Alloy Steel Electrode Classification



A5.28/A5.28M:2005 Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding; So why has the A5.36 specification been developed? And what does it mean to you? A5.36 OPEN CLASSIFICATION VERSUS FIXED CLASSIFICATION Traditionally, AWS prescribes fixed classifications for filler metals. 1.1 This specification prescribes requirements for the classification of low-alloy steel electrodes for shielded metal arc welding of carbon and low-alloy steels. These electrodes include steel alloys in which no single alloying element exceeds 10.5%. 1.2 Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard and, therefore.

The carbon and low-alloy steel electrode classification number uses four or five digits. For carbon steels, the electrodes are either in the E60XX or E70XX series. The minimum allowable tensile strength for a weld made with an electrode in the 60 series is 62,000 psi (427MPa). Additional elongation may allow the tensile strength of some of these electrodes to go as low as 60,000 psi (414MPa). For the 70 series, the minimum tensile strength as welded is 72,000 psi (496MPa). However, additional elongation may allow the tensile strength of some of these to go down to 70,000 psi (483MPa). The metals are similar in composition for each classification number.Alloy Steel Electrode Classification
Each manufacturer has its own compounds for the coverings. Therefore, electrodes from different manufacturers may not have exactly the same tensile strengths, even though the classification numbers are identical. The classification number indicates the minimum tensile strength the filler metal may have. The letter E preceding the four or five digit number (EXXXX) indicates a welding electrode used in arc welding. See Figure 5-45.
The meaning of the digits in the AWS classification number is as follows. The first two or three digits of the four or five digit number (E60XX or E100XX) represent the tensile strength. That is, 60 means 60,000 psi (414MPa) and 100 means 100,000 psi (689MPa). The value 60,000 psi (pounds per square inch) may also be shown as 60 ksi. The letter “k” represents 1000 lbs (a “kilopound”), so 60 ksi (kilopounds per square inch) is the same as 60,000 psi (pounds per square inch). The tensile strength may be given in the “as-welded” or the “stress-relieved” condition. See the electrode manufacturer's specification to determine under what condition the indicated tensile strength occurs. “As-welded” means without post heating. “Stress-relieved” means the weld has been given a heat treatment after welding to relieve stress caused by the welding process. See Chapter 29 for an explanation of stress caused by welding.
The second digit from the right indicates the recommended position of the joint that the electrode is designed to weld. For example, an EXX1X electrode will weld in all positions whereas EXX2X electrodes are used for welds in the flat or horizontal welding position only. An EXX4X electrode is recommended for flat, horizontal, overhead, and vertical downhill welding.
The right-hand digit indicates the power supply (ac, DCEN, or DCEP), the type of covering, and the presence of iron powder or low-hydrogen characteristic (or both).
The last two digits need to be looked at together. The two digits give the welder information on the electrode covering, current to use, and position to use the electrode. See Figures 5-44 and 5-45, which show the type of electrode covering, position the electrode is designed for, and the type of current to use for various carbon and low-alloy steel electrodes.
Occasionally an electrode number may have a letter and number after the normal four or five digits, such as E7010-A1 or E8016-B2. The letter and number combination or suffix is used with low-alloy steel electrodes. The suffix indicates the chemical composition of the deposited weld metal. See Figure 5-46. The letter A indicates a carbon-molybdenum steel electrode. The letter B stands for a chromium-molybdenum steel electrode. The letter C is a nickel steel electrode, and the letter D, a manganese-molybdenum steel electrode. The final digit in the suffix indicates the chemical composition under one of these broad chemical classifications. The exact chemical composition may be obtained from the electrode manufacturer.
The letter G is used for all other low-alloy electrodes with minimum values of molybdenum (0.20% minimum); chromium (0.30% minimum); manganese (1% minimum); silicon (0.80% minimum); nickel (0.50% minimum); and vanadium (0.10% minimum) specified. Only one of these elements is required to meet the alloy requirements of the G classification.

Alloy Steel Electrode Classification Chart


An example of a complete electrode classification is E8016-B2:
  • E—Indicates electrode.
  • 80—Indicates tensile strength (80,000 psi or 80 ksi).
  • 16—Indicates a low-hydrogen, potassium covering used with ac or DCEP (reverse polarity). DCEP means direct current electrode positive.
  • 1—Indicates it is an all-position electrode.
  • B2—Indicates that the deposited metal chemical composition is a low-alloy chromium-molybdenum steel with 1.25% chromium and 0.50% molybdenum.
Manufacturers imprint AWS numbers on the covering material near the grip end for identification. Figure 5-47 shows how shielded metal arc welding electrodes are marked with AWS numbers.

Aws Electrode Classification


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INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS

AWS A5.5, E9018-B3 H4R

Alloy

ASME SFA 5.5, E9018-B3 H4R

Aws

FEATURES & APPLICATIONS

DESCRIPTION: 1180 is an outstanding welding electrode for welding higher strength piping, castings and forgings. The coating is specially formulated to resist moisture pick-up under conditions of high heat and humidity. The electrode offers resistance to moisture reabsorption which helps prevent hydrogen cracking and aids in elimination of starting porosity. Definitely a preferred electrode with high operator appeal.

APPLICATIONS:

1180 is used in welding chrome-moly pipes and boiler work.

FEATURES:

  • Excellent arc characteristics
  • Low spatter level
  • Quick and easy slag removal
  • Low moisture reabsorption
  • Low smoke level
  • Low hydrogen, less than 4 ml/100g

BENEFITS:

  • Stable, easy to control arc
  • Improves weld bead appearance, higher deposition
  • Reduce clean-up time
  • Prevents starting porosity
  • Welder safety and comfort
  • Resistant to hydrogen-induced cracking

All Weld Metal Analysis (Typical Weight %)

Electrode Classification Aws

Flux Color: Grey

C

Mn

P

S

Si

Cr

Mo

.10

.69

.01

.01

.50

2.35

1.06

Typical Mechanical Properties

Undiluted Weld MetalMaximum Value Up to:

Tensile Strength: 125,000 PSI (865 MPa)

Yield Strength: 111,000 PSI (765 MPa)

Elongation: 18%

Diffusible Hydrogen: 3.4 ml/100 gr

Welding Current & Instructions

Recommended Current: DCEP or AC

Diameter (mm)

3/32 (2.5)

1/8 (3.25)

5/32 (4.0)

3/16 (5.0)

Minimum Amperage

70

90

130

200

Maximum Amperage

110

160

220

300

*For out of position welding, reduce amperages shown by 15%.

RecommendedWelding Procedures:

General: Electrode positive, work negative (DCEP) or AC

Arc Length: Very short arc

Flat: Angle electrode 10-15° from 90°

Vertical-Up: Use weaving techniques

Vertical-Down: Not recommended

Overhead: Use slight weaving motion within the puddle

Storage: After opening, store in holding oven (250°F to 400°F) until used.

Reconditioning: If exposed to atmosphere for extended periods, reconditioned for one (1) hour at 600°F.

Welding Positions: Flat, Vertical-Up, Overhead

TYPICALDEPOSITIONRATES(atOptimum):

Diameter |
Inches mm

Type of Power

Amperage

Deposition RateLbs/Hr.

3/322.4

DCEP

100

2.38

1/83.2

DCEP

135

2.92

5/324.0

DCEP

170

4.08

3/164.8

DCEP

250

5.62

APPROXIMATE ELECTRODE PACKAGING & DIMENSIONS

Diameter (mm)

3/32 (2.5)

1/8 (3.25)

5/32 (4.0)

3/16 (5.0)

Length (mm)

14″ (350)

14″ (350)

14″ (350)

14″ (350)

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