What color is the end of the tungsten used for welding stainless steel?

The color coding of tungsten electrode ends indicates their composition and intended application. Specifically, for welding stainless steel, a purple color at the end of the tungsten electrode signifies that it is made of a tungsten alloy that includes a certain level of thorium. These electrodes are particularly well-suited for DC welding and can provide a stable arc, which is essential for welding stainless steel effectively.

In contrast, other colors represent different types of tungsten electrodes designed for various types of welding or materials. Green indicates pure tungsten, red typically denotes thoriated tungsten for general applications, and blue signifies a different alloy composition which may be suitable for AC welding but not optimized for stainless steel applications. Thus, the purple coding directly points to the right type of tungsten for working with stainless steel, making it the correct choice.