AWS A5.9/A5.

9M:2006
An American National Standard

Specification for

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Bare Stainless
Steel Welding

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Electrodes
and Rods
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 Key Words —Composite electrodes, metal cored bare AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006
stainless steel rods, duplex stainless An American National Standard
steel electrodes, bare solid electrodes,
bare solid rods Approved by the
American National Standards Institute
May 24, 2006

Specification for

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Bare Stainless Steel Welding
Electrodes and Rods

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Supersedes ANSI/AWS A5.9-93
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American Welding Society (AWS) A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials
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Under the Direction of the
AWS Technical Activities Committee

Approved by the
AWS Board of Directors
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Abstract
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This specification prescribes the requirements for classification of solid and composite stainless steel electrodes (both as
wire and strip) for gas metal arc welding, submerged arc welding, and other fusion welding processes. It also includes
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wire and rods for use in gas tungsten arc welding. Classification is based on chemical composition of the filler metal.
Additional requirements are included for manufacture, sizes, lengths, and packaging. A guide is appended to the specifi-
cation as a source of information concerning the classification system employed and the intended use of the stainless
steel filler metal.
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This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). Since these are
not equivalent, each system must be used independently of the other.

550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126

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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

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International Standard Book Number: 0-87171-050-1

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American Welding Society

550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126
© 2006 by American Welding Society
All rights reserved
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Printed in the United States of America

Photocopy Rights. No portion of this standard may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
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owner.

Authorization to photocopy items for internal, personal, or educational classroom use only or the internal, personal, or
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<www.copyright.com>.

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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

Statement on the Use of American Welding Society Standards

All standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices, methods, classifications, and guides) of the American
Welding Society (AWS) are voluntary consensus standards that have been developed in accordance with the rules of the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). When AWS American National Standards are either incorporated in, or
made part of, documents that are included in federal or state laws and regulations, or the regulations of other govern-
mental bodies, their provisions carry the full legal authority of the statute. In such cases, any changes in those AWS
standards must be approved by the governmental body having statutory jurisdiction before they can become a part of
those laws and regulations. In all cases, these standards carry the full legal authority of the contract or other document
that invokes the AWS standards. Where this contractual relationship exists, changes in or deviations from requirements
of an AWS standard must be by agreement between the contracting parties.

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AWS American National Standards are developed through a consensus standards development process that brings

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together volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus. While AWS administers the process
and establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not independently test, evaluate, or
verify the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards.

AWS disclaims liability for any injury to persons or to property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether

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special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance
on this standard. AWS also makes no guaranty or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information
published herein.
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In issuing and making this standard available, AWS is not undertaking to render professional or other services for or on
behalf of any person or entity. Nor is AWS undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone
else. Anyone using these documents should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the
advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances.

This standard may be superseded by the issuance of new editions. Users should ensure that they have the latest edition.
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Publication of this standard does not authorize infringement of any patent or trade name. Users of this standard accept
any and all liabilities for infringement of any patent or trade name items. AWS disclaims liability for the infringement of
any patent or product trade name resulting from the use of this standard.

Finally, AWS does not monitor, police, or enforce compliance with this standard, nor does it have the power to do so.
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On occasion, text, tables, or figures are printed incorrectly, constituting errata. Such errata, when discovered, are posted
on the AWS web page (www.aws.org).
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Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may only be obtained by sending a request,
in writing, to the Managing Director, Technical Services Division, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road,
Miami, FL 33126 (see Annex B). With regard to technical inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oral opinions
on AWS standards may be rendered. However, such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular
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individuals giving them. These individuals do not speak on behalf of AWS, nor do these oral opinions constitute official
or unofficial opinions or interpretations of AWS. In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as a
substitute for an official interpretation.
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This standard is subject to revision at any time by the AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials. It must
be reviewed every five years, and if not revised, it must be either reaffirmed or withdrawn. Comments (recommenda-
tions, additions, or deletions) and any pertinent data that may be of use in improving this standard are required
and should be addressed to AWS Headquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS A5
Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials and the author of the comments will be informed of the Committee’s
response to the comments. Guests are invited to attend all meetings of the AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metals and
Allied Materials to express their comments verbally. Procedures for appeal of an adverse decision concerning all such
comments are provided in the Rules of Operation of the Technical Activities Committee. A copy of these Rules can be
obtained from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

Personnel
AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials
D. A. Fink, Chair The Lincoln Electric Company
J. S. Lee, 1st Vice Chair CB&I
H. D. Wehr, 2nd Vice Chair Arcos Industries LLC

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R. Gupta, Secretary American Welding Society
*R. L. Bateman Electromanufacturas, S.A.

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J. M. Blackburn Department of the Navy
R. S. Brown RSB Alloy Applications LLC
J. C. Bundy Hobart Brothers Company
R. J. Christoffel Consultant
D. D. Crockett The Lincoln Electric Company

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*R. A. Daemen Consultant
J. J. DeLoach Naval Surface Warfare Center
D. A. Del Signore Consultant
J. DeVito ESAB Welding and Cutting Products

ak H. W. Ebert
D. M. Fedor
J. G. Feldstein
S. E. Ferree
G. L. Franke
Consultant
The Lincoln Electric Company
Foster Wheeler North America
ESAB Welding and Cutting Products
Naval Surface Warfare Center
R. D. Fuchs Bohler Thyssen Welding USA, Incorporated
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C. E. Fuerstenau Lucas-Milhaupt, Incorporated
J. A. Henning Deltak
R. M. Henson J. W. Harris Company, Incorporated
*J. P. Hunt Consultant
*S. Imaoka Kobe Steel Limited
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M. Q. Johnson Los Alamos National Laboratory

S. D. Kiser Special Metals
P. J. Konkol Concurrent Technologies Corporation
D. J. Kotecki The Lincoln Electric Company
L. G. Kvidahl Northrop Grumman Ship Systems
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A. S. Laurenson Consultant
W. A. Marttila DaimlerChrysler Corporation
R. Menon Stoody Company
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M. T. Merlo Edison Welding Institute

D. R. Miller ABS Americas
B. Mosier Polymet Corporation
C. L. Null Consultant
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M. P. Parekh Consultant
R. L. Peaslee Wall Colmonoy Corporation
*M. A. Quintana The Lincoln Electric Company
S. D. Reynolds, Jr. Consultant
P. K. Salvesen Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
K. Sampath Consultant
W. S. Severance ESAB Welding and Cutting Products
*E. R. Stevens Stevens Welding Consulting
*Advisor

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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials (Continued)

M. J. Sullivan NASSCO—National Steel and Shipbuilding
*E. S. Surian National University
R. C. Sutherlin ATI Wah Chang
R. A. Swain Euroweld, Limited
R. D. Thomas, Jr. R. D. Thomas and Company
K. P. Thornberry Care Medical, Incorporated
L. T. Vernam AlcoTec Wire Corporation
*F. J. Winsor Consultant

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AWS A5D Subcommittee on Stainless Steel Filler Metals

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D. A. DelSignore, Chair Consultant
D. J. Kotecki Vice Chair The Lincoln Electric Company
R. Gupta, Secretary American Welding Society
*F. S. Babish Sandvik Steel Company
R. S. Brown RSB Alloy Applications LLC
R. E. Cantrell Constellation Energy Group

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*R. J. Christoffel Consultant

J. G. Feldstein Foster Wheeler North America
R. D. Fuchs Bohler Thyssen Welding USA, Incorporated
*K. K. Gupta Westinghouse Electric Corporation

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*J. P. Hunt
*S. Imaoka
G. Kurisky
F. B. Lake
Deltak
Consultant
Kobe Steel Limited
Consultant
ESAB Welding and Cutting Products
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M. T. Merlo Edison Welding Institute
R. A. Swain Euroweld, Limited
*R. D. Thomas, Jr. R. D. Thomas and Company
J. G. Wallin Stoody Company
H. D. Wehr Arcos Industries LLC
*Advisor
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

Foreword
This foreword is not a part of AWS A5.9/5.9M:2006, Specification for Bare Stainless Steel
Welding Electrodes and Rods, but is included for informational purposes only.

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This document is the first of the A5.9 specifications which makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the Inter-
national System of Units (SI). The measurements are not exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used indepen-

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dently of the other, without combining values in any way. In selecting rational metric units the Metric Practice Guide for
the Welding Industry (AWS A1.1) and International Standard ISO 544, Welding consumables—Technical delivery con-
ditions for welding filler materials—Type of product, dimensions, tolerances, and marking, are used where suitable.
Tables and figures make use of both U.S. Customary and SI Units, which with the application of the specified tolerances
provides for interchangeability of products in both the U.S. Customary and SI Units.

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The major changes incorporated in this revision include the deletion of the ER502 and ER505 classifications, new
requirements for identification of straight length rods, the change from Cb to Nb in one classification, and the addition of
four new classifications (ER316LMn, ER439, ER2594, and ER33-31). New classifications are shown in italic font.

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The first specification for bare stainless steel electrodes and rods was prepared in 1953 by a joint committee of the
American Society for Testing and Materials and the American Welding Society. The joint committee also prepared the
1962 revision. The first revision prepared exclusively by the AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metal and Allied Materials
was published in 1969. The current revision is the seventh revision of the original 1953 document as shown below:
ASTM A371-53T Tentative Specifications for Corrosion Resisting Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Steel
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AWS A5.9-53T Welding Rods and Bare Electrodes
ASTM A371-62T Tentative Specifications for Corrosion Resisting Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Steel
AWS A5.9-62T Welding Rods and Bare Electrodes
AWS A5.9-69 Specification for Corrosion-Resisting Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Steel Welding Rods
ANSI W3.9-1973 and Bare Electrodes
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AWS A5.9-Add 1-75 1975 Addenda to Specification for Corrosion-Resisting Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Steel
Welding Rods and Bare Electrodes
AWS A5.9-77 Specification for Corrosion Resisting Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Steel Bare and
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Composite Metal Cored and Stranded Arc Welding Electrodes and Welding Rods
AWS A5.9-81 Specification for Corrosion Resisting Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Steel Bare and
Composite Metal Cored and Stranded Welding Electrodes and Welding Rods
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AWS A5.9-93 Specification for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods
Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary,
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AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami,
FL 33126.
Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may only be obtained by sending a request,
in writing, to the Managing Director, Technical Services Division, American Welding Society. A formal reply will be
issued after it has been reviewed by the appropriate personnel following established procedures.

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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

Table of Contents
Page No.
Personnel......................................................................................................................................................................v
Foreword ....................................................................................................................................................................vii

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List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................................x
List of Figures...............................................................................................................................................................x

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1. Scope.....................................................................................................................................................................1
2. Normative References .........................................................................................................................................1
3. Classification........................................................................................................................................................2

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4. Acceptance ...........................................................................................................................................................2
5. Certification .........................................................................................................................................................2
6. Rounding-Off Procedure ....................................................................................................................................2

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7. Summary of Tests................................................................................................................................................2
8. Retest ....................................................................................................................................................................2
9. Chemical Analysis ...............................................................................................................................................2
10. Method of Manufacture......................................................................................................................................2
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11. Standard Sizes and Shapes .................................................................................................................................2
12. Finish and Uniformity.........................................................................................................................................6
13. Standard Package Forms....................................................................................................................................6
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14. Winding Requirements .......................................................................................................................................6

15. Filler Metal Identification ..................................................................................................................................8
16. Packaging .............................................................................................................................................................8
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17. Marking of Packages...........................................................................................................................................8

Annex A (Informative)—Guide to AWS Specification for Bare Stainless Steel Electrodes and Rods.......................9
Annex B (Informative)—Guidelines for the Preparation of Technical Inquiries.......................................................25
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AWS Filler Metal Specifications by Material and Welding Process .........................................................................27

AWS Filler Metal Specifications and Related Documents ........................................................................................29
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

List of Tables
Table Page No.
A.1 Chemical Composition Requirements ............................................................................................................3
A.2 Standard Wire Sizes of Electrodes and Rods .................................................................................................5

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A.3 Standard Sizes of Strip Electrodes..................................................................................................................5
A.4 Standard Package Dimensions and Weights...................................................................................................6

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A.1 Comparison of Classifications in ISO 14343 ...............................................................................................10
A.2 Variations of Alloying Elements for Submerged Arc Welding....................................................................13
A.3 All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Property Requirements from AWS A5.4/A5.4M:2006..................................22
A.4 Discontinued Classifications ........................................................................................................................23

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List of Figures
Figure
A.1
A.1
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Dimensions of 4, 8, 12, and 14 in [100, 200, 300, and 350 mm] Standard Spools ........................................7
WRC-1992 Diagram for Stainless Steel Weld Metal ...................................................................................14
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

Specification for Bare Stainless Steel

Welding Electrodes and Rods

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1. Scope this AWS standard. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications
1.1 This specification prescribes requirements for the do not apply. However, parties to agreement based on
classification of bare stainless steel wire, strip, composite this AWS standard are encouraged to investigate the pos-
metal cored, and stranded welding electrodes and rods sibility of applying the most recent edition of the docu-

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for gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, submerged arc, and ments shown below. For undated references, the latest
other fusion welding processes. The chromium content edition of the standard referred to applies.
of these filler metals is not less than 10.5 percent and the
iron content exceeds that of any other element. For pur- 2.2 The following AWS standard2 is referenced in the

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poses of classification, the iron content shall be derived
as the balance element when all other elements are
considered to be at their minimum specified values.
1.2 Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the
scope of this standard and, therefore, are not fully ad-
normative sections of this document.

