PWAK-2 - Universal TIG Consumable Kit for 17/18/26 Series Torches

Technical Overview of the 17/18/26 Series TIG Accessory Kit

The PWAK-2 TIG Accessory Kit is a curated assembly of essential front-end consumables designed for the "3-Series" or "Large Series" TIG torches, specifically the WP-17, WP-18, and WP-26 models. These torch series share a standardized front-end geometry, allowing for complete interchangeability of collets, collet bodies, gas cups, and back caps. This kit is engineered to support industrial maintenance and repair operations (MRO) by providing a single SKU solution for multiple torch configurations found in fabrication shops.

The components within this kit are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM specifications for thermal conductivity and dimensional tolerance. The collets and collet bodies are machined from high-grade tellurium copper or similar conductive alloys, ensuring efficient current transfer from the power cable to the tungsten electrode. This minimizes resistive heating at the torch head, which is critical for maintaining the duty cycle of air-cooled models like the WP-17 and WP-26. The included alumina ceramic nozzles are formulated to withstand high thermal shock, preventing cracking during rapid cooling cycles common in manual welding applications.

For facility managers and welding engineers, standardizing on a kit like the PWAK-2 simplifies inventory management. Rather than stocking individual part numbers for every nozzle size or collet diameter, this kit provides a balanced selection of the most frequently used components. It covers the requirements for both the heavy-duty water-cooled WP-18 (rated up to 350A) and the versatile air-cooled WP-17 and WP-26 torches. This cross-compatibility ensures that welders have immediate access to replacement parts, reducing machine downtime associated with worn or damaged torch consumables.

The kit typically includes a range of orifice sizes to accommodate different tungsten diameters and gas flow requirements. Proper selection of the collet and collet body size is essential for arc stability; a mismatched collet can lead to poor electrical contact and arc wandering. By providing a matched set of components, this accessory kit ensures that the gas shielding envelope remains laminar and effective, protecting the weld pool from atmospheric contamination.