aws a5.3 1999; specification for aluminum and aluminum-alloy electrodes for shieldes metal arc...

0784265 0511320 014

Copyright American Welding Society Provided by IHS under license with AWS

Not for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

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Key Words- Covered aluminum electrodes, aluminum welding electrodes, shielded metal arc welding, filler metal specifications

AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999 An American National Standard

Approved by American National Standards Institute

February 11,1999

Specification for

Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy

Electrodes for Shielded

Metal Arc Welding

Supersedes ANSI/AWS A5.3-91

Prepared by AWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials

Under the Direction of AWS Technical Activities Committee

Approved by AWS Board of Directors

Abstract This specification prescribes requirements for the classification of covered (flux coated) E1100, E3003, and E4043

aluminum-alloy electrodes for shielded metal arc welding. Tests conducted for classification are chemical analysis of the core wire as well as tensile and bend tests from groove weld test assemblies fabricated with each of two sizes of electrode for each classification. Standard electrode sizes, electrode identification, and chemical composition limits are specified.

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.

American Welding Society 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, Florida 33126



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Statement on Use of AWS Standards

All standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices, methods, classifications, and guides) of the American Welding Society are voluntary consensus standards that have been developed in accordance with the rules of the Ameri- can National Standards Institute. When AWS 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 governmental 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 agree- ment between the contracting parties.

International Standard Book Number: 0-87171-561-9

American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126

O 1999 by American Welding Society. All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America

Note: The primary purpose of AWS is to serve and benefit its members. To this end, AWS provides a forum for the ex- change, consideration, and discussion of ideas and proposals that are relevant to the welding industry and the consensus of which forms the basis for these standards. By providing such a forum, AWS does not assume any duties to which a user of these standards may be required to adhere. By publishing this standard, the American Welding Society does not insure anyone using the information it contains against any liability arising from that use. Publication of a standard by the American Welding Society does not carry with it any right to make, use, or sell any patented items. Users of the information in this standard should make an independent, substantiating investigation of the validity of that information for their particular use and the patent status of any item referred to herein.

Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may be obtained by sending a request, in writing, to the Managing Director Technical Services, 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 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.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the AWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials. It must be reviewed every five years and if not revised, it must be either reapproved or withdrawn. Comments (recommendations, additions, or deletions) and any pertinent data that may be of use in improving this standard are requested and should be addressed to AWS Headquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS 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 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.

Photocopy Rights

Authorization to photocopy items for internal, personal, or educational classroom use only, or the internal, personal, or educational classroom use only of specific clients, is granted by the American Welding Society (AWS) provided that the appropriate fee is paid to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: 978-750- 8400; online: http://www.copyright.com



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M 07842b5 0533323 823

Personnel

AWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials

R. A. LaFave, Chair Elliott Company J. F! Hunt, Ist Mce Chair Consultant

D. A. Fink, 2nd Mce Chair The Lincoln Electric Company R. K. Gupta, Secretary American Welding Society

*R. L. Bateman Electromanufacturas, S.A. R. S. Brown Carpenter Technology Corporation

R. A. Bushey ESAB Welding and Cutting Products J . Caprarola, JI: Consultant

*L. J. Christensen Consultant R. J. Christoffel Consultant

D. D. Crockett The Lincoln Electric Company R. A. Daemen Consultant

D. A. DefSignore Consultant R. L. Drury I l l Caterpillar, Incorporated

J. G. Feldstein Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation

L. Flasche Delphi Delco Electronic Systems

H. W Ebert Exxon Research and Engineering Company

S. E. Ferree ESAB Welding and Cutting Products

R. D. Fuchs Böhler Thyssen Welding USA, Incorporated C. E. Fuerstenau Alloy Ring Service G. Hallstrom, Jr. Hallstrom Consultants

J . A. Henning Deltak, Incorporated R. B. Kadiyala Techailoy Maryland, Incorporated

D. J. Kotecki The Lincoln Electric Company

N. E. Larson Consultant A. S. Laurenson Consultant

G. H. MacShane MAC Associates W A. Marttila DaimlerChrysler

R. Menon Stoody Company

F? J . Konkol Concurrent Technologies Corporation

D. I: Ku American Bureau of Shipping

J. S. Lee Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Incorporated

M, i? Merlo Select Arc, Incorporated A. R. Mertes Ampco Metal, Incorporated M. D. Morin ABB Power Generation

C. L. Null Department of the Navy

R. L. Peaslee Wall Colmonoy Corporation

M. A. Quintana The Lincoln Electric Company

J . J . Payne Consultant

E. W Pickering, Jr. Consultant

*H. E Reid Consultant *S. D. Reynolds, Jr. Consultant

L. E Roberts Canadian Welding Bureau F? K. Salvesen Det Norske Veritas (DNV)

J . M. Sawhill, Jr. Newport News Shipbuilding *Advisor

... III



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m 0784265 0511324 3bT

AWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials (Continued)

