INWELT WP18 320A Water-Cooled TIG Welding Torch

Heavy-Duty Water-Cooled TIG Torch for Continuous High-Current Welding

The INWELT WP18 is a water-cooled GTAW torch designed for demanding TIG welding applications requiring higher current capacity and extended arc-on time.

The INWELT configuration is rated at 320A DC and 240A AC at 100% duty cycle and supports tungsten electrodes from Ø0.5 mm to Ø4.0 mm.

Unlike a gas-cooled TIG torch, the WP18 circulates coolant through the torch and cable assembly to continuously remove heat from the torch head and power cable. This makes it particularly suitable for production welding, aluminum fabrication, stainless-steel welding and other applications involving sustained welding current.

Standard 4 m and 8 m cable assemblies are available together with rigid and flexible torch-head configurations, multiple switch-control options and different connection arrangements.

For welding equipment manufacturers, distributors and importers, INWELT also supports OEM/ODM configurations, private labeling and bulk supply.

INWELT WP18 Technical Specifications

Always confirm the TIG power source, water cooler, electrical connection, gas connection, torch-control plug and cable requirements before ordering.

How the WP18 Water-Cooled TIG Torch Works

A TIG torch carries welding current, shielding gas and the tungsten electrode to the welding arc.

In a water-cooled system, coolant also circulates through the torch assembly to control heat generated during high-current welding.

Welding Current Reaches the Tungsten Electrode

Electrical current travels through the torch cable and conductive components to the tungsten electrode.

The tungsten creates the TIG arc between the electrode and the workpiece without becoming the filler metal.

Shielding Gas Protects the Weld

Argon or another appropriate TIG shielding gas flows through the torch body, collet body or gas lens and ceramic cup.

The shielding gas protects the hot tungsten electrode and molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination.

Coolant Removes Heat from the Torch

During sustained high-current welding, considerable heat is transferred into the torch head and cable assembly.

A compatible water cooler circulates coolant through the torch to remove this heat and return the warmed coolant to the cooling unit.

This allows the WP18 to operate at a substantially higher continuous welding load than smaller gas-cooled TIG torches.

Why Choose a Water-Cooled WP18 TIG Torch?

The main advantage of the WP18 platform is its ability to combine high current capacity with continuous cooling.

100% Duty Cycle for Production Welding

The INWELT WP18 is specified at:

• 320A DC

• 240A AC

• 100% duty cycle

This makes the torch suitable for applications involving long welds, repeated production cycles and higher welding currents.

Duty cycle should always be considered together with welding current, coolant performance, ambient conditions and torch configuration.

Better Heat Management

Water cooling continuously removes heat from the torch head and cable assembly.

Compared with a similarly sized gas-cooled torch, this can help:

• Reduce torch overheating

• Improve operator comfort

• Support longer arc-on time

• Protect internal torch components

• Reduce thermal stress on consumables and cables

High Current Without an Oversized Hand Torch

A water-cooled design allows substantial welding current to be handled without relying only on a very large torch body for heat dissipation.

For professional production welding, this can provide a useful balance between current capacity and torch handling.

WP18 and WP18F Torch Head Options

INWELT can provide WP18 configurations with rigid or flexible torch heads.

WP18 Rigid-Head TIG Torch

The standard rigid head maintains a fixed torch angle.

It is suited to:

• General fabrication

• Long production welds

• Bench welding

• Pipe and plate welding

• Repetitive industrial work

• Applications where a fixed head provides sufficient access

A rigid head is generally preferred when maximum simplicity and mechanical durability are priorities.

WP18F Flexible-Head TIG Torch

The flexible-head version allows the operator to adjust the torch angle for difficult joint geometry.

This configuration can be useful for:

• Confined joints

• Pipe assemblies

• Corners

• Internal structures

• Complex fabrication

• Restricted-access repair work

Flexible heads should be repositioned carefully. Repeated excessive bending can shorten the life of internal conductive components.

4 m and 8 m Cable Assemblies

INWELT offers standard 4 m and 8 m WP18 torch assemblies.

4 m Cable

A 4 m assembly is suitable for welding stations positioned relatively close to the welding machine.

Advantages can include:

• Lower cable weight

• Reduced drag

• Easier handling

• Cleaner workstation layout

• Easier storage

8 m Cable

An 8 m assembly provides additional working reach for larger fabrication areas.

