Typical Current Ranges For Tungsten Electrodes - Lincoln Electric VANTAGE 520 SD Operator's Manual

VANTAGE ® 520 SD
SETTINGS WHEN USING THE K930-2 TIG MODULE
• Set the WELD MODE switch to the "Touch Start TIG Setting".
• Set the STOP/AUTO IDLE/HIGH IDLE switch to the "AUTO/RUN"
position.
• Set the WELDING TERMINALS switch to the "Remotely
Controlled" position. This will keep the solid state contactor
open and provide a "cold" electrode until the triggering device
(Amptrol or Arc Start Switch) is pressed.
DCEN (-)
Tungsten
Electrode
Diameter Thoriated
mm (in) Tungsten
.25 (0.010)
.50 (0.020)
1.0 (0.040)
1.6 (1/16)
2.4 (3/32) 150-250
3.2 (1/8) 250-400
4.0 (5/32) 400-500
4.8 (3/16) 500-750
6.4 (1/4) 750-1000
(1) When used with argon gas. The current ranges shown must be reduced when using argon/helium or pure helium shielding gases.
(2) Tungsten electrodes are classified as follows by the American Welding Society (AWS):
Pure
1% Thoriated
2% Thoriated
Though not yet recognized by the AWS, Ceriated Tungsten is now widely accepted as a substitute for 2% Thoriated Tungsten in AC
and DC applications.
(3) DCEP is not commonly used in these sizes.
(4) TIG torch nozzle "sizes" are in multiples of 1/16ths of an inch:
# 4 = 1/4 in.
# 5 = 5/16 in.
# 6 = 3/8 in.
# 7 = 7/16 in.
# 8 = 1/2 in.
#10 = 5/8 in.
(5) TIG torch nozzles are typically made from alumina ceramic. Special applications may require lava nozzles, which are less prone to
breakage, but cannot withstand high temperatures and high duty cycles.
Table B.3 TYPICAL CURRENT RANGES
FOR TUNGSTEN ELECTRODES
DCEP (+)
1%, 2% 1%, 2%
Thoriated
Tungsten
2-15 (3)
5-20 (3)
15-80 (3)
70-150 10-20
15-30
25-40
40-55
55-80
80-125
EWP
EWTh-1
EWTh-2
6 mm
8 mm
10 mm
11 mm
12.5 mm
16 mm
(1)
(2)
Approximate Argon Gas Flow Rate
l/min (c.f.m.)
Aluminum Stainless Steel
2-4 (3-8) 2-4 (3-8)
3-5 (5-10) 3-5 (5-10)
3-5 (5-10) 3-5 (5-10)
3-5 (5-10) 4-6 (9-13)
6-8 (13-17) 5-7 (11-15)
7-11 (15-23) 5-7 (11-15)
10-12 (21-25) 6-8 (13-17)
11-13 (23-27) 8-10 (18-22)
13-15 (28-32) 11-13 (23-27)
B-13
OPERATION
TIG TORCH
Nozzle
Size (4), (5)
#4, #5, #6
#5, #6
#6, #7, #8
#8, #10