1. AWS A5.01, Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines

2.3 The following ANSI standard is referenced in the

normative sections of this document.
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dressed herein. Some safety and health information can
be found in Informative Annex Clauses A6 and A11. 1. ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and
Safety and health information is available from other Allied Processes
sources, including, but not limited to, ANSI Z49.1,
Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes,1 and 2.4 The following ASTM standards3 are referenced in
applicable federal and state regulations. the normative sections of this document:
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1.3 This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary 1. ASTM E 29, Standard Practice for Using Signifi-
Units and the International System of Units (SI). The cant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with
measurements are not exact equivalents; therefore, each Specifications
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system must be used independently of the other without

2. ASTM E 353, Standard Test Methods for Chemi-

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combining in any way. The specification designated
A5.9 uses U.S. Customary Units; and the specification cal Analysis of Stainless, Heat Resisting, Maraging, and
designated A5.9M uses SI Units. The latter units are Other Similar Chromium-Nickel-Iron Alloys
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shown within brackets [ ] or in appropriate columns in 2.5 The following OSHA standard4 is referenced in the
tables and figures. Standard dimensions based on either normative sections of this document:
system may be used for sizing of filler metal or packag-
ing or both under A5.9 or A5.9M specification. 1. OSHA Safety and Health Standards, 29CFR 1910
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2. Normative References 2 AWS standards are published by the American Welding

Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
2.1 The following standards contain provisions which, 3 ASTM standards are published by the American Society

through reference in this text, constitute provisions of for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
4 OSHA standards are published by the U.S. Government
1 ANSI Z49.1 is published by the American Welding Society, Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, and can also be down-
550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. loaded from www.osha-slc.gov.

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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

3. Classification 8. Retest
3.1 The welding materials covered by this specification If the results of any test fail to meet the requirement, that
are classified according to chemical composition and test shall be repeated twice. The results of both retests
product form. The first two designators are “ER” for shall meet the requirement. Material for retest may be
solid wires that may be used as electrodes or rods; “EC” taken from the original test sample or from a new sam-
for composite cored or stranded wires; and “EQ” for strip ple. Retest need be only for those specific elements that
electrodes (see Table 1). failed to meet the test requirement.
If the results of one or both retests fail to meet the
3.2 Materials may be classified under more than one
requirement, the material under test shall be considered
classification provided they meet all the requirements of
as not meeting the requirements of this specification for

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those classifications as specified in Table 1. that classification.

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In the event that, during preparation or after completion of
4. Acceptance any test, it is clearly determined that prescribed or proper
procedures were not followed in preparing the samples or
Acceptance5 of the material shall be in accordance with in conducting the test, the test shall be considered invalid,
the provisions of AWS A5.01. without regard to whether the test was actually completed,

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or whether test results met, or failed to meet, the require-
ment. That test shall be repeated, following proper pre-
5. Certification scribed procedures. In this case the requirement for
doubling of the number of test samples does not apply.
By affixing the AWS specification and classification

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designations to the packaging, or the classification to the
product, the manufacturer certifies that the product meets
the requirements of this specification.6
9. Chemical Analysis
9.1 A sample of the filler metal, or the stock from which
it is made in the case of solid electrodes or rods, or a
6. Rounding-Off Procedure fused sample shall be prepared for analysis. See Annex
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Clause A5, Preparation of Samples for Chemical Analy-
For the purpose of determining conformance with this sis, for several possible methods.
specification, an observed or calculated value shall be
9.2 The sample shall be analyzed by acceptable analytical
rounded to the “nearest unit” in the last right-hand place
methods capable of determining whether the composition
of figures used in expressing the limiting value in accor- meets the requirements of this specification. In case of
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dance with the rounding-off method given in ASTM E 29. dispute, the referee method shall be ASTM E 353.
9.3 The results of the analysis shall meet the requirements
7. Summary of Tests of Table 1 for the classification of the filler metal under test.
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7.1 Chemical analysis of the solid electrode, rod, or strip

is the only test required for classification of these product 10. Method of Manufacture
forms under this specification.
The welding rods, strip, and electrodes classified accord-
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7.2 Chemical analysis of a fused sample of composite or ing to this specification may be manufactured by any
stranded electrode, rod, or strip, is the only test required method that will produce material that meets the require-
for classification of these product forms under this speci- ments of this specification.
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fication. See Annex Clause A5, Preparation of Samples

for Chemical Analysis. 11. Standard Sizes and Shapes
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11.1 Standard sizes for filler metal (except strip elec-

5 See Annex Clause A3, Acceptance for further information trodes) in the different package forms (straight lengths,
concerning acceptance, testing of the material shipped, and coils with support, coils without support, and spools)
AWS A5.01. shall be as shown in Table 2.
6 See Annex Clause A4, Certification for further information

concerning certification and the testing called for to meet this 11.2 Standard sizes for strip electrodes in coils shall be
requirement. as shown in Table 3.

2
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Copyright American Welding Society

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Table 1
Chemical Composition Requirementsa
Composition, Wt-%b, c Other Elements

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AWS UNS
Classificationd Numberf C Cr Ni Mo Mn Sie P S N Cu Element Amount

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ER209 S20980 0.05 20.5–24.0 9.5–12.0 1.5–3.0 4.0–7.0 0.90 0.03 0.03 0.10–0.30 0.75 V 0.10–0.30
ER218 S21880 0.10 16.0–18.0 8.0–9.0 0.75 7.0–9.0 3.5–4.5 0.03 0.03 0.08–0.18 0.75 — —
ER219 S21980 0.05 19.0–21.5 5.5–7.0 0.75 8.0–10.0 1.00 0.03 0.03 0.10–0.30 0.75 — —
ER240 S24080 0.05 17.0–19.0 4.0–6.0 0.75 10.5–13.5 1.00 0.03 0.03 0.10–0.30 0.75 — —
ER307 S30780 0.04–0.14 19.5–22.0 8.0–10.7 0.5–1.5 3.30–4.75 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —

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ER308 S30880 0.08 19.5–22.0 9.0–11.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER308Si S30881 0.08 19.5–22.0 9.0–11.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.65–1.00 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER308H S30880 0.04–0.08 19.5–22.0 9.0–11.0 0.50 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER308L S30883 0.03 19.5–22.0 9.0–11.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —

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ER308LSi S30888 0.03 19.5–22.0 9.0–11.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.65–1.00 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER308Mo S30882 0.08 18.0–21.0 9.0–12.0 2.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER308LMo S30886 0.04 18.0–21.0 9.0–12.0 2.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER309 S30980 0.12 23.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER309Si S30981 0.12 23.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.65–1.00 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER309L S30983 0.03 23.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —

ab
3
Not for Resale

ER309LSi S30988 0.03 23.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.65–1.00 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER309Mo S30982 0.12 23.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER309LMo S30986 0.03 23.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER310 S31080 0.08–0.15 25.0–28.0 20.0–22.5 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER312 S31380 0.15 28.0–32.0 8.0–10.5 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER316 S31680 0.08 18.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
.b
ER316Si S31681 0.08 18.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 0.65–1.00 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER316H S31680 0.04–0.08 18.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER316L S31683 0.03 18.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER316LSi S31688 0.03 18.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 0.65–1.00 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
w
ER316LMn S31682 0.03 19.0–22.0 15.0–18.0 2.5–3.5 5.0–9.0 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 0.10–0.20 0.75 –– ––
ER317 S31780 0.08 18.5–20.5 13.0–15.0 3.0–4.0 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER317L S31783 0.03 18.5–20.5 13.0–15.0 3.0–4.0 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER318 S31980 0.08 18.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 Nbh 8 × C min/1.0 max
w

AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006
ER320 N08021 0.07 19.0–21.0 32.0–36.0 2.0–3.0 2.5 0.60 0.03 0.03 — 3.0–4.0 Nbh 8 × C min/1.0 max
ER320LR N08022 0.025 19.0–21.0 32.0–36.0 2.0–3.0 1.5–2.0 0.15 0.015 0.02 — 3.0–4.0 Nbh 8 × C min/0.40 max
ER321 S32180 0.08 18.5–20.5 9.0–10.5 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 Ti 9 × C min/1.0 max
w

ER330 N08331 0.18–0.25 15.0–17.0 34.0–37.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER347 S34780 0.08 19.0–21.5 9.0–11.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 Nbh 10 × C min/1.0 max0
ER347Si S34788 0.08 19.0–21.5 9.0–11.0 0.75 1.0–2.5 0.65–1.00 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 Nbh 10 × C min/1.0 max0
(Continued)
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
Copyright American Welding Society

AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Table 1 (Continued)
Chemical Composition Requirementsa

t
Composition, Wt-%b, c Other Elements
AWS UNS

ne
Classificationd Numberf C Cr Ni Mo Mn Sie P S N Cu Element Amount
ER383 N08028 0.025 26.5–28.5 30.0–33.0 3.2–4.2 1.0–2.5 0.50 0.02 0.03 — 0.70–1.50 — —
ER385 N08904 0.025 19.5–21.5 24.0–26.0 4.2–5.2 1.0–2.5 0.50 0.02 0.03 — 1.2–2.0 — —
ER409 S40900 0.08 10.5–13.5 0.6 0.50 0.8 0.8 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 Ti 10 × C min/1.5 max0
ER409Nbi S40940 0.08 10.5–13.5 0.6 0.50 0.8 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.75 Nbh 10 × C min/0.75 max

e.
ER410 S41080 0.12 11.5–13.5 0.6 0.75 0.6 0.5 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER410NiMo S41086 0.06 11.0–12.5 4.0–5.0 0.4–0.7 0.6 0.5 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER420 S42080 0.25–0.40 12.0–14.0 0.6 0.75 0.6 0.5 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER430 S43080 0.10 15.5–17.0 0.6 0.75 0.6 0.5 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER439 S43035 0.04 17.0–19.0 0.6 0.5 0.8 0.8 0.03 0.03 –– 0.75 Ti 10 × C min/1.1 max

ak
ER446LMo S44687 0.015 25.0–27.5 g 0.75–1.50 0.4 0.4 0.02 0.02 0.015 g — —
ER630 S17480 0.05 16.00–16.75 4.5–5.0 0.75 0.25–0.75 0.75 0.03 0.03 — 3.25–4.00 Nbh 0.15–0.30
ER19–10H S30480 0.04–0.08 18.5–20.0 9.0–11.0 0.25 1.0–2.0 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 Nbh 0.05
Ti 0.05
ER16–8–2 S16880 0.10 14.5–16.5 7.5–9.5 1.0–2.0 1.0–2.0 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —

ab
4

ER2209 S39209 0.03 21.5–23.5 7.5–9.5 2.5–3.5 0.50–2.00 0.90 0.03 0.03 0.08–0.20 0.75 — —
Not for Resale

ER2553 S39553 0.04 24.0–27.0 4.5–6.5 2.9–3.9 1.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 0.10–0.25 1.5–2.5 — —
ER2594 S32750 0.03 24.0–27.0 8.0–10.5 2.5–4.5 2.5 1.0 0.03 0.02 0.20–0.30 1.5 W 1.0
ER33–31 R20033 0.015 31.0–35.0 30.0–33.0 0.5–2.0 2.00 0.50 0.02 0.01 0.35–0.60 0.3–1.2
ER3556 R30556 0.05–0.15 21.0–23.0 19.0–22.5 2.5–4.0 0.50–2.00 0.20–0.80 0.04 0.015 0.10–0.30 — Co 16.0–21.0
W 2.0–3.5
.b
Nb 0.30
Ta 0.30–1.25
Al 0.10–0.50
Zr 0.001–0.100
La 0.005–0.100
w
B 0.02
a Classifications ER502 and ER505 have been discontinued. Classifications EB6 and ER80S-B6, which are similar to ER502, have been added to AWS A5.23 and A5.28, respectively. EB8 and ER80S-B8,
which are similar to ER505, have been added to AWS A5.23 and AWS A5.28, respectively.
b Analysis shall be made for the elements for which specific values are shown in this table. If the presence of other elements is indicated in the course of this work, the amount of those elements shall be
determined to ensure that their total, excluding iron, does not exceed 0.50 percent.
w

c Single values shown are maximum percentages.

