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Standard Heatshield, 3 Series Gas Saver Parts, Torch Head Accessories.
Answers to the questions buyers ask when choosing, fitting and looking after the replacement parts for a TIG gas saver (gas lens) torch set-up.
A gas saver, often called a gas lens, replaces the plain collet body with one that has fine layered mesh screens in the gas path. The screens straighten the shielding gas into a smoother, less turbulent column around the tungsten and weld pool.The smoother flow gives more even coverage and lets you extend the tungsten further, which helps in awkward joints and for seeing the weld. Do not assume you can cut the gas flow rate; use the figure recommended for your torch, cup and job.
The collet and the gas lens body both need to match the diameter of the tungsten electrode you are using, for example 1.6 mm or 2.4 mm. Torch makers say to use correctly sized front-end parts. A collet of the wrong size will not grip the tungsten properly, which can cause poor contact, overheating and an unstable arc.The size is normally marked on the part. If you change tungsten diameter, change the collet and gas lens body to match.
Cups are numbered by the diameter of the opening, so a higher number means a wider opening. A larger cup gives wider gas coverage, while a smaller one reaches into tight joints more easily. Gas lens set-ups are usually used with larger cups, and a longer cup lets you extend the tungsten further while keeping it inside the gas shield.A gas saver cup normally needs to be the type made for gas lens use. Check the cup size and gas flow against the torch maker's guidance.
Most cups are made of alumina, a hard ceramic that insulates against electricity. Technical ceramics sources describe alumina as brittle and sensitive to sudden temperature change, so cups can crack or chip if dropped or knocked.There is no set life. Replace a cup that is cracked, chipped at the rim or has deposits that cannot be removed, as these upset the gas flow and can let air into the weld.