A. F! Seidler W S. Severance

*W A. Shopp M. S. Sierdzinski

*R. G. Sim E. R. Stevens

*R. W Straiton R. A. Sulit

R. A . Swain R. D. Thomas, Jr. K. F! Thornberry

*R. Timerman * S . Tsutsumi L. 7: Vernam

G. J. Vytanovych 7: R. Warren

H. D. Wehr * E J . Winsor

K. G. Wold

Armco Steel ESAB Welding and Cutting Products Consultant ESAB Welding and Cutting Products The Lincoln Electric Company (Australia) Consultant Bechtel Corporation Digital Systems Research Euroweld, Limited R. D. Thomas and Company J. W. Harris Company, Incorporated Conarco, S.A. Kobe Steel, Limited AlcoTec Wire Corporation Mobil Technology Company lngalls Shipbuilding, Incorporated Arcos Alloys Consultant Siemens Power Corporation

AWS Subcommittee on Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Filler Metals

L. 7: Vernam, Chair W N, Dietzen, Vice Chair

R. K . Gupta, Secretary *B. E. Anderson

S. A. Collins *Fi B. Dickerson

S. A. Gedeon R. M. Henson

G. Hergenrather L. L. Her1

J . S. Lee G. H. Musselman

E. R. Pickering *R. D. Thomas, Jr.

D. A. Wright, Sr.

*Advisor

AlcoTec Wire Corporation Gulf Wire Corporation American Welding Society AlcoTec Wire Company Maine Maritime Academy Consultant IntellAction, Incorporated J. W. Harris Company, Incorporated United Defense LP-Division of FMC Consultant Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Incorporated Dana Corporation Reynolds Metals Company R. D. Thomas and Company Zephyr Products, Incorporated

iv



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07842b5 0533325 bTb

Foreword

(This Foreword is not a part of AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999, Specifcation for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding, but is included for information purposes only.)

This document represents the sixth revision of the first aluminum covered electrode specification issued in 1943. The original document was prepared by a joint AWS/ASTM Committee and published as an ASTM Standard.

During the mid-to-late 1960s, ASTM agreed to accept AWS as the sole agency responsible for the development and publication of filler metal specifications. In recent years, AWS filler metal specifications have been recognized by the American National Standards Institute as shown below:

AWS/ASTM B184-43T Tentative Specifications for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Metal Arc-Welding Electrodes

AWS A5.3-62T Tentative Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Arc-Welding Electrodes ASTM B184-62T

AWS A5.3-69 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Arc-Welding Electrodes ANSI W3.3-1973

ANSI/AWS A5.3-80 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Covered Arc-Welding Electrodes

ANSI/AWS A5.3-88 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

ANSI/AWS A5.3-91 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary, AWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33 126.

Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may 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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0784265 0533326 532 D

Table of Contents

Page No . ...

Personnel .................................................................................................................................................................... I I I

Foreword ..................................................................................................................................................................... V

List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................................ V I I I

List ofFigures .......................................................................................................................................................... VII I

1 . Scope ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1

...

...

Part A"Genera1 Requirements .................................................................................................................................... 1

2 . Normative References ............................................................................................................................................ 1

3 . Classification .......................................................................................................................................................... 1

4 . Acceptance ............................................................................................................................................................. 1

5 . Certification ............................................................................................................................................................ 1

6 . Units of Measure and Rounding-Off Procedure ..................................................................................................... 2

Part B-Tests, Procedures, and Requirements ............................................................................................................. 2

7 . Summary of Tests ................................................................................................................................................... 2

8 . Retest ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2

9 . Weld Test Assembly ............................................................................................................................................... 3

10 . Chemical Analysis .................................................................................................................................................. 3

11 . Tension Test ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

12 . Bend Test ................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Part Cdanufacture , identifcation, and Packaging .................................................................................................. 5

13 . Method of Manufacture .......................................................................................................................................... 5

14 . Standard Sizes and Lengths .................................................................................................................................... 5

15 . Core Wire and Covering ......................................................................................................................................... 5

16 . Exposed Core .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

17 . Electrode Identification .......................................................................................................................................... 6

18 . Packaging ............................................................................................................................................................... 7

19 . Marking of Packages .............................................................................................................................................. 7

Annex A-Cuide to AWS Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding ......................................................................................................................... 9