d In the designator for composite, stranded, and strip electrodes, the “R” shall be deleted. A designator “C” shall be used for composite and stranded electrodes and a designator “Q” shall be used for strip

electrodes. For example, ERXXX designates a solid wire and EQXXX designates a strip electrode of the same general analysis, and the same UNS number. However, ECXXX designates a composite
metal cored or stranded electrode and may not have the same UNS number. Consult SAE HS-1086/ASTM DS-56, Metals & Alloys in the Unified Numbering System, for the proper UNS number.
e For special applications, electrodes and rods may be purchased with less than the specified silicon content.
w

f SAE HS-1086/ASTM DS-56, Metals & Alloys in the Unified Numbering System.
g Nickel + copper equals 0.5 percent maximum.
h Nb may be reported as Nb + Ta.
 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

Table 2
Standard Wire Sizes of Electrodes and Rodsa
Tolerancea
Diametera Solid Composite
Form in mm in mm in mm
0.045 c1.1c
±0.001 ±0.03 ±0.002 ±0.05
— 1.2
1/16 (0.063) 1.6
5/64 (0.078) 2.0
Welding rods in straight lengthsb

t
3/32 (0.094) 2.4
±0.002 ±0.05 ±0.003 ±0.08
1/8 (0.125) 3.2

ne
5/32 (0.156) 4.0
3/16 (0.187) 4.8
0.045 c1.1c
±0.001 ±0.03 ±0.002 ±0.05
— 1.2
1/16 (0.063) 1.6
5/64 (0.078) 2.0

e.
3/32 (0.094) 2.4
Filler metals in coils with or without support
7/64 (0.109) 2.8
±0.002 ±0.05 ±0.003 ±0.08
1/8 (0.125) 3.2
5/32 (0.156) 4.0

ak 3/16
1/4
0.030
0.035
0.045
(0.187)
(0.250)
4.8
6.4
0.8
0.9
c1.1c ±0.001 ±0.03 ±0.002 ±0.05
ab
Filler metal wound on 8, 12, or 14 in — 1.2
(200, 300, or 350 mm) O.D. spools 1/16 (0.063) 1.6
5/64 (0.078) 2.0
±0.002 ±0.05 ±0.003 ±0.08
3/32 (0.094) 2.4
7/64 (0.109) 2.8
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

0.020 0.5
.b

0.025 0.6
0.030 0.8
Filler metal wound on 4 in (100 mm) O.D. spools ±0.001 ±0.03 ±0.002 ±0.05
0.035 0.9
0.045 c1.1c
w

— 1.2
a Dimensions, tolerances, and package forms other than those shown shall be as agreed upon between purchaser and supplier.
b Length shall be 36 in + 0, –1/2 in [900 mm + 15, –0 mm].
c Metric size not shown in ISO 544.
w

Table 3
Standard Sizes of Strip Electrodes a, b
w

Width Thickness

in mm in mm

1.18 30 0.020 0.5

2.36 60 0.020 0.5
3.54 90 0.020 0.5
4.72 120 0.020 0.5
a Other sizes shall be as agreed upon between purchaser and supplier.
b Strip electrodes shall not vary more than ±0.008 in [±0.20 mm] in width and more than ±0.002 in [±0.05 mm] in thickness.

5
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

12. Finish and Uniformity 13.2 Package forms, sizes, and weights other than those
shown in Table 4 shall be as agreed upon between the
12.1 All filler metal shall have a smooth finish that is purchaser and supplier.
free from slivers, depressions, scratches, scale, seams,
laps (exclusive of the longitudinal joint in metal cored 13.3 The liners in coils with support shall be designed
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

filler metal), and foreign matter that would adversely and constructed to prevent distortion of the coil during
affect the welding characteristics, the operation of the normal handling and use, and shall be clean and dry
welding equipment, or the properties of the weld metal. enough to maintain the cleanliness of the filler metal.

12.2 Each continuous length of filler metal shall be from 13.4 Spools shall be designed and constructed to prevent
a single heat or lot of material and welds, when present, distortion of the filler metal during normal handling and
use and shall be clean and dry enough to maintain the

t
shall have been made so as not to interfere with the
uniform, uninterrupted feeding of the filler metal on cleanliness of the filler metal (see Figure 1).

ne
automatic and semiautomatic equipment.
13.5 Net weights shall be within ±10 percent of the
12.3 Core ingredients in metal cored filler metal shall be nominal weight.
distributed with sufficient uniformity throughout the
length of the electrode so as not to adversely affect the
performance of the electrode or the properties of the 14. Winding Requirements

e.
weld metal.
14.1 The filler metal shall be wound so that kinks,
12.4 The slit edges of strip electrodes shall be free from waves, sharp bends, or wedging are not encountered,
burrs exceeding five percent of the strip thickness. leaving the filler metal free to unwind without restric-

13. Standard Package Forms

ak
13.1 Standard package forms are straight lengths, coils
tion. The outside end of the filler metal (the end with
which welding is to begin) shall be identified so it can be
readily located and shall be fastened to avoid unwinding.

14.2 The cast and helix of all filler metal in coils and
ab
with support, coils without support, and spools. Standard spools shall be such that the filler metal will feed in an
package dimensions and weights for each form are uninterrupted manner in automatic and semiautomatic
shown in Table 4. equipment.
.b

Table 4
Standard Package Dimensions and Weightsa
w

Spool or Coil Diameter Strip Width Nominal Weight

Product Form in mm in mm lbs kg

w

Welding Rods in Straight Lengths — — — — 10, 50 4.5, 23

4 100 — — 1-1/2, 2-1/2 0.7, 1.1

8 200 — — 10 4.5
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Spools
12 300 — — 25, 33 11.4, 15
14 350 — — 50 22.8

Coil with Supportb 12 300 — — 25, 50, 60 11, 23, 27

12 300 1.18 30 60 27.5

12 300 2.36 60 60 27.5
Strip Electrode
12 300 3.54 90 120 55
12 300 4.72 120 120 55
a Net weights shall be within ±10% of the nominal weight.
b Weight of coils without support shall be as specified by the purchaser.

6
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

t
ne
DIMENSIONS

4 in [100 mm] 8 in [200 mm] 12 in [300 mm] 14 in [350 mm]

e.
Spools in mm in mm in mm in mm
Diameter, max
A 4.0 102 8.0 203 12 305 14 355
(Note 4)
Width 1.75 46 2.16 56 4.0 103 4.0 103
B

D
Tolerance
Diameter
Tolerance
Distance between Axes
Tolerance
ak
±0.03
0.63
+0.01, –0
—
—
+0, –2
16
+1, –0
—
—
±0.03
2.03
+0.06, –0
1.75
±0.02
+0, –3
50.5
+2.5, –0
44.5
±0.5
±0.06
2.03
+0.06, –0
1.75
±0.02
+0, –3
50.5
+2.5, –0
44.5
±0.5
±0.06
2.03
+0.06, –0
1.75
±0.02
+0, –3
50.5
+2.5, –0
44.5
±0.5
Diameter (Note 3) — — 0.44 10 0.44 10 0.44 10
ab
E
Tolerance — — +0, –0.06 +1, –0 +0, –0.06 +1, –0 +0, –0.06 +1, –0
Notes:
1. Outside diameter of barrel shall be such as to permit feeding of the filler metals.
2. Inside diameter of the barrel shall be such that swelling of the barrel or misalignment of the barrel and flanges will not result in the
inside of the diameter of the barrel being less than the inside diameter of the flanges.
3. Holes are provided on each flange, but they need not be aligned. No driving holes required for 4 in [100 mm] spools.
4. Metric dimensions and tolerances conform to ISO 544 except that “A” specifies ± tolerances on the nominal diameter, rather than a
.b

plus tolerance only, which is shown here as a maximum.

Figure 1—Dimensions of 4, 8, 12, and 14 in [100, 200, 300, and 350 mm] Standard Spools
w
w

14.2.1 The cast and helix of drawn, solid filler metal long enough to produce a single loop, when cut from the
on 4 in. [100 mm] spools shall be such that a specimen spool and laid unrestrained on a flat surface, will do the
long enough to produce a single loop, when cut from the following:
spool and laid unrestrained on a flat surface, will do the
w

1. Form a circle not less than 8 in [200 mm] nor more

following:
than 50 in [1.3 m] in diameter
1. Form a circle not less than 2.5 in [65 mm] nor 2. Rise above the flat surface no more than 1 in
more than 15 in [380 mm] in diameter [25 mm] at any location
2. Rise above the flat surface no more than 1/2 in 14.2.3 The cast and helix of drawn solid filler metal
[13 mm] at any location on 12 in and 14 in [300 and 350 mm] spools shall be
such that a specimen long enough to produce a single
14.2.2 The cast and helix of drawn solid filler metal loop, when cut from the spool and laid unrestrained on a
on 8 in [200 mm] spools shall be such that a specimen flat surface will do the following:

7 --`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright American Welding Society

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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

1. Form a circle not less than 15 in [380 mm] in omitted; for example “308L” for classification ER308L.
diameter and not more than 50 in [1.3 m] in diameter Additional identification shall be as agreed upon be-
tween the purchaser and supplier.
2. Rise above the flat surface no more than 1 in
[25 mm] at any location
14.3 The edge of the strip electrodes (camber) shall not 16. Packaging
deviate from a straight line by more than 0.5 in
[12.5 mm] in any 8 ft [2.5 m] length. Filler metal shall be suitably packaged to ensure against
damage during shipment and storage under normal
conditions.
15. Filler Metal Identification

t
15.1 The product information and the precautionary in-
17. Marking of Packages

ne
formation required in Clause 17, Marking of Packages,
shall also appear on each coil and each spool. 17.1 The following product information (as a minimum)
15.2 Coils without support shall have a tag containing shall be legibly marked so as to be visible from the out-
this information securely attached to the inside end of the side of each unit package:
coil. 1. AWS specification (year of issue may be excluded)

e.
15.3 Coils with support shall have the information se- and AWS classification numbers.
curely affixed in a prominent location on the support. 2. Supplier’s name and trade designation
15.4 Spools shall have the information securely affixed
3. Size and net weight
the spool. ak
in a prominent location on the outside of one flange of

15.5 Each bare straight filler rod shall be durably

marked with identification traceable to the unique prod-
4. Lot, control, or heat number
17.2 The appropriate precautionary information7 given in
ANSI Z49.1, latest edition (as a minimum) shall be
uct type of the manufacturer or supplier. Suitable meth- prominently displayed in legible print on all packages in-
ab
ods of identification could include stamping, coining, cluding individual unit packages within a larger package.
embossing, imprinting, flag-tagging, or color coding. (If
color coding is used, the choice of color shall be as
agreed between supplier and purchaser and the color 7 Typical examples of “warning labels” are shown in figures in
shall be identified on the packaging.) When the AWS ANSI Z49.1 for some common or specific consumables used
classification designation is used, the “ER” may be with certain processes.
.b
w

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w
w

8
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No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

Annex A (Informative)
Guide to Specification for Bare Stainless Steel

t
Welding Electrodes and Rods

ne
This annex is not a part of AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006, Specification for Bare Stainless Steel
Welding Electrodes and Rods, but is included for informational purposes only.

e.
A1. Introduction A2. Classification System
A1.1 This guide is intended to provide both the supplier A2.1 The chemical composition of the filler metal is
identified by a series of numbers and, in some cases,
ak
and the purchaser of bare stainless steel welding elec-
trodes and welding rods of the types covered by this
specification with a means of production control and a
basis of acceptance through mutually acceptable, sound,
standard requirements.
chemical symbols, the letters L, H, and LR, or both.
Chemical symbols are used to designate modifications of
basic alloy types, e.g., ER308Mo. The letter “H” denotes
carbon content restricted to the upper part of the range
that is specified for the standard grade of the specific
ab
filler metal. The letter “L” denotes carbon content in the
A1.2 This guide has been prepared as an aid to prospec-
lower part of the range that is specified for the corre-
tive users of the bare stainless steel welding electrodes sponding standard grade of filler metal. The letters “LR”
and welding rods of the types covered by the specifi- denote low residuals (see A8.31).
cation in determining the classification best suited for
a particular application, with due consideration to the A2.1.1 The first two designators may be “ER” for
.b

requirements for that application. solid wires that may be used as electrodes or rods; or
they may be “EC” for composite cored or stranded wires;
A1.3 For definitions of bare electrodes, composite metal or they may be “EQ” for strip electrodes.
cored electrodes, and composite stranded electrodes, see A2.1.2 The three- or four-digit number, such as 308 in
w

“electrode” in AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and ER308, designates the nominal chemical composition of
Definitions. For purposes of this specification, composite the filler metal.
metal cored rods are defined by composite metal cored
A2.2 An international system for designating welding
w

electrodes and composite stranded rods are defined by

composite stranded electrodes, except for the basic dif- filler metals has been published by the International
Standards Organization (ISO) prepared by the Inter-
ferences between welding electrode and welding rod as
national Institute of Welding (IIW), ISO 14343. Table
defined by AWS A3.0.
w

