Which tungsten type is recommended for aluminum welding?

• A. Thoriated tungsten
• B. Lanthanated tungsten
• C. Pure or zirconated (green or brown)
• D. Tungsten carbide

Answer: (C)

When welding aluminum with TIG, you want a tungsten electrode that starts easily and maintains a stable AC arc without contaminating the weld. Pure tungsten (green) and zirconated tungsten (brown) fit that need well. Pure tungsten works cleanly with AC, and zirconated tungsten adds reliable arc starting and steadier behavior for aluminum, which helps you control the molten pool and produce a good weld finish. Thorium-containing tungsten (thoriated) is radioactive and is typically used for DC welding on steel, not ideal for aluminum or AC. Tungsten carbide is not used as a TIG electrode. While lanthanated tungsten can be used in some setups, the traditional recommendation for aluminum welding is pure or zirconated tungsten.