It can be useful for:

• Large weldments

• Shipbuilding

• Heavy equipment

• Fixed power-source installations

• Maintenance work

• Large fabrication workshops

Longer cables increase the amount of hose and cable the operator must handle, so cable length should be selected according to actual working distance.

WP18 Tungsten Electrode Range and Consumables

The INWELT WP18 supports tungsten electrodes from Ø0.5 mm to Ø4.0 mm.

Correct front-end components should be selected according to the tungsten diameter and welding application.

Typical WP18 consumables include:

• Tungsten electrode

• Collet

• Collet body

• Gas lens

• Ceramic cup

• Heat shield / insulator

• Back cap

• O-rings and seals

Series 3 Consumable Compatibility

The WP18 belongs to the larger TIG torch consumable family commonly associated with WP17 and WP26-style front-end components.

This allows many commonly used collets, collet bodies, gas lenses and cups to share related Series 3 dimensions.

However, always verify part numbers before mixing consumables from different manufacturers.

Small TIG torches such as WP9 and WP20 use a different consumable platform and should not be assumed to use the same parts.

Standard Collet Body vs. Gas Lens for WP18

The WP18 can be configured with either a standard collet-body system or compatible gas-lens components.

Standard Collet Body

A standard collet body provides a straightforward shielding-gas path and is suitable for many general TIG welding applications.

It offers:

• Simple assembly

• Wide consumable availability

• Good general-purpose performance

• Cost-effective replacement

Gas Lens

A gas lens uses a diffuser structure to help create smoother shielding-gas flow around the tungsten.

Depending on the welding application, it may provide:

• More uniform gas coverage

• Improved shielding at longer tungsten extension

• Better access to recessed joints

• Greater weld-pool protection in certain positions

Gas-lens performance still depends on gas flow, cup diameter, tungsten extension, torch angle and surrounding airflow.

What Materials Can the WP18 TIG Torch Weld?

When used with an appropriate TIG welding machine, shielding gas, tungsten and filler metal, the WP18 can be applied to a wide range of weldable materials.

Typical materials include:

• Aluminum

• Stainless steel

• Carbon steel

• Mild steel

• Nickel alloys

• Copper alloys

• Titanium

• Other suitable GTAW metals and alloys

The torch itself does not determine material compatibility.

Successful welding also depends on:

• AC or DC power-source capability

• Welding current

• Tungsten type

• Shielding gas

• Filler material

• Joint design

• Material thickness

• Welding procedure

For example, aluminum is commonly TIG welded using an AC-capable power source, whereas carbon steel and stainless steel are frequently welded using DCEN.

Industrial Applications for the WP18 Water-Cooled TIG Torch

The WP18 is especially suited to applications involving sustained welding current or production welding.

Typical applications include:

• Aluminum fabrication

• Stainless-steel fabrication

• Tube and pipe welding

• Pressure-vessel fabrication

• General industrial manufacturing

• Shipbuilding

• Railway equipment

• Heavy machinery

• Automotive and motorsport fabrication

• Energy equipment

• Maintenance and repair

• Production welding stations

For lightweight precision work at lower current, a smaller WP9 or WP20-style torch may provide easier handling.

For higher-current continuous welding, the WP18 water-cooled platform provides substantially greater thermal capacity.

WP18 vs. WP26 TIG Torch

WP18 and WP26 are both commonly used for higher-current TIG welding, but their cooling methods make them suitable for different applications.

Choose WP18 When:

• Welding at high current for extended periods

• Production duty cycle is important

• A compatible water cooler is available

• Aluminum or other high-heat-load welding is common

• Reduced torch heat is a priority

Consider WP26 When:

• A water cooler is not available

• Portability is more important

• Welding is intermittent

• Actual current and duty-cycle requirements are within the WP26 rating

Does a WP18 TIG Torch Require a Water Cooler?

Yes.

The WP18 is designed specifically as a water-cooled TIG torch and should be connected to a compatible welding coolant circulation system.

Operating a water-cooled torch without adequate coolant flow can cause:

• Torch overheating

• Power-cable overheating

• Hose damage

• Seal deterioration

• Electrical insulation damage

• Premature torch failure

The correct coolant, flow requirements and pressure limits should follow the requirements of the welding power source, cooler and torch system.