A.1 shows the designations for stainless steel bare filler

metals along with the corresponding grades in this
A1.4 In some cases, the composition of bare filler metal specification.
classified in this specification may differ from that of
core wire used for the corresponding classification of
covered electrodes classified in AWS A5.4, Specification
for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc
A3. Acceptance
Welding. Caution, therefore, should be exercised regard- Acceptance of all welding materials classified under this
ing the use of core wire from a covered electrode as bare specification is in accordance with AWS A5.01, Filler
filler metal. Metal Procurement Guidelines, as the specification

9
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright American Welding Society

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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

Table A.1
Comparison of Classifications in ISO 14343a
AWS A5.9/A5.9M b ISO 14343A ISO 14343B c
ER209
ER218
ER219
ER240
ER307 SS307
ER308 SS308
ER308H SS308H

t
ER308L 19 9 L SS308L
ER308Mo 20 10 3 SS308Mo

ne
ER308LMo SS308LMo
ER308Si SS308Si
ER308LSi 19 9 L Si SS308LSi
ER309 22 12 H SS309
ER309L 23 12 L SS309L
ER309Mo SS309Mo

e.
ER309LMo 23 12 2 L SS309LMo
ER309Si SS309Si
ER309LSi 23 12 L Si SS309LSi
ER310 25 20 SS310
ER312 29 9 SS312
ER316
ER316H
ER316L
ER316LMn
ER316Si
ak 19 12 3 H
19 12 3 L
20 16 3 Mn N L
SS316
SS316H
SS316L

SS316Si
ER316LSi 19 12 3 LSi SS316LSi
ab
ER317 SS317
ER317L 18 15 3 L SS317L
ER318 19 12 3 Nb SS318
ER320 SS320
ER320LR SS320LR
ER321 SS321
.b

ER330 18 36 H SS330
ER347 19 9 Nb SS347
ER347Si 19 9 Nb Si SS347Si
ER383 27 31 4 Cu L SS383
ER385 20 25 5 Cu L SS385
w

ER409 SS409
ER409Nb SS410Nb
ER410 13 SS410
ER410NiMo 13 4 SS410NiMo
w

ER420 SS420
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

ER430 17 SS430
ER439
ER446LMo
w

ER630 SS630
ER19-10H 19 9 H SS19-10H
ER16-8-2 16 8 2 SS16-8-2
ER2209 22 9 3 N L SS2209
ER2553
ER2594 25 9 4 N L
ER33-31
ER3556
a The requirements for the equivalent classifications shown are not necessarily identical in every respect.
b The classification designator “R” shall be replaced by “Q” for strip, and by “C” for tubular composite metal cored electrodes.
c The first “S” in the classification designator shall be replaced by “B” for strip, and by “T” for tubular composite metal cored electrodes.

10
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

states. Any testing a purchaser requires of the supplier, A5.2.2 Other processes that melt a sample under a
for material shipped in accordance with this specifica- vacuum or inert atmosphere that results in a cast button
tion, shall be clearly stated in the purchase order, accord- (slug) may be used to produce a specimen for analysis.
ing to the provisions of AWS A5.01. In the absence of
any such statement in the purchase order, the supplier A5.2.3 Gas metal arc welding with argon gas shield-
may ship the material with whatever testing the supplier ing also may be used to produce a homogeneous deposit
normally conducts on material of that classification, as for analysis. In this case, the weld pad is similar to that
specified in Schedule F, Table 1, of AWS A5.01. Testing used to prepare a sample of filler metal deposited by
in accordance with any other schedule in that table shall covered electrodes.
be specifically required by the purchase order. In such A5.2.4 These methods must be utilized in such a
cases, acceptance of the material shipped shall be in manner that no dilution of the base metal or mold occurs

t
accordance with those requirements. to contaminate the fused sample. Copper molds often are

ne
used to minimize the effects of dilution by the base metal
or mold.
A4. Certification A5.2.5 Special care must be exercised to minimize
such dilution effects when testing low carbon filler metals.
The act of placing the AWS specification and classifica-

e.
tion designations on the packaging enclosing the prod- A5.3 Preparation of the fused sample by gas tungsten arc
uct, or the classification on the product itself, constitutes welding using argon shielding gas will transfer essen-
the supplier’s (manufacturer’s) certification that the prod- tially all of the components. Some slight loss in carbon
uct meets all of the requirements of the specification. may occur, but such loss will never be greater than

ak
The only testing requirement implicit in this certification
is that the manufacturer has actually conducted the tests
required by the specification on material that is represen-
tative of that being shipped and that the material met the
would be encountered in an actual welding operation,
regardless of process (see A7.9.1). Nonmetallic ingre-
dients, when present in the core, will form a slag on top
of the deposit which must be removed and discarded.

requirements of the specification. Representative mate- A5.4 The sample of fused filler metal must be large
ab
rial, in this case, is any production run of that classifica- enough to provide the amount of undiluted material
tion using the same formulation. “Certification” is not to required by the chemist for analysis. No size or shape
be construed to mean that tests of any kind were neces- of deposited pads has been specified because these are
sarily conducted on samples of the specific material immaterial if the deposit is truly undiluted.
shipped. Tests on such material may or may not have
A5.5 A sample made using the composite-type filler
.b

been made. The basis for the certification required by the

specification is the classification test of “representative metal which has been fused in a copper mold should be
material” cited above, and the “Manufacturer’s Quality undiluted since there will be essentially no admixture

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Assurance Program” in AWS A5.01. with base metal.
w

A5.6 Assurance that an undiluted sample is being ob-

tained from the chosen size of pad at the selected dis-
tance above the base metal can be obtained by analyzing
A5. Preparation of Samples for chips removed from successively lower layers of the pad.
w

Chemical Analysis Layers which are undiluted will all have the same chemi-
cal composition. Therefore, the determination of identi-
A5.1 Solid Bare Electrodes and Rod. Preparation of a
cal compositions for two successive layers of deposited
chemical analysis sample from solid, bare welding elec-
w

filler metal will provide evidence that the last layer is un-
trodes and rods presents no technical difficulties. Such
diluted. Layers diluted by mild steel base metal will be
filler metal may be subdivided for analysis by any conve-
low in chromium and nickel. Particular attention should
nient method with all samples or chips representative of
be given to carbon when analyzing Type 308L, 308LSi,
the lot of filler metal.
308LMo, 309L, 309LSi, 309LMo, 316L, 316LMn,
A5.2 Composite Metal Cored or Stranded Electrodes 316LSi, 317L, 320LR, 383, 385, 439, 446LMo, 2209,
2553, 2594, or 33-31 weld metal deposited using either
A5.2.1 Gas tungsten arc welding with argon gas electrodes or rods. Because of carbon pick-up, the undi-
shielding may be used to melt a button (or slug) of suffi- luted layers in a pad built on high-carbon base metal
cient size for analytical use. begin a considerable distance above the base.

11
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

A6. Ventilation During Welding as 8.0 percent by others. At an average of 10 percent, the
spread was 7.0 to 16.0 percent. In order to substantially
A6.1 Five major factors govern the quantity of fumes to reduce this problem, the WRC Subcommittee published
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

which welders and welding operators can be exposed on July 1, 1972, A Calibration Procedure for Instru-
during welding: ments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic
1. Dimensions of the space in which welding is done Stainless Steel Weld Metal.8 In 1974 the AWS extended
(with special regard to the height of the ceiling) this procedure and prepared AWS A4.2, Standard Proce-
dures for Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure
2. Number of welders and welding operators working the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic Steel Weld Metal.
in the space All instruments used to measure the ferrite content of
AWS classified stainless electrode products were to be
3. Rate of evolution of fumes, gases, or dust, accord-

t
traceable to this AWS standard.
ing to the materials and processes involved

ne
4. The proximity of the welders or welding operators A7.3 The WRC Subcommittee also adopted the term
to the fumes as they issue from the welding zone, and to Ferrite Number (FN) to be used in place of percent fer-
the gases and dusts in the space in which they are rite, to clearly indicate that the measuring instrument was
working calibrated to the WRC procedure. The Ferrite Number,
up to 10 FN, is to be considered equal to the “percent fer-
5. The ventilation provided to the space in which the rite” term previously used. It represents a good average

e.
welding is done of commercial U.S. and world practice on the “percent
ferrite.” Through the use of standard calibration proce-
A6.2 American National Standard ANSI Z49.1, Safety in
dures, differences in readings due to instrument calibra-
Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes (published by the
tion are expected to be reduced to about ±5 percent, or at
ak
American Welding Society), discusses the ventilation
that is required during welding and should be referred to
for details. Attention is particularly drawn to the section of
that document related to Health Protection and Ventilation.
the most, ±10 percent of the measured ferrite value.

A7.4 In the opinion of the WRC Subcommittee, it has

been impossible, to date, to accurately determine the true
absolute ferrite content of weld metals.
ab
A7.5 Even on undiluted pads, ferrite variations from pad
A7. Ferrite in Weld Deposits to pad must be expected due to slight changes in welding
and measuring variables. On a large group of pads from
A7.1 Ferrite is known to be very beneficial in reducing one heat or lot and using a standard pad welding and
the tendency for cracking or fissuring in weld metals; preparation procedure plus or minus two sigma values
.b

however, it is not essential. Millions of pounds of fully indicate that 95 percent of the tests are expected to be
austenitic weld metal have been used for years and pro- within a range of approximately ±2.2 FN at about 8 FN.
vided satisfactory service performance. Generally, ferrite If different pad welding and preparation procedures are
is helpful when the welds are restrained, the joints are used, these variations will increase.
large, and when cracks or fissures adversely affect ser-
w

vice performance. Ferrite increases the weld strength A7.6 Even larger variations may be encountered if the
level. Ferrite may have a detrimental effect on corrosion welding technique allows excessive nitrogen pickup, in
resistance in some environments. It also is generally re- which case the ferrite can be much lower than it should
w

garded as detrimental to toughness in cryogenic service, be. High nitrogen pickup can cause a typical 8 FN de-
and in high-temperature service where it can transform posit to drop to 0 FN. A nitrogen pickup of 0.10 percent
into the brittle sigma phase. will typically decrease the FN by about 8.
w

A7.2 Ferrite can be measured on a relative scale by A7.7 Plate materials tend to be balanced chemically to
means of various magnetic instruments. However, work have inherently lower ferrite content than matching weld
by the Subcommittee for Welding of Stainless Steel of metals. Weld metal diluted with plate metal will usually
the High Alloys Committee of the Welding Research be somewhat lower in ferrite than the undiluted weld
Council (WRC) established that the lack of a standard metal, though this does vary depending on the amount of
calibration procedure resulted in a very wide spread of dilution and the composition of the base metal.
readings on a given specimen when measured by differ-
ent laboratories. A specimen averaging 5.0 percent fer-
8 WRC documents are published by Welding Research Council,
rite based on the data collected from all the laboratories
was measured as low as 3.5 percent by some and as high P.O. Box 201547, Shaker Heights, OH 44120.

