E3® TUNGSTEN BENEFITS
These are the reasons why you should switch to purple color code E3® Tungsten electrodes.
FASTER & MORE RELIABLE STARTS
Purple color code E3® Tungsten outperforms red color code 2% Thoriated Tungsten in faster and more reliable arc starts.
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Testing has shown that ignition delay with E3® is actually improved over time while thoriated tungsten starts to deteriorate after only 25 starts.
CONSISTENT WELDING CHARACTERISTICS
E3® Electrodes maintain stable tip geometry and therefore better welding and a longer life.
LONGER TIP LIFE
E3® Tungsten electrodes run much cooler, therefore extending tip life.
NON-RADIATING OXIDES
Purple E3® Tungsten is not radioactive.
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For years red color code 2% Thoriated Tungsten was preferred for direct current electrode negative conditions. Thorium is weakly radioactive and contains trace levels of naturally occurring isotopes that emit alpha particles at a very long half-life. Due to the increased awareness and trends to eliminate all radioactive sources (even at safe levels) from the work environment, some welding communities recommend using non-radioactive alternatives.