Skip to Main Content
Canadian
Canadian owned and operated

BWS187GE3 - E3 Purple Rare Earth Tungsten Electrodes 1/8" x 7" (10-Pack)

Packaging: 10 pcs in a pack
$139.40/pak $76.81/10 pcs in a pack only $76.81/pakSave 45%

In stock

SKU: T18X7E3 Categories: ,

OVERVIEW

Advanced Non-Radioactive TIG Welding Electrodes

The Best Welds E3 Purple Tungsten Electrode (1/8" x 7") represents the modern standard in TIG welding technology. Engineered with a proprietary blend of three rare earth oxides—Lanthanum, Zirconium, and Yttrium—this electrode is designed to outperform traditional thoriated tungsten without the associated radiation hazards. The E3 formula provides a safe, high-performance alternative that meets the rigorous demands of industrial fabrication environments.

One of the primary technical advantages of the E3 tungsten is its thermal efficiency. The electrode runs significantly cooler than 2% Thoriated (Red) tungsten, which directly translates to reduced tip degradation and a longer service life. This thermal stability ensures that the electrode maintains its ground geometry for extended periods, reducing the frequency of re-grinding and downtime. For workshops focused on efficiency and safety, switching to E3 eliminates the need for special handling procedures required for radioactive materials.

The 1/8" (3.2mm) diameter is a heavy-duty size suitable for higher amperage applications. It provides excellent current carrying capacity, allowing for deep penetration on thicker sections of mild steel and stainless steel. Furthermore, the unique oxide blend stabilizes the arc, providing consistent ignition and re-ignition characteristics that are crucial for automated or repetitive welding tasks. Whether used in direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC), the E3 purple tungsten delivers reliable performance across the board.

Key Technical Benefits

  • Safety First: Completely non-radioactive composition eliminates health risks associated with grinding thoriated tungsten.
  • Thermal Management: Operates at lower temperatures, preventing tip erosion and burn-back.
  • Versatility: Capable of handling both AC and DC currents effectively, making it a true "all-in-one" solution.
Additional Information
Tungsten Type:E3 (e3), E3
Diameter:1/8" (3.2mm), 3.2mm, 3.2mm (3-2mm)
Used To Weld:Steel or Stainless or Aluminum, Steel or Stainless or Aluminum (steel-or-stainless-or-aluminum)
Length :7" (175mm)
Color Code:Purple
Material Composition:Rare Earth Mix (Oxides of Lanthanum, Zirconium, Yttrium)
Current Type:AC / DC
AWS Classification:EWG (Manufacturer Specific)
----- new values below ----
Diameter:1/8" (3.2mm)
Length:7" (175mm)
Color Code:Purple
Material Composition:Rare Earth Mix (Oxides of Lanthanum, Zirconium, Yttrium)
Current Type:AC/DC
Arc Stability:Excellent
AWS Classification:EWG (Manufacturer Specific)
Diameter:3.2mm (3-2mm)
Tungsten Type:E3 (e3)
Used To Weld:Steel or Stainless or Aluminum (steel-or-stainless-or-aluminum)

INCLUDED

  • 10 x E3 Purple Tungsten Electrodes (1/8" x 7")
  • Plastic Storage Case

APPLICATIONS

  • TIG welding of Carbon and Mild Steel
  • Fabrication of Stainless Steel components
  • AC welding of Aluminum alloys
  • Pipe and tube welding
  • Aerospace and precision fabrication
  • Automated and orbital welding systems
  • Maintenance and Repair Operations (MRO)

FAQ

E3 tungsten (Purple) is a universal electrode used for TIG welding a wide variety of materials, including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and titanium. It works on both AC and DC polarities.

No, E3 purple tungsten is non-radioactive. It uses a mix of rare earth oxides (Lanthanum, Zirconium, and Yttrium) instead of Thorium, making it safer to grind and use.

Yes, E3 tungsten is excellent for AC welding of aluminum. It maintains a stable arc and holds its tip geometry well, often outperforming Pure or Zirconiated tungsten in modern inverter machines.

E3 offers similar or better conductivity and arc stability compared to Thoriated tungsten but runs cooler and lasts longer. It also eliminates the radiation hazard associated with Thoriated electrodes.

A 1/8" (3.2mm) tungsten electrode is typically rated for approximately 150 to 250 amps, depending on the current type (AC vs DC) and the gas cup size used.

For DC welding, grind the tip to a point lengthwise (parallel to the rod). For AC welding, you can grind it to a point or a truncated cone; E3 holds a point well but can also form a small ball at the tip if desired for AC.

The purple color code identifies the electrode as E3, which contains a mixture of rare earth oxides (typically 1.5% Lanthanum, 0.08% Zirconium, and 0.08% Yttrium).