12
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

A7.8 The welding process used and the welding condi- tion establish other values. Nitrogen pickup in this pro-
tions and technique have a significant influence on the cess is very dependent upon the welding technique and
chemical composition and the ferrite content of the weld may go as high as 0.15 percent or more. This may result
deposit in many instances. These influences must be con- in little or no ferrite in the weld deposits of filler metals
sidered by the user if the weld deposit must meet specific such as ER308 and ER309. Some slight oxidation plus
chemical or Ferrite Number limits. The purpose of volatilization losses may occur in manganese, silicon,
A7.9.1 through A7.9.3 is to present some general infor- and chromium contents.
mation on the effect of common arc welding processes
on the chemical composition and the ferrite content of A7.9.3 Submerged Arc Welding. Submerged arc
weld deposits made with filler metal classified in this welds show variable gains or losses of alloying elements,
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

specification. or both depending on the flux used. All fluxes produce

t
some changes in the chemical composition as the elec-
A7.9 The chemical composition of a given weld deposit trode is melted and deposited as weld metal. Some fluxes

ne
has the capability of providing an approximately predict- deliberately add alloying elements such as niobium
able Ferrite Number for the undiluted deposit, as de- (columbium) and molybdenum; others are very active in
scribed in A7.13 with the limitations discussed here. the sense that they deplete significant amounts of certain
However, important changes in the chemical composi- elements that are readily oxidized, such as chromium.
tions can occur from wire to deposit as described in Other fluxes are less active and may contain small
A7.9.1 through A7.9.3.

e.
amounts of alloys to offset any losses and thereby, pro-
A7.9.1 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. This welding duce a weld deposit with a chemical composition close to
process involves the least change in the chemical compo- the composition of the electrode. If the flux is active or
sition from wire to deposit, and hence produces the alloyed, changes in the welding conditions, particularly
voltage, will result in significant changes in the chemical
ak
smallest difference between the ferrite content calculated
from the wire analysis and that measured on the undi-
luted deposit. There is some loss of carbon in gas tung-
sten arc welding—about half of the carbon content above
0.02 percent. Thus, a wire of 0.06 percent carbon will
composition of the deposit. Higher voltages produce
greater flux/metal interactions and, for example, in the
case of an alloy flux, greater alloy pickup. When close
control of ferrite content is required, the effects of a
typically produce a deposit of 0.04 percent carbon. There particular flux/electrode combination should be evaluated
ab
is also some nitrogen pickup—a gain of 0.02 percent. before any production welding is undertaken due to the
The change in other elements is not significant in the effects as shown in Table A.2.
undiluted weld metal.
A7.10 Bare solid filler metal wire, unlike covered elec-
A7.9.2 Gas Metal Arc Welding. For this process, trodes and bare composite cored wires, cannot be ad-
typical carbon losses are low, only about one quarter justed for ferrite content by means of further alloy
.b

those of the gas tungsten arc welding process. However, additions by the electrode producer, except through the
the typical nitrogen pick up is much higher than in gas use of flux in the submerged arc welding process. Thus,
tungsten arc welding, and it should be estimated at about if specific FN ranges are desired, they must be obtained
0.04 percent (equivalent to about 3 or 4 FN loss) unless through wire chemical composition selection. This is
w

specific measurements on welds for a particular applica- further complicated by the changes in the ferrite content
w

Table A.2
Variations of Alloying Elements for Submerged Arc Welding
w

Element Typical Change from Wire to Deposit

Carbon Varies. On “L” grades, usually a gain: +0.01 to +0.02 percent; on non-L grades, usually a loss: up to –0.02 percent.
Silicon Usually a gain: +0.3 to +0.6 percent.
Chromium Usually a loss, unless a deliberate addition is made to the flux: –0.5 to –3.0 percent.
Nickel Little change, unless a deliberate addition is made to the flux.
Manganese Varies: –0.5 to +0.5 percent.
Molybdenum Little change, unless a deliberate addition is made to the flux.
Niobium Usually a loss, unless a deliberate addition is made to the flux: –0.1 to –0.5 percent.

13
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

from wire to deposit caused by the welding process and can best be done using the WRC-1992 Diagram9 (see
techniques, as previously discussed. Figure A.1). Many earlier diagrams have been proposed
and found useful. These may be reviewed in handbooks
A7.11 In the 300 series filler metals, the compositions of and other references.
the bare filler metal wires in general tend to cluster
around the midpoints of the available chemical ranges. A7.13.1 The WRC-1992 Diagram predicts ferrite in
Thus, the potential ferrite for the 308, 308L, and 347 Ferrite Number (FN). This diagram is the newest of the
wires is approximately 10 FN, for the 309 wire approxi- diagrams mentioned. Studies within the WRC Subcom-
mately 12 FN, and for the 316 and 316L wires approxi- mittee on Welding Stainless Steel and within Commis-
mately 5 FN. Around these midpoints, the ferrite sion II of the International Institute of Welding show the
contents may be ±7 FN or more, but the chemical com- closest agreement between measured and predicted fer-

t
positions of these filler metals will still be within the rite using this diagram. It should be noted that predic-
chemical limits specified in this specification. tions of the WRC-1992 Diagram are independent of

ne
silicon and manganese contents because these elements
A7.12 In summary, the ferrite potential of a filler metal were not found to have statistically significant effects.
afforded by this chemical composition will, except for a The WRC 1992 Diagram is preferred for “300” series
few instances in submerged arc welding, be modified stainless steels and for duplex stainless steels. It may not
downward in the deposit due to changes in the chemical be applicable to compositions having greater than 1% Si.
composition which are caused by the welding process

e.
and the technique used.
9 Kotecki,D. J., and Siewert, T. A. 1992. WRC-1992 Constitu-
A7.13 The ferrite content of welds may be calculated tion Diagram for Stainless Steel Weld Metals: A modification of
from the chemical composition of the weld deposit. This the WRC-1988 Diagram. Welding Journal 71(5): 171-s to 178-s.

ak
ab
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

.b
w
w
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Figure A.1—WRC-1992 Diagram for Stainless Steel Weld Metal

14
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

A7.13.2 The differences between measured and cal- wear applications when used with the gas metal arc pro-
culated ferrite are somewhat dependent on the ferrite cess. The gas tungsten arc, plasma arc, and electron
level of the deposit, increasing as the ferrite level in- beam processes are not suggested for direct application
creases. The agreement between the calculated and mea- of this filler metal on mild steel.
sured ferrite values is also strongly dependent on the
A8.3 ER219. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
quality of the chemical analysis. Variations in the results
classification is 20 Cr, 6 Ni, 9 Mn, and 0.20 N. Filler
of the chemical analyses encountered from laboratory to
metals of this classification are most often used to weld
laboratory can have significant effects on the calculated
UNS S21900 base metals. This alloy is a nitrogen-
ferrite value, changing it as much as 4 to 8 FN. Cooling
strengthened austenitic stainless steel exhibiting high
rate has a significant effect on the actual ferrite content
strength and good toughness over a wide range of
and is one reason for the variations between calculated
temperatures.

t
and measured ferrite of weld metal.
Weldments made using this filler metal are not subject to

ne
carbide precipitation in the as-welded condition. Nitro-
A8. Description and Intended Use of gen alloying reduces the tendency for intergranular car-
bide precipitation in the weld area by inhibiting carbon
Filler Metals10 diffusion and thereby increases resistance to intergranu-
A8.1 ER209. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this lar corrosion.

e.
classification is 22 Cr, 11 Ni, 5.5 Mn, 2 Mo, and 0.20 N. The ER219 filler metal has sufficient total alloy content
Filler metals of this classification are most often used to for use in joining dissimilar alloys like mild steel and the
weld UNS S20910 base metal. This alloy is a nitrogen- stainless steels, and also for direct overlay on mild steel
strengthened, austenitic stainless steel exhibiting high for corrosive applications when used with the gas metal
ak
strength and good toughness over a wide range of tem-
perature. Weldments in the as-welded condition made
using this filler metal are not subject to carbide precipita-
tion. Nitrogen alloying reduces the tendency for carbon
diffusion and thereby increases resistance to intergranu-
arc welding process. The gas tungsten arc, plasma arc,
and electron beam processes are not suggested for direct
application of this filler metal on mild steel.
A8.4 ER240. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
lar corrosion. classification is 18 Cr, 5 Ni, 12 Mn, and 0.20 N. Filler
ab
metal of this classification is most often used to weld
The ER209 filler metal has sufficient total alloy content UNS S24000 and UNS S24100 base metals. These alloys
for use in welding dissimilar alloys like mild steel and are nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steels ex-
the stainless steels, and also for direct overlay on mild hibiting high strength and good toughness over a wide
steel for corrosion applications when used with the gas range of temperatures. Significant improvement of wear
metal arc welding process.
.b

resistance in particle-to-metal and metal-to-metal (gall-

The gas tungsten arc, plasma arc, and electron beam ing) applications is a valuable characteristic when com-

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
processes are not suggested for direct application of this pared to the more conventional austenitic stainless steels
filler metal on mild steel. such as Type 304. Nitrogen alloying reduces the ten-
w

dency toward intergranular carbide precipitation in the

A8.2 ER218. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this weld area by inhibiting carbon diffusion thereby reduc-
classification is 17 Cr, 8.5 Ni, 8 Mn, 4 Si, and 0.13 N. ing the possibility for intergranular corrosion. Nitrogen
Filler metals of this classification are most often used to alloying also improves resistance to pitting and crevice
weld UNS S21800 base metals. This alloy is a nitrogen-
w

corrosion in aqueous chloride-containing media. In addi-

strengthened austenitic stainless steel exhibiting high tion, weldments in Type 240 exhibit improved resistance
strength and good toughness over a wide range of tem- to transgranular stress corrosion cracking in hot aqueous
perature. Nitrogen alloying in this base composition re- chloride-containing media. The ER240 filler metal has
w

sults in significant improvement in wear resistance in sufficient total alloy content for use in joining dissimilar
particle-to-metal and metal-to-metal (galling) applica- alloys like mild steel and the stainless steels and also for
tions when compared to the more conventional austenitic direct overlay on mild steel for corrosion and wear appli-
stainless steels such as Type 304. The ER218 filler metal cations when used with the gas metal arc process. The
has sufficient total alloy content for use in welding dis- gas tungsten arc, plasma arc, and electron beam pro-
similar alloys like mild steel and the stainless steels, and cesses are not suggested for direct application of this
also for direct overlay on mild steel for corrosion and filler metal on mild steel.
A8.5 ER307. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
10 ERXXX can be ECXXX or EQXXX. See Table 1 note d. classification is 21 Cr, 9.5 Ni, 4 Mn, 1 Mo. Filler metals

15
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

of this classification are used primarily for moderate- denum contents. It may be used for welding wrought ma-
strength welds with good crack resistance between dis- terials such as Type 316L stainless when a ferrite in
similar steels such as austenitic manganese steel and car- excess of that attainable with ER316L is desired.
bon steel forgings or castings.
A8.13 ER309. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
A8.6 ER308. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this classification is 24 Cr, 13 Ni. Filler metals of this classi-
classification is 21 Cr, 10 Ni. Commercial specifications fication are commonly used for welding similar alloys in
for filler and base metals vary in the minimum alloy re- wrought or cast form. Occasionally, they are used to
quirements; consequently, the names 18-8, 19-9, and 20- weld Type 304 and similar base metals where severe cor-
10 are often associated with filler metals of this classifi- rosion conditions exist requiring higher alloy weld metal.
cation. This classification is most often used to weld base They are also used in dissimilar metal welds, such as
metals of similar composition, in particular, Type 304. joining Type 304 to carbon steel, welding the clad side of

t
Type 304 clad steels, and applying stainless steel sheet
A8.7 ER308Si. This classification is the same as ER308,

ne
linings to carbon steel shells.
except for the higher silicon content. This improves the
usability of the filler metal in the gas metal arc welding A8.14 ER309Si. This classification is the same as
process (see A9.2). If the dilution by the base metal pro- ER309, except for higher silicon content. This improves
duces a low ferrite or fully austenitic weld metal, the the usability of the filler metal in the gas metal arc weld-
crack sensitivity of the weld is somewhat higher than that ing process (see A9.2). If the dilution by the base metal

e.
of a lower silicon content weld metal. produces a low ferrite or fully austenitic weld metal
deposit, the crack sensitivity of the weld is somewhat
A8.8 ER308H. This classification is the same as ER308,
higher than that of a lower silicon content weld metal.
except that the allowable carbon content has been re-
stricted to the higher portion of the 308 range. Carbon A8.15 ER309L. This classification is the same as

used for welding 304H base metal.

ak
content in the range of 0.04–0.08% provides higher
strength at elevated temperatures. This filler metal is

A8.9 ER308L. This classification is the same as ER308,

ER309, except for the carbon content. Low carbon (0.03
percent maximum) in this filler metal reduces the possi-
bility of intergranular carbide precipitation. This in-
creases the resistance to intergranular corrosion without
the use of stabilizers such as niobium or titanium.
except for the carbon content. Low carbon (0.03 percent
ab
Strength of this low-carbon alloy, however, may not be
maximum) in this filler metal reduces the possibility of
as great at elevated temperatures as that of the niobium-
intergranular carbide precipitation. This increases the
stabilized alloys or ER309.
resistance to intergranular corrosion without the use of
stabilizers such as niobium or titanium. Strength of this A8.16 ER309LSi. This classification is the same as
low-carbon alloy, however, is less than that of the ER309L, except for higher silicon content. This im-
.b

niobium-stabilized alloys or Type 308H at elevated proves the usability of the filler metal in the gas metal arc
temperatures. welding process (see A9.2). If the dilution by the base
metal produces a low ferrite or fully austenitic weld, the
A8.10 ER308LSi. This classification is the same as

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
crack sensitivity of the weld is somewhat higher than that
ER308L, except for the higher silicon content. This
w

of lower silicon content weld metal.

