amperage, which is another plus to those using entry-level welding machines. This particular electrode is suitable for general uses where you can use alternating current (AC) or direct current electrode negative (DCEN).

The diameter of these electrodes is 3/32 inch, meaning that they carry the current up to 250 amps. The diameter also indicates that you can grind its tip to make a sharp, conical point which is essential when you want to concentrate your arc.

A larger diameter may not always be the best choice, but in this case, you’ll like it because those sharpened tips won’t deteriorate quickly.

These blue electrodes contain 1.8-2.2% (of its weight) Lanthanum Oxide (La₂O₃), which adds to its overall toughness and resistance to high temperatures.

You’re going through this write-up because you want to weld aluminum and need a high-quality tungsten electrode for that. These electrodes are indeed suitable, but they are also effective for many metals besides aluminum alloys.

You can weld alloys of copper, magnesium, nickel, titanium, and steel (low alloy and non-corroding variants). This versatility surely counts. Don’t you think?

2. YESWELDER Tungsten Electrode 2% Lanthanated 5Pk 1/16″ & 5Pk 3/32″

Although I cannot say this blue tungsten is what the best electrode for aluminum alloys looks like, you’ll love to have it to add to your collection of all-around non-consumable.

I wouldn’t recommend the product if not for its performance on DC, which is worth something. With a low rate of erosion, the electrode works well on high current output while providing a smooth start on DC and arc stability.

If you’re only going to weld aluminum, you should focus on the right combination of shielding gas and the size (diameter) of the electrode. This pack contains two different sizes, such as 3/32″ and 1/16″, having five pieces of both.

When you need to weld various titanium and steel alloys, you should use 25% helium and 75% argon. This particular combination is suitable for welding projects where you’re working with more than one type of metal or alloy.

3. Tungsten Electrodes Pure Tungsten (Green, WP) 10-Pack (1/16″)

For those who need low-cost welding non-consumable, this pure tungsten can be a proper general-purpose solution. According to the materials certification, the green electrode contains 99.5% tungsten. So, we can expect all the properties that come with this much purity.

What are those characteristics? Sufficient conductivity, stable arc, and smooth arc starting are some of the positive qualities. However, argon is considered the best shielding gas for green electrodes.

But then, you cannot ignore the limitations associated with the product, which include its tendency to spit when the current is high. Moreover, you want to choose better electrodes for projects involving critical welds.

Despite all these issues, green tungsten serves well as long as your applications rely on AC and aluminum, and magnesium alloys. This pack contains one particular size that is 1/16″. You can choose from two more sizes, 1/8″ and 3/32″.

4. 2% Lanthanated TIG Welding Tungsten Electrodes 3/32” x 7” 10-Pack

By now, you’ve learned nearly everything I wanted to tell you about the ‘lanthanated’ type. But I think you’ll have more to read since this article is all about the best tungsten for aluminum.

Following the AWS and ANSI standards, Patriot Tungsten manufactured these non-radioactive electrodes to help people who need non-consumable to carry out both DC and AC applications with ease and safety.

Its resistance to thermal shock and enhanced conductivity, along with a reduced burn-off rate, are some of the common qualities provided by blue tungsten. You may wonder why this product is exceptional and not like the other WL20 electrodes.

Well, look at the price. You know 3/32″ electrodes usually cost higher than this pack. But the low cost doesn’t make them cheap non-consumable items that burn pretty fast or ball up when you don’t want them to. You got my point, didn’t you?

5. KINGQ TIG Welding Tungsten Electrodes 2% Lanthanated 3/32”

Let me mention the positive qualities of this tungsten. It droops or sags at a high temperature but not necessarily as much as most other lanthanated electrodes do. Its properties are in a tested combination that makes the emission of electrons easy enough to carry much of the current.

The pack contains ten pieces of 3/32″ blue electrodes for all variants of non-corrosive aluminum, copper, nickel, and steel alloys. These sticks provide a stable arc retaining all its characteristics. Its conductivity is as good as it gets.

6. GENSSI TIG Welding Tungsten Electrode (Blue WL20)

Before being critical of this product, I should make one thing clear. Don’t get overwhelmed to see the green while the label says blue. Perhaps, the manufacturer likes to keep the greenish tip on blue electrodes.

Each stick is about 7 inches long with a diameter of 1/16″. As much as its efficiency in handling higher amperage settings is noticeable, you’ll love the way these electrodes round off on alternating currents.

Should you use thoriated tungsten but not at the risk of getting exposed to radioactive material, you have the liberty to consider GENSSI electrodes as the perfect substitute for both AC and DC.

7. Amplify Brand 2% Lanthanated Tungsten Electrodes – 3/32″

From the moment I had my eyes on Amplify Brand electrodes, I asked myself why this manufacturer didn’t take the easy route (keeping the price low and competitive).

Be it about the quality or the marketing strategy, and this 3/32″ blue tungsten doesn’t cost so much without giving customers some reasons to think about it.

