Tungsten Electrode Selection Guide — Match Type to Material and Current
Two questions decide the right tungsten electrode: what metal are you welding, and on which current? This guide answers both in one table, then gives quick rules of thumb our customers use every day.
Selection table by material and current
| Your job | Current | First choice | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium & magnesium | AC | WP or WZ8 | WL20 |
| High-current AC on Al/Mg | AC | WZ8 | WL20 |
| Carbon steel, stainless, alloy steel | DCEN | WL15 / WL20 | WT20 |
| Thin sheet, low current | DCEN | WC20 | WL15 |
| Automated / robotic TIG | DCEN | WC20 or WL20 | WT20 |
| Precision & critical DC work | DCEN | WY20 | WL20 |
Every type is explained in detail on its own page — start from the product overview if you want the full comparison table.
Quick rules of thumb
Welding aluminium on AC?
Use WP for classic AC work, or WZ8 when current is high and you want cleaner beads with less spitting.
Steel on DC, maximum arc stability?
WL15 / WL20 is the strong general-purpose pick — and a proven non-radioactive alternative to red thoriated electrodes.
Very low current, thin sheet?
WC20 starts easiest at low amperage, which is why it dominates thin-gauge and precision work.
Matching diameter to amperage?
Thicker metal and higher amperage call for a larger electrode diameter. Our verified current reference chart by diameter is available on request — ask for it with your inquiry.
Recommended welding current values by diameter and type are being finalized by our engineers. Rather than publish unverified numbers, we provide the reference chart on request — cross-check the values against your welding machine before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Which single electrode covers the widest range of work?
Lanthanated WL20. It runs on DC and AC, starts easily, lasts long and replaces thoriated in most applications — many workshops standardize on it.
Can I mix electrode types in one order?
Yes. MOQ is 100 pcs per order and mixed types and sizes are accepted, so trialing two or three types costs little.
Does the color code match AWS and ISO designations?
Yes. The tip colors correspond to the AWS A5.12 / ISO 6848 type designations — see the color code chart for the full mapping.
Need a quotation for tungsten electrodes?
Tell us the type, diameter, length and quantity — mixed sizes are welcome. We reply with specification, price and lead time.