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BW3327GZ - 3/32" Zirconiated Brown TIG Tungsten Electrodes (10-Pack)

Packaging: 10pcs per pack
$91.98/pak $572.60/10pcs per pack only $57.26/pakSave 38%

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OVERVIEW

High-Performance Zirconiated Tungsten for AC Applications

The Best Welds BW3327GZ is a premium-grade Zirconiated Tungsten electrode, identified by its industry-standard Brown color code (EWZr-8). Engineered specifically for Alternating Current (AC) TIG welding, this electrode contains a small percentage of Zirconium Oxide (typically 0.15% to 0.40%), which significantly enhances its performance characteristics compared to Pure Tungsten (Green). While Pure Tungsten has traditionally been the standard for AC welding, Zirconiated electrodes offer superior resistance to contamination and spitting, making them the preferred choice for high-quality radiographic welds in aerospace and critical industrial applications.

This specific electrode features a precision "Ground" finish. Unlike "Cleaned" or "Unfinished" tungsten, ground electrodes have been centerless ground to an exact diameter tolerance. This manufacturing process removes surface imperfections, ensuring optimal electrical conductivity and heat transfer from the collet to the electrode. The 3/32" (2.4mm) diameter is a versatile size, capable of handling a wide amperage range suitable for welding sheet metal up to medium-thickness plate. The 7-inch length is compatible with all standard TIG torches and consumable setups.

Zirconiated tungsten is renowned for its ability to form and retain a clean, balled tip when used with AC current. This balled geometry is essential for creating a stable, wide arc cone that provides the cleaning action necessary for welding aluminum and magnesium. Furthermore, the zirconium oxide addition increases the electrode's current-carrying capacity, allowing the welder to operate at higher amperages without the risk of the tip melting off or contaminating the weld puddle. It is important to note that while excellent for AC, Zirconiated tungsten is generally not recommended for DC welding applications.

Additional Information
Diameter:2.5mm (3/32")
Tungsten Type:Zirconiated
Used To Weld:Aluminum
Packaging Description:10 pcs in a pack
Length:7 in
Color Code:Brown
Finish:Ground
AWS Classification:EWZr-8
Welding Process:TIG (GTAW)
Current Type:AC
Used To Weld?:Steel or Stainless or Aluminum

INCLUDED

  • 10 x Zirconiated Tungsten Electrodes (3/32" x 7")
  • Protective Storage Case

APPLICATIONS

  • AC TIG welding of Aluminum alloys
  • AC TIG welding of Magnesium alloys
  • Aerospace component fabrication
  • Automotive aluminum repair (cylinder heads, wheels)
  • Marine fabrication and repair
  • General non-ferrous industrial manufacturing

FAQ

Both are Zirconiated, but they have slightly different chemical compositions. Brown (EWZr-8) typically contains 0.15-0.40% Zirconium, while White (EWZr-1) contains 0.15-0.40% as well, but they are often distinguished by specific manufacturing standards or regions. In practice, both are excellent for AC welding, but Brown is often cited as having slightly better ball retention in modern manufacturing.

It is not recommended. Zirconiated tungsten is specifically designed for AC welding. For DC welding on steel or stainless steel, you should use Thoriated (Red), Lanthanated (Blue/Gold), or Ceriated (Grey) tungsten for best results.

For AC welding with Zirconiated tungsten, you generally do not sharpen it to a fine needle point like you would for DC. Instead, you want to form a ball at the tip. However, you can grind a slight taper or flat spot before balling it to control the size of the ball.

A Ground finish means the electrode has been centerless ground to a precise diameter with a smooth surface. This ensures better electrical contact with the collet and reduces friction for gas flow. A Cleaned finish is chemically cleaned but may have slight surface variations.

A 3/32" (2.4mm) Zirconiated electrode on AC current typically handles between 70 and 180 amps, depending on the balance setting and gas cup size. It handles slightly more amperage than Pure tungsten of the same size.

No, Zirconiated tungsten is not radioactive. It is a safe alternative to Thoriated tungsten, which contains radioactive Thorium. This makes it safer to grind and handle.

Set your machine to AC, set the balance to max cleaning (or DCEP if using an old machine), and strike an arc on a piece of scrap copper or heavy aluminum. Slowly increase amperage until a shiny ball forms at the tip, then extinguish the arc.

This electrode is designed for use with 100% Argon, Argon/Helium mixes, or Argon/Hydrogen mixes (though Hydrogen is rare for Aluminum). 100% Argon is the standard for most AC Aluminum applications.