45V24 - Weldcraft 45V24 Gas Lens .040 for 17/18/26 Torches (2-Pack)

Weldcraft 45V24 Gas Lens .040" (2-Pack) Overview

The Weldcraft 45V24 Gas Lens is a premium TIG welding consumable designed to enhance the performance of standard air-cooled and water-cooled torches. Engineered for use with .040-inch (1.0mm) tungsten electrodes, this component is an essential upgrade for welders seeking superior shielding gas coverage and improved weld quality. This package contains two genuine Weldcraft gas lenses, ensuring you have a spare on hand for critical fabrication tasks. As a genuine Miller/Weldcraft product, it meets strict manufacturing tolerances for consistent thread fitment and gas flow rates.

Compatibility and Fitment

This gas lens is part of the "3 Series" consumable group, making it compatible with some of the most widely used TIG torches in the industry. It fits the 17 Series (air-cooled), 18 Series (water-cooled), and 26 Series (air-cooled) torch bodies. Whether you are using a WP-17, WP-18, or WP-26 model—or their equivalent A-150, W-350, and A-200 versions—the 45V24 screws directly into the torch head, replacing the standard collet body. It must be paired with a compatible gas lens nozzle (alumina cup) to function correctly, as standard nozzles will not fit the larger diameter of the gas lens body.

The Gas Lens Advantage

Unlike a standard collet body which simply directs gas out of the nozzle, the 45V24 features a multi-layered mesh screen. This screen acts as a diffuser, breaking up the chaotic, turbulent flow of argon into a smooth, laminar column. This coherent stream of gas pushes away atmospheric contaminants more effectively, reducing the risk of porosity and oxidation in the weld pool. This is particularly beneficial when welding reactive metals like stainless steel or titanium, where gas coverage is critical to the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the final weld.

Enhanced Visibility and Access

One of the most practical benefits of using the 45V24 gas lens is the ability to extend the tungsten electrode further beyond the cup edge. Because the gas column remains stable over a longer distance, welders can increase their "stick-out" up to an inch in some conditions without losing shielding. This extended reach provides significantly better visibility of the arc and puddle, allowing for precise manipulation in tight corners, fillets, and complex pipe joints where a standard setup would fail to protect the weld.