Do not operate the torch if coolant circulation is interrupted.

How to Select the Correct WP18 Torch Configuration

Before ordering, confirm the complete TIG welding system rather than selecting a torch only by its model number.

1. Check Welding Current

Confirm the normal AC and DC welding current.

The INWELT WP18 on this page is rated at:

320A DC / 240A AC at 100% duty cycle.

If your application exceeds those verified ratings, select a higher-capacity system.

2. Confirm the Water Cooler

Make sure the welding system includes a compatible water cooler or integrated coolant circuit.

Check:

• Coolant supply

• Return connection

• Hose fittings

• Coolant compatibility

• Flow monitoring if available

3. Confirm Power and Gas Connections

Different welding machines use different connectors and adapter systems.

Depending on the required configuration, INWELT can supply connection options such as:

• M12×1

• 3/8G

• Other machine-specific configurations

Always provide the machine model or photographs of the existing connections before ordering.

4. Choose Rigid or Flexible Head

Select:

WP18 rigid head for standard production welding.

WP18F flexible head for restricted-access welding.

5. Select Cable Length

Choose:

• 4 m

• 8 m

according to workstation layout.

6. Confirm Torch Control

Available INWELT configurations may include:

• Single switch

• Double switch

• Four-button control

• Potentiometer control

Machine compatibility must be confirmed for any torch-mounted remote-control function.

Torch Switch and Remote-Control Options

Different TIG welding machines use different control interfaces.

INWELT can configure WP18 torch assemblies with several switch arrangements according to project requirements.

Standard Torch Switch

A standard switch can provide welding start/stop control when correctly connected to a compatible TIG power source.

Multi-Button Controls

Multi-switch configurations can support additional machine functions where the welding power source allows them.

Potentiometer Control

A compatible torch-mounted potentiometer can provide remote current adjustment on supported welding machines.

The electrical resistance value, pin configuration and connector must match the specific power source.

A potentiometer torch should therefore never be assumed to be universally compatible.

WP18 Cooling System Maintenance

Because cooling is essential to WP18 operation, coolant-system maintenance should be treated as part of normal torch maintenance.

Check Coolant Level

Maintain the coolant level specified by the cooler manufacturer.

Low coolant can reduce cooling performance and introduce air into the circuit.

Inspect Water Hoses

Check hoses for:

• Leaks

• Cracks

• Crushing

• Kinks

• Loose fittings

• Heat damage

Restricted coolant flow can cause rapid torch overheating.

Use Suitable Welding Coolant

Use coolant recommended for TIG welding cooling systems.

Automotive antifreeze or unapproved coolant should not automatically be substituted because conductivity, additives and material compatibility can vary.

Keep Cooling Passages Clean

Contamination or deposits inside the cooling system can reduce heat transfer.

Follow the maintenance schedule for the water cooler and torch system.

WP18 TIG Torch Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Torch Overheats

Possible causes include:

• Insufficient coolant

• Restricted water flow

• Failed cooling pump

• Damaged hose

• Welding current above rating

• Loose electrical connection

• Blocked cooling passage

Stop welding and inspect the cooling system before continuing.

Poor Shielding Gas Coverage

Check:

• Argon flow

• Ceramic cup

• Gas lens or collet body

• Torch seals

• Hose connections

• Tungsten extension

• Drafts around the welding area

Increasing gas flow excessively is not always the correct solution because turbulent gas flow can also reduce shielding quality.

Tungsten Will Not Clamp Correctly

Verify that the collet and collet body match the tungsten diameter.

Replace distorted or overheated collets.

Unstable Arc

Inspect:

• Tungsten condition

• Electrical connections

• Work clamp

• Polarity

• Welding-machine settings

• Shielding gas

• Consumable condition

Coolant Leakage

Immediately stop using the torch if coolant appears around the torch head, handle, fittings or cable connections.

Inspect the hose assembly, seals and torch body before returning the torch to service.

OEM WP18 TIG Torch Manufacturing by INWELT

INWELT supplies TIG welding torches to professional B2B customers including:

• Welding equipment manufacturers

• TIG welder brands

• Welding distributors

• Importers

• Wholesalers

• Industrial supply companies

• Repair and aftermarket suppliers

• Private-label welding brands

OEM and ODM projects can be configured according to machine requirements and target-market specifications.

