What type of tungsten is commonly used for aluminum welding in GTAW?

Zirconiated tungsten is commonly recommended for aluminum welding in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) due to its favorable characteristics. This type of tungsten contains zirconium oxide, which enhances the arc stability and provides a smoother, more consistent arc when welding aluminum. Zirconiated tungsten can be especially effective when working with alternating current (AC), which is the standard for aluminum welding.

The addition of zirconium helps in refining the grain structure of the tungsten, thereby improving its performance in terms of thermal conductivity and resistance to contamination. This results in a more controlled and stable welding process, which is crucial for achieving high-quality welds in aluminum applications.

In contrast, other types of tungsten, like pure or thoriated, may not perform as effectively in AC conditions typically used for aluminum. They have different properties that make them more suitable for other materials or welding processes. Thoriated tungsten, for example, is often chosen for DC welding due to its life and performance with ferrous materials but does not offer the same benefits for aluminum.