0157121041 - ESAB 45V45 1/8" (3.2mm) Gas Lens for 9/20 Series Torches

Technical Overview of the ESAB 45V45 Gas Lens

The ESAB 45V45 Gas Lens Collet Body is a precision-engineered consumable designed to optimize shielding gas distribution for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Specifically manufactured for use with 1/8-inch (3.2mm) tungsten electrodes, this component is compatible with standard 9-series air-cooled torches and 20/25-series water-cooled torches. The primary function of the 45V45 is to replace the standard collet body, introducing a multi-layered fine mesh screen system that fundamentally alters the fluid dynamics of the shielding gas as it exits the nozzle.

In standard collet body configurations, shielding gas often exits the ceramic cup in a turbulent flow pattern, which can lead to the entrainment of atmospheric gases (oxygen and nitrogen) into the weld pool, causing porosity or oxidation. The ESAB 45V45 rectifies this by rectifying the gas stream into a laminar flow column. This coherent stream of gas maintains its integrity over a greater distance, providing a robust envelope of protection around the molten weld pool and the tungsten electrode. This technical advantage is critical when welding reactive metals such as titanium or stainless steel, where even minor atmospheric contamination can compromise the metallurgical integrity of the joint.

Furthermore, the laminar flow characteristics provided by the ESAB 45V45 allow operators to extend the tungsten electrode significantly further past the edge of the ceramic cup—often up to 1 inch (25.4mm) depending on gas flow rates and cup size. This extended stick-out capability is indispensable for industrial applications requiring access to deep grooves, fillets, or complex geometries where standard nozzle configurations would obstruct the welder's view or fail to provide adequate shielding. Constructed from high-quality brass and copper alloys, the 45V45 ensures excellent electrical conductivity and thermal management, essential for maintaining arc stability during prolonged welding cycles.