OEM and Private-Label Options

Available customization may include:

• Customer branding

• Private-label packaging

• Cable length

• Torch handle

• Rigid or flexible head

• Switch configuration

• Potentiometer control

• Power connection

• Water connections

• Gas connection

• Cable protection

• Product labels

• Instruction manuals

• Consumable kits

For OEM projects, provide the welding-machine model, technical interface, expected current range, cable length and estimated order quantity.

Spare Parts Details:

Our Catalog:

ChangZhou Inwelt Tig Welding Torch.pdf

Why Source WP18 TIG Torches from INWELT?

INWELT specializes in MIG/MAG, TIG and plasma torch manufacturing.

For welding equipment brands and distributors, sourcing complete TIG torches together with compatible consumables can simplify:

• Procurement

• Product development

• Spare-parts stocking

• Aftermarket support

• Private labeling

• Connector customization

• Long-term product supply

INWELT can supply WP18 torch assemblies together with collets, collet bodies, ceramic cups, gas lenses, back caps, torch bodies, handles, switches and other related replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions About the WP18 TIG Welding Torch

Is the WP18 TIG torch water cooled?

Yes.

The INWELT WP18 is a water-cooled TIG/GTAW torch and requires a compatible coolant circulation system.

What is the amperage rating of the INWELT WP18?

The current INWELT specification is 320A DC and 240A AC at 100% duty cycle.

Always select the torch according to actual welding current and operating conditions.

What tungsten sizes fit the WP18?

The INWELT WP18 supports tungsten electrodes from Ø0.5 mm to Ø4.0 mm.

The collet and related front-end components must match the tungsten diameter.

Does a WP18 torch need a water cooler?

Yes.

A WP18 should not be operated without adequate coolant circulation because the torch and power cable are designed around water-cooled operation.

Can a WP18 TIG torch weld aluminum?

Yes, when connected to a suitable AC TIG welding machine and configured with the correct tungsten, shielding gas, filler metal and welding parameters.

Its high-current water-cooled design makes the WP18 particularly suitable for many production aluminum applications.

What is the difference between WP18 and WP18F?

WP18 normally refers to a rigid torch head.

WP18F uses a flexible head that can be repositioned to improve access to difficult joints.

What is the difference between WP18 and WP26?

WP18 is water cooled, while WP26 is generally gas/air cooled.

WP18 is better suited to sustained higher-current welding when a water cooler is available. WP26 provides a simpler system where external water cooling is not required.

Are WP18 consumables compatible with WP17 and WP26?

Many WP18 front-end consumables belong to the same commonly used Series 3 family as WP17 and WP26 components.

However, always confirm individual part numbers and dimensions before mixing parts from different torch manufacturers.

What cable lengths are available?

INWELT offers standard 4 m and 8 m WP18 torch assemblies.

What connector options are available?

Available configurations include M12×1, 3/8G and other machine-specific arrangements, depending on the torch assembly.

Send the TIG welder model or connector photos for confirmation.

Can INWELT supply a WP18 with remote amperage control?

Yes, potentiometer and multi-switch versions can be supplied for compatible welding equipment.

The connector, wiring and control resistance must match the TIG power source.

Does INWELT manufacture OEM WP18 TIG torches?

Yes.

INWELT supports OEM/ODM and private-label WP18 torch projects for welding machine manufacturers, distributors, importers and wholesalers.

Customization can include cable assemblies, connectors, handles, switches, packaging and branding.

Request a Quote for the INWELT WP18 TIG Welding Torch

Looking for a high-current water-cooled TIG torch, WP18F flexible-head version, replacement torch assembly or OEM TIG torch manufacturer?

INWELT supplies complete WP18 torch assemblies and related TIG consumables for professional B2B customers.

For faster technical confirmation, include:

• TIG welding machine brand and model

• Normal DC / AC welding current

• Water-cooler type

• Required torch head

• 4 m or 8 m cable

• Power connection

• Water connections

• Gas connection

• Torch-control plug

• Potentiometer or switch requirement

• Tungsten diameter

• Order quantity

• INWELT or private-label branding

Contact INWELT for compatibility confirmation, samples, OEM configurations and wholesale quotations.