Each stick has a dark blue cap that helps us identify the type. Apart from the typical aspects like conductivity or low burn-off, this pack comes with special packaging to keep the electrodes from moisture contamination, which pays off by prolonging the storage life of the content inside.

8. Pur. Tungsten 2% Ceriated 1/8″ x 7″ Tungsten Electrodes (Grey, WC20)

Few non-consumable products are as good as ceriated tungsten when it comes to DC applications being handled at low amperages. Pur. Tungsten has brought this electrode pack to make it convenient for professionals to fabricate pipe, orbital tubes, delicate parts, and sheet metals.

The 1/8″ electrodes carry as much current as you need to get the right amount of heat and arc stability for precision welding. If you’ve been welding aluminum for a while now, you know what ‘precision’ means.

I don’t think the tungsten won’t erode. But the rate is low and acceptable. You know, ceriated tungsten is valuable where DC applications are relevant. For this pack, you need to maintain straight polarity or DCSP.

9. Kamas Tungsten Electrodes Aluminum Solder Wire

With more than 99.7% of aluminum content, these electrodes have the essential chemical properties to yield smooth arc start and weldability. Each electrode has a diameter of 2mm or 0.08 inches.

Kamas tungsten features corrosion resistance, forgeability, electric and thermal conductivity, all up to an optimal level. In addition, the melting point of the tungsten is low enough to allow for easy processing of the metal.

The tungsten contains internal powder that doesn’t require you to use any other flux powder as the core of your base metal, aluminum alloy in this case. You don’t need any special coating either, as you need a salt base.

As much as you find the affordability of this product important, its versatility is noticeable too. Manufactured for arc welding based on argon, these electrodes are ideal for applications specific to different industries.

You can use them for welding aluminum alloy and manganese in vehicles like bicycles, scooters, and locomotive carriages. Other areas include shipbuilding, military production, aviation facilities, vessels, etc.

10. RADNOR 3/32″ X 7″ 1.5% Lanthanated Tungsten Electrode

This tungsten electrode may be too costly for a few stick pieces, but I didn’t have it on my list without reasons. Only recommended for TIG welding, these sticks can be a non-radioactive alternative to the 2% thoriated type.

You can expect satisfactory performance without making a lot of adjustments, which applies to other electrodes. So then, how is RADNOR tungsten any better?

Each stick has a diameter of 3/32 inches and contains 1.2% to 1.6% Lanthanum Oxide (LA₂O₃) of its total weight. In addition, the tungsten powder contains high-purity oxides produced from the use of APT or ammonium paratungstate, which adds to the electrode’s strength and durability.

These electrodes come packed after the reliable “Eddy Current” testing, which assures you of proper conductivity and no surface detection.

Each stick passes through the ‘annealing’ process, a particular heat treatment procedure that makes the metal less brittle. So, you can size them without a problem. The ground finish brings smoothness to the surface.

Additional Read: Best Tungsten for TIG welding Mild Steel

After reading my reviews of the above tungsten electrodes, you might be happy to think that you know which one to choose. I feel the same for you.

But then, I thought you could use a little more help because TIG welding is not an average type of procedure, and aluminum is not like steel or other alloys. So, I’ve presented a buying guide for you to know where to focus on as you’re going to buy tungsten.

How To Buy The Best Tungsten For Aluminum Welding?

I won’t try to fill you in on more products. Instead, I’ll be discussing the very basics of tungsten and pretty much everything you need to choose the right non-consumable product.

TIG and plasma welding are the most popular processes in which you need non-consumable tungsten. These types of electrodes are available in a wide variety of alloys or compositions.

• Pure Tungsten (99.50%)
• 2% Thoriated
• 2% Ceriated
• 5% Lanthanated
• 2% Lanthanated
• 8% Zirconiated (minimum 99.10% tungsten)
• Rare Earth (LayZr)

Each of the above electrodes is engineered to serve at least one specific purpose, with the primary purpose (high-quality welds) being the same for all welding processes and professionals. Here, I’m putting a table to show you the key information and uses of each type.

