105Z42 - Weldcraft 105Z42 Lava TIG Cup #5 (10-Pack)

Technical Overview of the Weldcraft 105Z42 Lava Nozzle

The Weldcraft 105Z42 is a specialized #5 (5/16-inch) TIG welding nozzle manufactured from Lava, a unique ceramic material distinct from standard Alumina Oxide. This product is engineered specifically to address the thermal limitations of conventional nozzles when used in confined spaces or high-amperage applications involving significant reflective heat. Standard Alumina nozzles are typically molded and fired; during their manufacturing process, they undergo significant shrinkage. When these standard nozzles are subsequently subjected to intense reflective heat—such as when welding inside a corner, a pipe root, or a deep groove—the heat trapped in the confined area causes the nozzle to expand rapidly. This rapid thermal expansion, followed by contraction upon cooling, creates substantial internal stress, often resulting in catastrophic failure or cracking of the cup.

The 105Z42 Lava nozzle mitigates this failure mode through its material properties and manufacturing process. Lava nozzles are machined from a natural stone material before being fired, resulting in a ceramic structure with a different coefficient of thermal expansion and superior resistance to thermal shock. This makes the 105Z42 the preferred specification for industrial applications where the torch head is subjected to "oven-effect" heating. By resisting the tendency to crack under thermal stress, these nozzles ensure process continuity and prevent the contamination of the weld pool that can occur when a nozzle fractures during operation.

This nozzle features a standard #5 orifice (5/16" / 8.0mm) and is designed to thread onto the collet bodies of industry-standard 17, 18, and 26 series TIG torches. It is also compatible with equivalent torch bodies including the 150, 210, 300, 510, and Trimline series from various manufacturers such as CK Worldwide, Lincoln Electric, and Miller. The nozzle length is approximately 1-27/32 inches, providing standard coverage for the tungsten electrode. For MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) managers and welding engineers, specifying Lava nozzles for specific high-heat or confined-access workstations is a strategic decision to reduce consumable turnover rates and maintain higher uptime metrics.