improves the usability of the filler metal in the gas metal
arc welding process (see A9.2). If the dilution by the A8.17 ER309Mo. This classification is the same as
base metal produces a low ferrite or fully austenitic weld, ER309, except for the addition of 2.0 to 3.0 percent molyb-
the crack sensitivity of the weld is somewhat higher than denum to increase its pitting corrosion resistance in
w

that of a lower silicon content weld metal. halide-containing environments. The primary application
for this filler metal is surfacing of base metals to improve
A8.11 ER308Mo. This classification is the same as
their corrosion resistance. The ER309Mo is used to
ER308, except for the addition of molybdenum. It is used
w

achieve a single-layer overlay with a chemical composi-

for welding ASTM CF8M stainless steel castings and
tion similar to that of a 316 stainless steel. It is also used
matches the base metal with regard to chromium, nickel,
for the first layer of multilayer overlays with filler metals
and molybdenum contents. It may be used for welding
such as ER316 or ER317 stainless steels. Without the
wrought materials such as Type 316 (UNS31600) stain-
first layer of 309Mo, elements such as chromium and
less when a ferrite content in excess of that attainable
molybdenum might be reduced to unacceptable levels in
with the ER316 classification is desired.
successive layers by dilution from the base metal. Other
A8.12 ER308LMo. This classification is used for weld- applications include the welding of molybdenum-
ing ASTM CF3M stainless steel castings and matches the containing stainless steel linings to carbon steel shells,
base metal with regard to chromium, nickel, and molyb- the joining of carbon steel base metals which had been

16
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

clad with a molybdenum-containing stainless steel, and and mildly reducing environments have been present
the joining of dissimilar base metals such as carbon steel where a number of corrosion failures were investigated
to Type 304 stainless steel. and documented. The literature should be consulted for
latest recommendations.
A8.18 ER309LMo. This classification is the same as an
ER309Mo, except for a lower maximum carbon content A8.22 ER316Si. This classification is the same as
(0.03%). Low-carbon contents in stainless steels reduce ER316, except for the higher silicon content. This
the possibility of chromium carbide precipitation and improves the usability of the filler metal in the gas metal
thereby increase weld metal resistance to intergranular arc welding process (see A9.2). If the dilution by the
corrosion. The ER309LMo is used in the same type of base metal produces a low ferrite or fully austenitic weld,
applications as the ER309Mo, but where excessive the crack sensitivity of the weld is somewhat higher than
pickup of carbon from dilution by the base metal, where

t
that of a lower silicon content weld metal.
intergranular corrosion from carbide precipitation, or

ne
both are factors to be considered in the selection of the A8.23 ER316H. This filler metal is the same as ER316,
filler metal. In multilayer overlays, the low carbon except that the allowable carbon content has been re-
ER309LMo is usually needed for the first layer in order stricted to the higher portion of the 316 range. Carbon
to achieve low carbon contents in successive layers with content in the range of 0.04 to 0.08 wt.-% provides
filler metals such as ER316L or ER317L. higher strength at elevated temperatures. This filler metal
is used for welding 316H base metal.

e.
A8.19 ER310. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
classification is 26.5 Cr, 21 Ni. Filler metal of this classi- A8.24 ER316L. This classification is the same as
fication is most often used to weld base metals of similar ER316, except for the carbon content. Low carbon (0.03
composition. percent maximum) in this filler metal reduces the possi-

ak
A8.20 ER312. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
classification is 30 Cr, 9 Ni. Filler metal of this classifi-
cation was originally designed to weld cast alloys of sim-
ilar composition. It also has been found to be valuable in
welding dissimilar metals such as carbon steel to stain-
bility of intergranular chromium carbide precipitation
and thereby increases the resistance to intergranular cor-
rosion without the use of stabilizers such as niobium or
titanium. This filler metal is primarily used for welding
low-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic alloys. This
ab
less steel, particularly those grades high in nickel. This low-carbon alloy, however, is not as strong at elevated
alloy gives a two-phase weld deposit with substantial temperature as the niobium-stabilized alloys or Type
percentages of ferrite in an austenite matrix. Even with ER316H.
considerable dilution by austenite-forming elements such A8.25 ER316LSi. This classification is the same as
as nickel, the microstructure remains two-phase and thus ER316L, except for the higher silicon content. This im-
highly resistant to weld metal cracks and fissures.
.b

proves the usability of the filler metal in the gas metal arc
A8.21 ER316. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this welding process (see A9.2). If the dilution by the base
classification is 19 Cr, 12.5 Ni, and 2.5 Mo. This filler metal produces a low ferrite or fully austenitic weld, the
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

metal is used for welding Type 316 and similar alloys. It crack sensitivity is somewhat higher than that of a lower
silicon content weld metal.
w

has been used successfully in certain applications involv-

ing special base metals for high-temperature service. The
A8.26 ER316LMn. The nominal composition (wt-%) of
presence of molybdenum provides creep resistance at
this classification is 19 Cr, 15 Ni, 7 Mn, 3 Mo, and 0.2 N.
elevated temperatures and pitting resistance in a halide
w

This is a fully austenitic alloy with a typical ferrite con-

atmosphere.
tent of 0.5 FN maximum. One of the primary uses of this
Rapid corrosion of ER316 weld metal may occur when filler metal is for the joining of similar and dissimilar
the following three factors co-exist: cryogenic steels for applications down to –452°F (–269°C).
w

This filler metal also exhibits good corrosion resistance

1. The presence of a continuous or semicontinuous in acids and seawater, and is particularly suited for cor-
network of ferrite in the weld metal microstructure rosion conditions found in urea synthesis plants. It is
2. A composition balance of the weld metal giving a also non-magnetic. The high Mn-content of the alloy
chromium-to-molybdenum ratio of less than 8.2 to 1 helps to stabilize the austenitic microstructure and aids
in hot cracking resistance.
3. Immersion of the weld metal in a corrosive
medium. Attempts to classify the media in which accel- A8.27 ER317. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
erated corrosion will take place by attack on the ferrite classification is 19.5 Cr, 14 Ni, 3.5 Mo, somewhat higher
phase have not been entirely successful. Strong oxidizing than ER316. It is usually used for welding alloys of

17
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

similar composition. ER317 filler metal is utilized in and thus increasing resistance to intergranular corrosion.
severely corrosive environments where crevice and The filler metal of this classification is used for welding
pitting corrosion are of concern. chromium-nickel stainless steel base metals of similar
composition, using an inert gas shielded process. It is not
A8.28 ER317L. This classification is the same as
suitable for use with the submerged arc process because
ER317, except for the carbon content. Low carbon (0.03
only a small portion of the titanium will be recovered in
percent maximum) in this filler metal reduces the possi-
the weld metal.
bility of intergranular carbide precipitation. This in-
creases the resistance to intergranular corrosion without A8.33 ER330. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
the use of stabilizers such as niobium or titanium. This classification is 35.5 Ni, 16 Cr. Filler metal of this type is
low-carbon alloy, however, may not be as strong at commonly used where heat and scale resisting properties
elevated temperature as the niobium-stabilized alloys or above 1800 ºF (980 ºC) are required, except in high-

t
Type 317. sulfur environments, as these environments may adversely

ne
affect elevated temperature performance. Repairs of
A8.29 ER318. This composition is identical to ER316,
defects in alloy castings and the welding of castings and
except for the addition of niobium. Niobium provides re-
wrought alloys of similar composition are the most com-
sistance to intergranular chromium carbide precipitation
mon applications.
and thus increased resistance to intergranular corrosion.
Filler metal of this classification is used primarily for A8.34 ER347. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this

e.
welding base metals of similar composition. classification is 20 Cr, 10 Ni, with Nb added as a stabi-
lizer. The addition of niobium reduces the possibility of
A8.30 ER320. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
intergranular chromium carbide precipitation and thus
classification is 20 Cr, 34 Ni, 2.5 Mo, 3.5 Cu, with Nb
susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. The filler metal
added to provide resistance to intergranular corrosion.
ak
Filler metal of this classification is primarily used to
weld base metals of similar composition for applications
where resistance to severe corrosion involving a wide
range of chemicals, including sulfuric and sulfurous
acids and their salts, is required. This filler metal can be
of this classification is usually used for welding chro-
mium-nickel stainless steel base metals of similar com-
position stabilized with either Nb or Ti. Although Nb is
the stabilizing element usually specified in Type 347
alloys, it should be recognized that tantalum (Ta) is also
present. Ta and Nb are almost equally effective in stabi-
ab
used to weld both castings and wrought alloys of similar
lizing carbon and in providing high-temperature
composition without postweld heat treatment. A modifi-
strength. If dilution by the base metal produces a low fer-
cation of this classification without niobium is available
rite or fully austenitic weld metal, the crack sensitivity of
for repairing castings which do not contain niobium, but
the weld may increase substantially.
with this modified composition, solution annealing is
required after welding. A8.35 ER347Si. This classification is the same as
.b

ER347, except for the higher silicon content. This im-

A8.31 ER320LR (Low Residuals). This classification
proves the usability of the filler metal in the gas metal arc
has the same basic composition as ER320; however, the
welding process (see A9.2). If the dilution by the base
elements C, Si, P, and S are specified at lower maximum

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
metal produces a low ferrite or fully austenitic weld, the
w

levels and the Nb and Mn are controlled at narrower

crack sensitivity of the weld is somewhat higher than that
ranges. These changes reduce the weld metal hot crack-
of a lower silicon content weld metal.
ing and fissuring (while maintaining the corrosion resis-
tance) frequently encountered in fully austenitic stainless A8.36 ER383. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
w

steel weld metals. Consequently, welding practices typi- classification is 27.5 Cr, 31.5 Ni, 3.7 Mo, and 1 Cu.
cally used for austenitic stainless steel weld metals con- Filler metal of this classification is used to weld UNS
taining ferrite can be used in bare filler metal welding N08028 base metal to itself, or to other grades of stain-
processes such as gas tungsten arc and gas metal arc. less steel. ER383 filler metal is recommended for sul-
w

ER320LR filler metal has been used successfully in sub- furic and phosphoric acid environments. The elements C,
merged arc overlay welding, but it may be prone to Si, P, and S are specified at low maximum levels to min-
cracking when used for joining base metal by the sub- imize weld metal hot cracking and fissuring (while main-
merged arc process. ER320LR weld metal has a lower taining the corrosion resistance) frequently encountered
minimum tensile strength than ER320 weld metal. in fully austenitic stainless steel weld metals.
A8.32 ER321. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this A8.37 ER385. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
classification is 19.5 Cr, 9.5 Ni, with titanium added. The classification is 20.5 Cr, 25 Ni, 4.7 Mo, and 1.5 Cu.
titanium acts in the same way as niobium in Type 347 in ER385 filler metal is used primarily for welding of
reducing intergranular chromium carbide precipitation ASTM B625, B673, B674, and B677 (UNS N08904)

18
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materials for the handling of sulfuric acid and many give adequate corrosion resistance for the usual applica-
chloride containing media. ER385 filler metal also may tions, and yet retain sufficient ductility in the heat-treated
be used to join Type 317L material where improved cor- condition. (Excessive chromium will result in lower
rosion resistance in specific media is needed. ER385 ductility.) Welding with filler metal of the ER430 classi-
filler metal may be used for joining UNS N08904 base fication usually requires preheating and postweld heat
metals to other grades of stainless steel. The elements C, treatment.
S, P, and Si are specified at lower maximum levels to
minimize weld metal hot cracking and fissuring (while Optimum mechanical properties and corrosion resistance
maintaining corrosion resistance) frequently encountered are obtained only when the weldment is heat treated
in fully austenitic weld metals. following the welding operation.

