BWS187GZ - 1/8" Zirconiated Tungsten Electrodes (Brown) - Ground Finish

High-Performance Zirconiated Tungsten for AC Applications

The Best Welds Zirconiated Tungsten Electrodes (Brown) are engineered specifically for high-quality radiographic-quality welding where tungsten contamination must be minimized. Identified by the AWS classification EWZr-1 and a brown color code, these electrodes contain a small amount of zirconium oxide (typically 0.15% to 0.40%), which significantly enhances their performance characteristics compared to pure tungsten.

This 1/8-inch (3.2mm) electrode features a precision ground finish. Unlike cleaned finishes, a ground finish provides a uniform diameter throughout the length of the rod, ensuring consistent electrical conductivity and heat distribution. This is critical for automated processes or precision manual welding where arc stability is paramount. The zirconium content allows the electrode to retain a balled end during welding—a necessary geometry for AC welding—while offering greater resistance to splitting and spitting than pure tungsten.

These electrodes are the industry standard for AC TIG welding of aluminum and magnesium alloys. They offer excellent arc starting and current-carrying capacity, comparable to thoriated tungsten, but are designed exclusively for Alternating Current (AC). They are not recommended for DC welding applications. The high resistance to contamination ensures that the weld pool remains clean, reducing the risk of inclusions and rework.