13N09 - #5 Alumina TIG Cup 5/16" for 9/20 Series Torches (10 Pack)

Technical Overview of the 13N09 Alumina Nozzle

The 13N09 Alumina Nozzle is a standard consumable component designed for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) applications. Engineered to fit the "2-series" front-end configuration, this nozzle is directly compatible with 9, 20, and 25 series TIG torches. It features a #5 orifice, corresponding to a 5/16-inch (approximately 8.0 mm) inside diameter, which is a versatile size suitable for a wide range of joint configurations and amperage levels. The nozzle is manufactured from high-purity alumina ceramic, a material selected for its exceptional electrical insulation properties, high thermal conductivity, and resistance to thermal shock.

In TIG welding, the nozzle's primary function is to direct the inert shielding gas (typically Argon or Helium) around the tungsten electrode and the weld pool, protecting them from atmospheric contamination. The 13N09's cylindrical design ensures a laminar gas flow when used with standard collet bodies. Unlike gas lens nozzles which use a mesh screen to straighten flow, standard alumina cups like the 13N09 rely on the internal geometry of the cup and the collet body ports. This makes them robust and less prone to clogging from spatter, ideal for general-purpose fabrication.

Material Properties and Durability

The alumina (aluminum oxide) composition provides significant advantages in industrial environments. It maintains structural rigidity at elevated temperatures and resists the adhesion of weld spatter, which can otherwise disrupt gas flow. The nozzle is rated for the full amperage range of compatible torches, from low-amp micro-TIG applications up to the higher limits of water-cooled 20 series torches (typically around 250A). The threaded base ensures a secure mechanical connection to the torch body, preventing gas leakage that could lead to porosity in the weld metal.

Compatibility and Application

This nozzle is an essential stock item for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) involving precision welding. It is interchangeable with parts from major manufacturers such as Weldcraft, Miller, Lincoln Electric, and CK Worldwide. The #5 size is particularly effective for welding on medium-gauge materials where a balance between gas coverage and joint accessibility is required. It is not compatible with 17, 18, or 26 series torches unless a specific conversion adapter is utilized, as those torches typically employ the larger 10N series consumables.