A8.38 ER409. This 12 Cr alloy (wt.-%) differs from A8.44 ER439. This is an 18 Cr (wt. %) alloy that is

t
Type 410 material because it has a ferritic microstruc- stabilized with titanium. ER439 provides improved oxi-

ne
ture. The titanium addition forms carbides to improve dation and corrosion resistance over ER409 in similar
corrosion resistance, increase strength at high tempera- applications. Applications are the same as those of
ture, and promote the ferritic microstructure. ER409 ER409 filler metals where thin stock is fabricated into
filler metals may be used to join matching or dissimilar exhaust system components.
base metals. The greatest usage is for applications where
thin stock is fabricated into exhaust system components. A8.45 ER446LMo. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of

e.
this classification (formerly listed as ER26-1) is 26 Cr, 1
A8.39 ER409Nb. This classification is the same as Mo. It is used for welding base metal of the same compo-
ER409, except that niobium is used instead of titanium to sition with inert gas shielded welding processes. Due to
achieve similar results. Oxidation losses across the arc the high purity of both base metal and filler metal, clean-

ak
generally are lower. Applications are the same as those
of ER409 filler metals.
A8.40 ER410. This 12 Cr alloy (wt.-%) is an air-hardening
steel. Preheat and postweld heat treatments are required
ing of the parts before welding is most important. Com-
plete coverage by shielding gas during welding is
extremely important to prevent contamination by oxygen
and nitrogen. Nonconventional gas shielding methods
(leading, trailing, and back shielding) often are employed.
to achieve welds of adequate ductility for many engi-
ab
neering purposes. The most common application of filler A8.46 ER630. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of this
metal of this type is for welding alloys of similar compo- classification is 16.4 Cr, 4.7 Ni, 3.6 Cu. The composition
sition. It is also used for deposition of overlays on carbon is designed primarily for welding ASTM A 564 Type
steels to resist corrosion, erosion, or abrasion. 630 and some other precipitation-hardening stainless
steels. The composition is modified to prevent the forma-
A8.41 ER410NiMo. The nominal composition (wt.-%)
.b

tion of ferrite networks in the martensitic microstructure

of this classification is 12 Cr, 4.5 Ni, 0.55 Mo. It is pri-
which have a deleterious effect on mechanical proper-
marily designed for welding ASTM CA6NM castings or
ties. Dependent on the application and weld size, the
similar material, as well as light-gauge 410, 410S, and
weld metal may be used as-welded; welded and precipi-
405 base metals. Filler metal of this classification is
tation hardened; or welded, solution treated, and precipi-
w

modified to contain less chromium and more nickel to

tation hardened.
eliminate ferrite in the microstructure as it has a deleteri-
ous effect on mechanical properties. Final postweld heat A8.47 ER19-10H. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of
treatment should not exceed 1150°F [620°C], as higher this classification is 19 Cr, 10 Ni and similar to ER308H,
w

temperatures may result in rehardening due to untem- except that the chromium content is lower and there are
pered martensite in the microstructure after cooling to additional limits on Mo, Nb, and Ti. This lower limit of
room temperature. Cr and additional limits on other Cr equivalent elements
w

A8.42 ER420. This classification is similar to ER410, allows a lower ferrite range to be attained. A lower fer-
except for slightly higher chromium and carbon contents. rite level in the weld metal decreases the chance of sigma
ER420 is used for many surfacing operations requiring embrittlement after long-term exposure at temperatures
corrosion resistance provided by 12 percent chromium in excess of 1000°F [540°C]. This filler metal should be
along with somewhat higher hardness than weld metal used in conjunction with welding processes and other
deposited by ER410 electrodes. This increases wear welding consumables which do not deplete or otherwise
resistance. significantly change the amount of chromium in the weld
metal. If used with submerged arc welding, a flux that
A8.43 ER430. This is a 16 Cr (wt.-%) alloy. The compo- neither removes nor adds chromium to the weld metal is
sition is balanced by providing sufficient chromium to highly recommended.

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

19
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

This filler metal also has the higher carbon level required chloride-containing environments. It is designed for the
for improved creep properties in high-temperature ser- welding of superduplex stainless steels UNS S32750 and
vice. The user is cautioned that actual weld application 32760 (wrought), and UNS J93380, J93404(cast). It can
qualification testing is recommended in order to be sure also be used for the welding of UNS S32550, J93370,
that an acceptable weld metal carbon level is obtained. If J93372 when not subject to sulfurous or sulfuric acids in
corrosion or scaling is a concern, special testing, as service. It can also be used for the welding of carbon and
outlined in Annex Clause A10, Special Tests, should be low alloy steels to duplex stainless steels as well as to
included in application testing. weld ‘standard’ duplex stainless steel such as UNS
S32205 and J92205 especially for root runs in pipe.
A8.48 ER16-8-2. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of
this classification is 15.5 Cr, 8.5 Ni, 1.5 Mo. Filler metal A8.52 ER33-31. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of
of this classification is used primarily for welding stain- this classification is 33 Cr, 31Ni, 1.6 Mo. The filler metal

t
less steel such as types 16-8-2, 316, and 347 for high- is used for welding nickel-chromium-iron alloy (UNS

ne
pressure, high-temperature piping systems. The weld R20033) to itself and to carbon steel, and for weld over-
deposit usually has a Ferrite Number no higher than lay on boiler tubes. The weld metal is resistant to high
5 FN. The deposit also has good hot-ductility properties temperature corrosive environments of coal fired power
which offer greater freedom from weld or crater cracking plant boilers.
even under restraint conditions. The weld metal is usable
A8.53 ER3556. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of
in either the as-welded condition or solution-treated con-

e.
this classification is 31 Fe, 20 Ni, 22 Cr, 18 Co, 3 Mo,
dition. This filler metal depends on a very carefully bal-
2.5 W (UNS R30556). Filler metal of this classification
anced chemical composition to develop its fullest
is used for welding 31 Fe, 20 Ni, 22 Cr, 18 Co, 3 Mo, 2.5
properties. Corrosion tests indicate that the 16-8-2 weld
W (UNS R30556) base metal to itself, for joining steel to
metal may have less corrosion resistance than 316 base
metal, depending on the corrosive media. Where the
weldment is exposed to severe corrodants, the surface
layers should be deposited with a more corrosion-
resistant filler metal.
ak other nickel alloys, and for surfacing steel by the gas
tungsten arc, gas metal arc, and plasma arc welding pro-
cesses. The filler metal is resistant to high-temperature
corrosive environments containing sulfur. Typical speci-
fications for 31 Fe, 20 Ni, 22 Cr, 18 Co, 3 Mo, 2.5 W
base metal are ASTM B435, B572, B619, B622, and
ab
A8.49 ER2209. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of
this classification is 22.5 Cr, 8.5 Ni, 3 Mo, 0.15 N. Filler B626, UNS number R30556.
metal of this classification is used primarily to weld
duplex stainless steels which contain approximately 22
percent chromium such as UNS S31803 and S32205.
Deposits of this alloy have “duplex” microstructures A9. Usability
.b

consisting of an austenite-ferrite matrix. These stainless

steels are characterized by high tensile strength, resis- A9.1 When welding stainless steels with the gas tungsten
tance to stress corrosion cracking, and improved resis- arc process, direct current electrode negative (dcen) is
tance to pitting. preferred. For base metal up to 1/16 in [1.6 mm] thick,
argon is the preferred shielding gas because there is less
w

A8.50 ER2553. The nominal composition (wt.-%) of tendency to melt through these lighter thicknesses. For
this classification is 25.5 Cr, 5.5 Ni, 3.4 Mo, 2 Cu, 0.2 N. greater thicknesses, or for automatic welding, mixtures
Filler metal of this classification is used primarily to of helium and argon are recommended because of the
w

weld duplex stainless steels UNS S32550 which contain greater penetration and better surface appearance. Argon
approximately 25 percent chromium. Deposits of this gas for shielding may also be used and will give satisfac-
alloy have a “duplex” microstructure consisting of an tory results in most cases, but a somewhat higher amper-
austenite-ferrite matrix. These stainless steels are charac- age will be required. For information on the effects of
w

terized by high tensile strength, resistance to stress corro- higher silicon, see A9.2 and the classification of interest.
sion cracking, and improved resistance to pitting.
A9.2 When using the gas metal arc welding process in
A8.51 ER2594. The nominal composition (wt. %) of this which the filler metal is employed as an electrode, direct
classification is 25.5 Cr, 9.2 Ni, 3.5 Mo, 0.25 N. The sum current electrode positive (dcep) is most commonly used.
of the Cr + 3.3(Mo + 0.5 W) + 16 N, known as the Pit- The shielding gas for spray transfer is usually argon,
ting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN ), is at least with or without minor additions of oxygen. For short cir-
40, thereby allowing the weld metal to be called a cuiting transfer, shielding gases composed of helium
‘superduplex stainless steel.’ This number is a semi- plus additions of oxygen and carbon dioxide often are
quantitative indicator of resistance to pitting in aqueous used. The minimum thickness that can be welded by

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
20
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

spray transfer is approximately 1/8 to 3/16 in [3.2 to A10. Special Tests

4.8 mm]. Short circuiting transfer can be used to weld
material as thin as 1/16 in [1.6 mm]. However, thinner A10.1 Corrosion or Scaling Tests. Tests of joint speci-
sections can be joined if a backing is used. The higher mens have the advantage that the joint design and weld-
silicon levels improve the washing and wetting behavior ing procedure can be made identical to that being used in
of the weld metal. For instance, for increases from 0.30 fabrication. They have the disadvantage of testing the
to 0.65 percent silicon, the improvement is pronounced; combined properties of the weld metal, the heat-affected
for increases from 0.65 to 1.0 percent silicon, further zone (HAZ) of the base metal, and the unaffected base
improvement is experienced but is less pronounced. metal. Furthermore, it is difficult to obtain reproducible
data if a difference exists between the corrosion or oxida-
A9.3 For submerged arc welding, direct current electrode tion rates of the various metal structures (weld metal,

t
positive (dcep) or alternating current (ac) may be used. heat-affected zone, and unaffected base metal). Test
Basic or neutral fluxes are generally recommended in samples cannot be readily standardized if welding proce-

ne
order to minimize silicon pickup and the oxidation of dure and joint design are to be considered variables. Joint
chromium and other elements. When welding with specimens for corrosion tests should not be used for
fluxes that are not basic or neutral, electrodes having a qualifying the filler metal, but may be used for qualify-
silicon content below the normal 0.30 percent minimum ing welding procedures using approved materials. Spe-
may be desired for submerged arc welding. Such active cial corrosion or scale resisting tests which are pertinent

e.
fluxes may contribute some silicon to the weld metal. In to the intended application may be conducted as agreed
this case, the higher silicon does not significantly im- upon between the purchaser and supplier. This section is
prove the washing and wetting action of the weld metal. included for the guidance of those who desire to specify
such special tests.
A9.4 The strip cladding process closely resembles
conventional submerged arc welding, except that a thin,
consumable strip electrode is substituted for the conven-
tional wire. Thus, the equipment consists of conventional
submerged arc units with modified contact tips and feed
ak A10.1.1 The heat treatments, surface finish, and
marking of the specimens prior to testing should be in ac-
cordance with standard practices for tests of similar al-
loys in the wrought or cast forms. The testing procedure
should correspond to ASTM G 4, Standard Method for
rolls. Normal power sources with a minimum output of
ab
Conducting Corrosion Tests in Plant Equipment, or
750 amperes are used. If submerged arc equipment is
ASTM A 262, Standard Practices for Detecting Suscep-
available, then the same feeding motor, gear box, flux-
tibility to Intergranular Attack in Austenitic Stainless
handling system, wire spool, and controls used to feed
Steels, or ASTM G 48, Standard Test Methods for Pit-
wire electrodes can be used for strip surfacing. The only ting and Crevice Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steels
difference in most cases is a strip welding head and and Related Alloys by Use of Ferric Chloride Solution.
.b

“bolt-on” adaptor plate.

A10.2 Tests for Mechanical Properties. The tensile
Strip surfacing is generally carried out using direct cur- properties, bend ductility, and soundness of welds pro-
rent supplied either from a generator or from a rectifier. duced using filler metal which conforms with this speci-
Power sources with either constant voltage or drooping fication are frequently determined during welding
w

characteristics are used routinely. procedure qualification. For cryogenic applications, im-
pact properties of welds are required. It should be real-
A constant-voltage power source is preferable, however, ized that the variables in the process, such as current,
generator or rectifier type can be connected in parallel
w

voltage, and welding speed; variables in the shielding

to produce higher current for specific applications. The medium, such as the gas mixture or flux; variables in the
use of direct current electrode positive (dcep) yields manual dexterity of the welder; and variables in the com-
somewhat better edge shape and a more regular deposit position of the base metal influence the results that may
w

surface. be obtained. When properly controlled, however, these

filler metals will give sound welds under widely varying
Strip cladding is conducted with either the submerged
conditions with tensile strength and ductility similar to
arc or electroslag welding process. Although electroslag
that obtained by the covered arc welding electrodes.
welding does not involve an arc, except for initiation, it
uses identical strip feeding equipment, controls, and Tensile and elongation requirements for weld metal
power sources. Voltage and flux composition control deposited by shielded metal arc welding (covered) elec-
whether the process is submerged arc or electroslag. The trodes specified in AWS A5.4/A5.4M, Specification for
electroslag process is widely used because of its ability Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Weld-
to deposit weld metal with low dilution. ing, are shown in Table A.3. For a discussion of impact

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
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Table A.3
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Property Requirements from AWS A5.4/A5.4M:2006
Tensile Strength, min Elongation min.
AWS Classification ksi MPa Percent Heat Treatment
E209-XX 100 690 15 None
E219-XX 90 620 15 None
E240-XX 100 690 15 None
E307-XX 85 590 30 None
E308-XX 80 550 35 None
E308H-XX 80 550 35 None
E308L-XX 75 520 35 None

t
E308Mo-XX 80 550 35 None
E308LMo-XXa 75 520 35 None

ne
E309-XX 80 550 30 None
E309H-XX 80 550 30 None
E309L-XX 75 520 30 None
E309Nb-XXa 80 550 30 None
E309Mo-XX 80 550 30 None
E309LMo-XXa 75 520 30 None

e.
E310 -XX 80 550 30 None
E310H-XX 90 620 10 None
E310Nb-XXa 80 550 25 None
E310Mo-XX 80 550 30 None
E312-XX 95 660 22 None
E316-XX
E316H-XX
E316L-XX
E316LMn-XX
E317-XX
E317L-XX
ak
75
75
70
80
80
75
520
520
490
550
550
520
30
30
30
20
30
30
None
None
None
None
None
None
ab
E318-XX 80 550 25 None
E320-XX 80 550 30 None
E320LR-XX 75 520 30 None
E330-XX 75 520 25 None
E330H-XX 90 620 10 None
E347-XX 75 520 30 None
E349-XX 100 690 25 None
.b

