ESAB ES 95i
Manual 0-5458 4-3 OPERATION
4.08 Tungsten Electrode Types
Electrode Type
(Ground Finish)
Welding Application Features Color Code
Thoriated 2%
DC welding of mild steel, stainless steel and
copper.
Excellent arc starting, long life, high
current carrying capacity.
Red
Ceriated 2%
AC & DC welding of mild steel, stainless
steel, copper, aluminum, magnesium and
their alloys.
Longer life, more stable arc, easier
starting, wider current range, narrower
& more concentrated arc.
Grey
4.09 GTAW (Lift TIG) Welding Parameters for Steel
Base
Metal
Thickness
DC Current Electrode
Diameter
Filler Rod
Diameter
Argon Gas
Flow Rate
Joint / Type
Mild Steel Stainless
Steel
0.040”
(1.0mm)
35-45 20-30 0.040”
(1.0mm)
1/16”
(1.6mm)
10 CFH
(5 LPM)
Butt/Corner
40-50 25-35 Lap/Filler
0.045”
(1.22mm)
45-55 30-45 0.040”
(1.0mm)
1/16”
(1.6mm)
13 CFH
(6 LPM)
Butt/Corner
50-60 35-50 Lap/Filler
1/16”
(1.6mm)
60-70 40-60 1/16”
(1.6mm)
1/16”
(1.6mm)
15 CFH
(7 LPM)
Butt/Corner
70-90 50-70 Lap/Filler
1/8”
(3.2mm)
80-100 65-85 1/16” (1.16mm) 3/32” (2.4mm) 15CFH
(7 LPM)
Butt/Corner
90-115 90-110 Lap/Filler
4.04 GTAW (Lift TIG) Electrode Polarity
Connect the TIG torch to the "-" Negative Output Terminal and
the work lead to the "+" Positive Output Terminal for direct
current straight polarity. Direct current straight polarity is the
most widely used polarity for DC TIG welding. It allows limited
wear of the electrode since 70% of the heat is concentrated at
the work piece.
4.05 Guide for Selecting Filler Wire
Filler Wire Diameter DC Current (Amps)
1/16" (1.6mm) 20 - 90
3/32" (2.4mm) 60 - 115
4.06 Tungsten Electrode Current Ranges
Electrode Diameter DC Current
.040" (1.0mm) 20 - 90
1/16" (1.6mm) 60 - 115
4.07 Shielding Gas Selection
Alloy Shielding Gas
Carbon Steel Welding Argon
Stainless Steel Welding Argon
Nickel Alloy Welding Argon
Copper Welding Argon
Titanium Welding Argon