Tungsten	AWS Classification	Color Designation	Principal Oxide	Characteristics	Applications
Pure	EWP	Green	None	Balls fast Spits at higher current Non-critical tasks	Alternating Current (A/C) Aluminum/ Magnesium Alloys Low to Medium Amps
2% Thoriated	EWTh-2	Red	Thorium Oxide (1.7–2.2%)	Good Arc Start Arc Stability Moderate Erosion Rate Spits Moderately	Direct Current (D/C) Non-corroding copper, nickel, steel, and titanium alloys Only Medium Amp Range
2% Ceriated	EWCe-2	Grey	Cerium Oxide (1.8–2.2%)	Good Ignition or Re-Ignition Good Arc Stability Low Erosion Low Amp Range No Spitting Extended Service Life	A/C and D/C Low-Alloy, Non-Corroding Aluminum, Copper, Magnesium, Nickel, Steel, and Titanium Alloys
1.5% Lanthanated	EWLa-1.5	Gold	Lanthanum Oxide (1.3 –1.7%)	Excellent Arc Start Great Arc Stability Low Erosion Rate No Spitting	Direct Current (D/C) Non-corroding copper, nickel, steel, and titanium alloys Wide Amp Range
2% Lanthanated	EWLa-2	Blue	Lanthanum Oxide (1.8 – 2.2%)	Good Arc Starts with Stability Low Erosion Medium to High Amp Range	A/C and D/C Low-Alloy, Non-Corroding Aluminum, Copper, Magnesium, Nickel, Steel, and Titanium Alloys
0.8% Zirconiated	EWZr-1	White	Zirconium Oxide (0.7– 0.9%)	Good Arc Starts with Stability Low Erosion High Amp Range Spits a Little	A/C Aluminum and Magnesium Alloys
Rare Earth (LayZr)	EWG	Chartreuse	Lanthanum (1.5%), Zirconium (0.08%), Yttrium Oxides (0.08%)	Best Arc Starts at Low Amperage Stable Tip Low to Medium Amp Range Extended Service Life	A/C and D/C Robotic Applications Low-Alloy, Non-Corroding Aluminum, Copper, Magnesium, Nickel, Steel, and Titanium Alloys

Looking at the table, you can quickly identify which tungsten stands out when it comes to TIG welding aluminum and steel alloys. I created the table with the same goal.

Do I need to tell you that I’m pointing at 2% lanthanated tungsten? Better, I continue to expand my thoughts on this particular type of electrode a little bit.

Classified by the American Welding Society (AWS) as EWLa-2.0/ EWLa-1.5, lanthanated contains a minimum of 97.80% tungsten with 1.30–2% lanthana/ lanthanum. These electrodes provide smooth arc starting, arc stability, reduced burn-off, and good re-ignition properties.

Ceriated tungsten shares some of these characteristics too. Again, thoriated tungsten has about the same level of conductivity as that of the lanthanated type. Therefore, welding tasks that rely on thoriated tungsten can be handled with the lanthanated variation without significant adjustments.

Lanthanated tungsten allows professionals to optimize their welding processes and capabilities. These electrodes work wonders on DCEN or AC with a carefully pointed end. You can also ball them if you need to use AC sine wave sources of power.

Lanthanated tungsten carries current quite effectively and works well at low voltages. You won’t see this much versatility in ceriated or thoriated tungsten.

Now, I would like you to pay attention to a few relevant questions to form your understanding of why tungsten electrodes need to be chosen with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are about the different situations you’ll face while using tungsten electrodes. I hope my answers will be helpful to you, no matter the color or size of the tungsten you purchase.

How Do I Prepare The Tungsten For Welding?

Tungsten preparation ends with the electrode having three shapes such as pointed, balled, or truncated. Each of these shapes is associated with certain consequences.

• Pure tungsten requires a balled tip and is ideal for AC welding processes.
• A truncated or pointed tip is helpful for both DC and AC processes using an inverter power source.

While grinding your tungsten to the desired shape, you must prevent contamination, and grinding wheels built for this purpose are recommended. Use AC amperage that is required by your electrode size.

Make sure the balled end doesn’t go any larger than 1.5 times the electrode’s actual diameter. For example, the balled end should be 3/16 inch if the electrode itself has a diameter of 1/8 inch. Larger ends might result in reduced arc stability and contaminated weld.

What Can I Do To Prevent Tungsten From Splitting?

Splitting is a common problem with any color-coded electrode. So, you want to check the parameter settings, I mean the machine and the condition of the electrodes rather than replacing the existing ones.

• Balance setting: 75% Minus and 25% Plus
• Welding current: As suggested by the user manual (welding machine)
• Welding frequency: 75 Hz
• Shielding gas: As required by the metal
• The shape of the polished electrode in comparison to the original piece: Top corner to be ground to 60 degrees (1.0 mm flattened)

I can write an entire article to explain this topic, which I’ll do later. But, for now, I’ve only offered a few tips so that you can jump right into my concluding remark without any fuss.

Final Verdict

If you ask me to make only one choice that is better than others on my list, it is hard but not impossible. Midwest 2% Lanthanated (WL20) has to be that name. Please refer to my first product review.

I found Midwest Pure Tungsten to be the top choice when you need something perfect for AC welding applications. However, if your job requires that the electrodes carry more current than average tungsten, you can pick the 2% Lanthanated electrode from Patriot.

YESWELDER’s tungsten is what I call a wonderful non-consumable for DC applications. Not all projects involve aluminum as the only metal. KINGQ’s 2% lanthanated tungsten comes with excellent properties to support various metals besides aluminum.

Now you know exactly which product is better at what than the others. I only hope you’ll be able to choose the best tungsten for aluminum. Feel free to let me know if you need additional information or insights.