E383-XX 75 520 30 None

E385-XX 75 520 30 None
E409Nb-XX 65 450 20 d
E410-XX 75 520 20 b
w

E410NiMo-XX 110 760 15 c

E430-XX 65 450 20 d
E430Nb-XX 65 450 20 d
E630-XX 135 930 7 e
E16-8-2-XX 80 550 35 None
w

E2209-XX 100 690 20 None

E2553-XX 110 760 15 None
E2593-XX 110 760 15 None
E2594-XX 110 760 15 None
w

E2595-XX 110 760 15 None

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

E3155-XX 100 690 20 None

E33-31-XX 105 720 25 None
a E308LMo-XX, E309LMo-XX, E309Nb-XX, and E310Nb-XX were formerly named E308MoL-XX, E309MoL-XX, E309Cb-XX, and E310Cb-XX,
respectively. The change was made to conform to the worldwide uniform designation of the element niobium.
b Heat to 1350°F to 1400°F [730°C to 760°C], hold for one hour (–0, +15 minutes), furnace cool at a rate not to exceeding 200°F [110°C] per hour to

600°F [315°C] and air cool to ambient.

c Heat to 1100°F to 1150°F [595°C to 620°C], hold for one hour (–0, +15 minutes), and air cool to ambient.
d Heat to 1400°F to 1450°F [760°C to 790°C], hold for two hours (–0, +15 minutes), furnace cool at a rate not exceeding 100°F [55°C] per hour to

1100°F [595°C] and air cool to ambient.

e Heat to 1875°F to 1925°F [1025°C to 1050°C], hold for one hour (–0, +15 minutes), and air cool to ambient, and then precipitation harden at 1135°F

to 1165°F [610°C to 630°C], hold for four hours (–0, +15 minutes), and air cool to ambient.

22
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 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

Health Fact Sheets are revised and additional sheets

Table A.4 added periodically.
Discontinued Classifications
A11.3 AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets Index
Discontinued Classification Last Published (SHF)12
ER26-1a 1981 No. Title
ER502b 1993 1 Fumes and Gases

ER505c 1993 2 Radiation

3 Noise
ER409Cbd 1993
4 Chromium and Nickel in Welding Fume

t
a This classification was not really discontinued, but was changed to
ER446LMo. 5 Electric Hazards

ne
b This electrode classification was transferred to the AWS A5.28 speci-

fication where it is classified as ER80S-B6, and to the AWS A5.23 6 Fire and Explosion Prevention
specification where it is classified as EB6.
c This electrode classification was transferred to the AWS A5.28 speci- 7 Burn Protection
fication where it is classified as ER80S-B8, and to the AWS A5.23
specification where it is classified as EB8.
8 Mechanical Hazards
d This classification was not really discontinued, but was changed to
9 Tripping and Falling

e.
ER409Nb to reflect the adoption of Nb for niobium instead of Cb for
columbium. 10 Falling Objects
11 Confined Space
12 Contact Lens Wear

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properties for cryogenic applications, see Annex A8 of
AWS A5.4. Note that the impact properties of welds
made with bare filler metals in the GTAW or GMAW
processes are usually superior to those produced with the
13
14
15
16
Ergonomics in the Welding Environment
Graphic Symbols for Precautionary Labels
Style Guidelines for Safety and Health Documents
Pacemakers and Welding
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SMAW or SAW processes. When supplementary tests
for mechanical properties are specified, the procedures 17 Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)

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should be in accordance with the latest edition of AWS 18 Lockout/Tagout
B4.0 [AWS B4.0M], Standard Methods for Mechanical 19 Laser Welding and Cutting Safety
Testing of Welds.
20 Thermal Spraying Safety
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21 Resistance Spot Welding

A11. General Safety Considerations 22 Cadmium Exposure from Welding & Allied
A11.1 Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond Processes
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the scope of this standard and, therefore, are not fully ad- 23 California Proposition 65
dressed herein. Some safety and health information can 24 Fluxes for Arc Welding and Brazing: Safe
be found in Annex Clause A6. Safety and health infor- Handling and Use
mation is available from other sources, including, but not
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limited to Safety and Health Fact Sheets listed in A11.3, 25 Metal Fume Fever
ANSI Z49.1 Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Pro- 26 Arc Viewing Distance
cesses,11 and applicable federal and state regulations.
27 Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes
ANSI Z49.1 can be downloaded and printed from the
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AWS website at http://www.aws.org. 28 Oxyfuel Safety: Check Valves and Flashback

Arrestors
A11.2 The Safety and Health Fact Sheets listed below
are published by the American Welding Society (AWS). 29 Grounding of Portable and Vehicle Mounted
They may be downloaded and printed directly from the Welding Generators
AWS website at http://www.aws.org. The Safety and 30 Cylinders: Safe Storage, Handling, and Use

11 ANSIZ49.1 is published by the American Welding Society, 12 AWS standards are published by the American Welding
550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

23
Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

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Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

Annex B (Informative)
Guidelines for the Preparation of Technical Inquiries

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This annex is not a part of AWS A5.9/5.9M:2006, Specification for Bare Stainless Steel

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Welding Electrodes and Rods, but is included for informational purposes only.

B1. Introduction along with the edition of the standard that contains the

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provision(s) the inquirer is addressing.
The American Welding Society (AWS) Board of Directors
has adopted a policy whereby all official interpretations B2.2 Purpose of the Inquiry. The purpose of the inquiry
of AWS standards are handled in a formal manner. shall be stated in this portion of the inquiry. The purpose

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Under this policy, all interpretations are made by the
committee that is responsible for the standard. Official
can be to obtain an interpretation of a standard’s require-
ment or to request the revision of a particular provision
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communication concerning an interpretation is directed in the standard.

through the AWS staff member who works with that B2.3 Content of the Inquiry. The inquiry should be
committee. The policy requires that all requests for an concise, yet complete, to enable the committee to under-
interpretation be submitted in writing. Such requests will
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stand the point of the inquiry. Sketches should be used
be handled as expeditiously as possible, but due to the whenever appropriate, and all paragraphs, figures, and
complexity of the work and the procedures that must be tables (or annex) that bear on the inquiry shall be cited. If
followed, some interpretations may require considerable the point of the inquiry is to obtain a revision of the
time. standard, the inquiry shall provide technical justification
for that revision.
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B2.4 Proposed Reply. The inquirer should, as a

B2. Procedure proposed reply, state an interpretation of the provision
All inquiries shall be directed to: that is the point of the inquiry or provide the wording for
a proposed revision, if this is what the inquirer seeks.
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Managing Director
Technical Services Division
American Welding Society
550 N.W. LeJeune Road B3. Interpretation of Provisions of
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Miami, FL 33126
the Standard
All inquiries shall contain the name, address, and affilia-
Interpretations of provisions of the standard are made by
tion of the inquirer, and they shall provide enough infor-
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the relevant AWS technical committee. The secretary of

mation for the committee to understand the point of
the committee refers all inquiries to the chair of the par-
concern in the inquiry. When the point is not clearly
ticular subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the por-
defined, the inquiry will be returned for clarification. For
tion of the standard addressed by the inquiry. The
efficient handling, all inquiries should be typewritten and
subcommittee reviews the inquiry and the proposed reply
in the format specified below.
to determine what the response to the inquiry should
B2.1 Scope. Each inquiry shall address one single provi- be. Following the subcommittee’s development of the
sion of the standard unless the point of the inquiry response, the inquiry and the response are presented to
involves two or more interrelated provisions. The provi- the entire committee for review and approval. Upon
sion(s) shall be identified in the scope of the inquiry approval by the committee, the interpretation is an official

25
Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

interpretation of the Society, and the secretary transmits be obtained only through a written request. Headquarters
the response to the inquirer and to the Welding Journal staff cannot provide consulting services. However, the
for publication. staff can refer a caller to any of those consultants whose
names are on file at AWS Headquarters.

B4. Publication of Interpretations

B6. AWS Technical Committees
All official interpretations will appear in the Welding
Journal and will be posted on the AWS web site. The activities of AWS technical committees regarding
interpretations are limited strictly to the interpretation of
provisions of standards prepared by the committees or to

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consideration of revisions to existing provisions on the
B5. Telephone Inquiries basis of new data or technology. Neither AWS staff nor

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Telephone inquiries to AWS Headquarters concerning the committees are in a position to offer interpretive or
AWS standards should be limited to questions of a gen- consulting services on (1) specific engineering problems,
eral nature or to matters directly related to the use of the (2) requirements of standards applied to fabrications
standard. The AWS Board of Directors’ policy requires outside the scope of the document, or (3) points not

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that all AWS staff members respond to a telephone specifically covered by the standard. In such cases, the

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request for an official interpretation of any AWS stan- inquirer should seek assistance from a competent engi-
dard with the information that such an interpretation can neer experienced in the particular field of interest.

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Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

AWS Filler Metal Specifications by Material and Welding Process

GTAW
GMAW
OFW SMAW PAW FCAW SAW ESW EGW Brazing

Carbon Steel A5.20 A5.10 A5.18 A5.20 A5.17 A5.25 A5.26 A5.8, A5.31

Low-Alloy Steel A5.20 A5.50 A5.28 A5.29 A5.23 A5.25 A5.26 A5.8, A5.31

Stainless Steel A5.40 A5.9, A5.22 A5.22 A5.90 A5.90 A5.90 A5.8, A5.31

Cast Iron

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A5.15 A5.15 A5.15 A5.15 A5.8, A5.31

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Nickel Alloys A5.11 A5.14 A5.14 A5.8, A5.31

Aluminum Alloys A5.30 A5.10 A5.8, A5.31

Copper Alloys A5.60 A5.70 A5.8, A5.31

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Titanium Alloys A5.16 A5.8, A5.31

Zirconium Alloys A5.24 A5.8, A5.31

Magnesium Alloys

Tungsten Electrodes

Brazing Alloys and Fluxes

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A5.12
A5.8, A5.31

A5.8, A5.31
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Surfacing Alloys A5.21 A5.13 A5.21 A5.21 A5.21

Consumable Inserts A5.30

Shielding Gases A5.32 A5.32 A5.32

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27
Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

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Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

AWS Filler Metal Specifications and Related Documents

Designation Title
FMC Filler Metal Comparison Charts
IFS International Index of Welding Filler Metal Classifications
UGFM User’s Guide to Filler Metals
A4.2M Standard Procedures for Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content Austenitic and
(ISO 8249 MOD) Duplex Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal
A4.3 Standard Methods for Determination of the Diffusible Hydrogen Content of Martensitic, Bainitic, and Ferritic
Steel Weld Metal Produced by Arc Welding

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A4.4M Standard Procedures for Determination of Moisture Content of Welding Fluxes and Welding Electrode Flux Coverings

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A5.01 Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines
A5.1/A5.1M Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
A5.2 Specification for Carbon and Low Alloy Steel Rods for Oxyfuel Gas Welding
A5.3/A5.3M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
A5.4/A5.4M Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

e.
A5.5/A5.5M Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
A5.6 Specification for Covered Copper and Copper Alloy Arc Welding Electrodes
A5.7 Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Bare Welding Rods and Electrodes
A5.8/A5.8M
A5.9/A5.9M
A5.10/A5.10M
A5.11/A5.11M
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Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding
Specification for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods
Specification for Bare Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods
Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Alloy Welding Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
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A5.12/A5.12M Specification for Tungsten and Tungsten-Alloy Electrodes for Arc Welding and Cutting
A5.13 Specification for Surfacing Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
A5.14/A5.14M Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Alloy Bare Welding Electrodes and Rods
A5.15 Specification for Welding Electrodes and Rods for Cast Iron
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A5.16/A5.16M Specification for Titanium and Titanium Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods
A5.17/A5.17M Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding
A5.18/A5.18M Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding
A5.19 Specification for Magnesium Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods
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A5.20/A5.20M Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding
A5.21 Specification for Bare Electrodes and Rods for Surfacing
A5.22 Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding and Stainless Steel Flux Cored Rods for
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Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

A5.23/A5.23M Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding
A5.24/A5.24M Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods
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A5.25/A5.25M Specification for Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Electroslag Welding
A5.26/A5.26M Specification for Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Electrogas Welding
A5.28/A5.28M Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding
A5.29/A5.29M Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding
A5.30 Specification for Consumable Inserts
A5.31 Specification for Fluxes for Brazing and Braze Welding
A5.32/A5.32M Specification for Welding Shielding Gases

29
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Copyright American Welding Society

Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2006

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Copyright American Welding Society
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No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 t
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Copyright American Welding Society

Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale