10N49 - Weldcraft 10N49 #5 Alumina TIG Cup (10-Pack)

Technical Overview of the Weldcraft 10N49 Alumina Nozzle

The Weldcraft 10N49 Alumina Nozzle is a critical consumable designed for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) applications. This specific nozzle is sized as a #5, indicating an orifice diameter of 5/16 of an inch (approximately 8mm). It is manufactured from high-grade alumina ceramic, a material selected for its exceptional balance of thermal properties and mechanical strength. Alumina (aluminum oxide) provides high dielectric strength and excellent resistance to thermal shock, making it the standard material choice for general-purpose TIG welding applications where amperage levels are moderate to high.

Compatibility and Fitment

Engineered to be a universal fit for the "3 Series" of TIG torches, the 10N49 nozzle is compatible with all major brands of 17, 18, and 26 series torches. This includes air-cooled models like the WP-17 and WP-26, as well as water-cooled models like the WP-18. The nozzle threads directly onto standard collet bodies used in these torch assemblies. Its standardized threading ensures that it can be used interchangeably with equivalent parts from other manufacturers such as CK Worldwide (part 3A5) and other generic equivalents, although genuine Weldcraft parts are manufactured to tighter tolerances for consistent gas flow dynamics.

Operational Performance

The primary function of the 10N49 nozzle is to direct the shielding gas (typically Argon) around the tungsten electrode and the weld pool. The #5 size is ideal for lighter gauge materials and applications requiring a smaller tungsten diameter, typically ranging from 0.040" to 1/16". The alumina composition resists the adhesion of weld spatter, which is crucial for maintaining laminar gas flow. Turbulence caused by spatter buildup inside the cup can lead to porosity in the weld. Furthermore, the nozzle's high impact resistance offers durability against the accidental drops and knocks common in industrial environments.

Packaging and Specifications

This product is supplied as a package of 10 nozzles. Bulk packaging is essential for MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) environments to ensure continuous uptime. Each nozzle is inspected to meet Weldcraft's quality standards, ensuring that the ceramic is free from hairline cracks that could compromise shielding gas coverage or lead to premature failure under heat stress.