Tungsten is a rare metallic element used for manufacturing TIG welding electrodes. The TIG process relies on tungsten’s hardness and high-temperature resistance to carry the welding current to the arc. Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal, 3,410 degrees Celsius.
Tungsten electrodes are non-consumable and come in a variety of sizes, they are made from pure tungsten or an alloy of tungsten and other rare earth elements. Choosing the correct tungsten depends on the material being welded, the number of amps required and whether you are using AC or DC welding current. Tungsten electrodes are colour-coded at the end for easy identification.