Tungsten is a tough metal with the highest melting point of all known elements. Yet when it comes to 3D printing, it has a big problem – microcracks. In the high speed videos from laser powder bed fusion (a type of 3D printing), you can see the cracks form. New research from LLNL has shown that the main culprit is the metal’s transition from hot to cool. The results, made publicly available through the journal "Acta Materialia," allows the research community to pursue ways to mitigate microcrack

When picking the right tungsten it all comes down to the type of metal you are welding. One of the most common types is 2% Thoriated Tungsten, due to it's superior arc performance, higher current carrying capacity, and longer lifespan, but isn't the only name in the game. You can also use Gold/Blue Lanthanated, Orange Ceriated, Pink or Purple Rare Earth. Green Pure Tungsten is not recommended for Steel and is best for AC welding. If you are just getting started in TIG Welding watch the full 1G G

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