Al . Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 A2 . Classification System ............................................................................................................................................ 9 A3 . Acceptance ............................................................................................................................................................. 9 A4 . Certification ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 AS . Ventilation During Welding ................................................................................................................................. 10

vi



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07842b5 0511327 479

Page No . A6 . Welding Considerations ....................................................................................................................................... 10 A7 . Description and Intended Use of Electrodes ....................................................................................................... 11 A8 . Special Tests ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 A9 . Chemical Analysis ............................................................................................................................................... 11 A10 . General Safety Considerations .......................................................................................................................... 11

Annex B-Guidelines for Preparation of Technical Inquiries for AWS Technical Committees ................................. 15

B1 . Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 15 B2 . Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................. 15 B3 . Interpretation of Provisions of the Standard ........................................................................................................ 15 B4 . Publication of Interpretations ............................................................................................................................... 16 B5 . Telephone Inquiries .............................................................................................................................................. 16 B6 . The AWS Technical Committee .......................................................................................................................... 16

AWS Filler Metal Specifications by Material and Welding Process .......................................................................... 17

AWS Filler Metal Specifications and Related Documents ......................................................................................... 19



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07842b5 0511328 305

List of Tables

Table Page No. 1 Chemical Composition Requirements for Core Wire ................................................................................... 2 2 Required Tests ............................................................................................................................................... 3 3 Base Metal for Test Assemblies ................................................................................................................... 5 4 Tension Test Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 5 5 Standard Sizes ............................................................................................................................................... 6 A l Designation Reference Guide ..................................................................................................................... 10

List of Figures

Figure Page No.

1 Groove Weld Test Assembly for Mechanical Properties ............................................................................... 4

V l l l ...



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0784Zb5 05&L329 241 D AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

1. Scope This specification prescribes requirements for the

classification of aluminum and aluminum-alloy electrodes for shielded metal arc welding.

Part A General Requirements

2. Normative References 2.1 The following ANSIIAWS standards' are referenced in the mandatory sections of this document:

(1) ANSIIAWS A5.01, Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines.

( 2 ) ANSIJAWS B4.0, Standard Methods for Mechan- ical Testing of Welds.

2.2 The following ASTM standards2 are referenced i n the mandatory sections of this document:

(1) ASTM E 29, Standard Practice for Using Signif- cant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.

(2) ASTM E 34, Standard Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminurn Alloys.

num and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate. (3) ASTM B 209, Standard Specification for Alumi-

1. AWS Standards can be obtained from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. 2. ASTM Standards can be obtained from the American Soci- ety for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken. PA 19428-2959.

2.3 The following IS0 standard3 is referenced in the mandatory sections of this document:

(1) IS0 544, Filler Materials for Manual Welding- Size Requirements.

3. Classification 3.1 The electrodes covered by the A5.31A5.3M specification are classified using a system that is independent of U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). Classification is according to the chemical composition of the core wire, as specified in Table 1, and mechanical properties of a groove weld.

3.2 An electrode classified under one classification shall not be classified under any other classification in this specification.

4. Acceptance Acceptance4 of the electrode shall be in accordance

with the provisions of ANSIIAWS A5.01, Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines.

5. Certification By affixing the AWS specification and classification

designations to the packaging, or the classification to the

3. IS0 Standards can be obtained from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. 4. See Section A3, Acceptance (in Annex A) for further information concerning acceptance, testing of the material shipped, and ANSIIAWS A5.01, Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines.

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9 07842b5 05LL330 Tb3 AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

Table 1 Chemical Composition Requirements for Core Wire

Weight Percentash ~~ ~ ~~~

Other Elements

AWS UNS Classification‘ DesignationC Si Fe Cu Mn Mg Zn Ti Be Each Total Al

Ell00 A91100 (d) (d) 0.05-0.20 0.05 - 0.10 - 0.0008 0.05 0.15 99.00 mine

E3003 A93003 0.6 0.7 0.05-0.20 1.0-1.5 - 0.10 - 0.0008 0.05 0.15 Remainder

E4043 A94043 4.5-6.0 0.8 0.30 0.05 0.05 0.10 0.20 0.0008 0.05 0.15 Remainder

Notes: a. The core wire, or the stock from which it is made, shall be analyzed for the specific elements for which values are shown in this table. I f the pres-

ence of other elements is indicated i n the course of work, the amount of those elements shall be determined to ensure that they do not exceed the limits specified for “Other Elements.”

b. Single values are maximum, except where otherwise specified. c. SAE/ASTM Unified Numbering System for Metals and Alloys. d. Silicon plus iron shall not exceed 0.95 percent. e. The aluminum content for unalloyed aluminum is the difference between 100.00 percent aud the sum of all other metallic elements presenl in

f. Refer to Table AI for Proposed IS0 Designations. amounts of 0.010 percent or more each, expressed to the second decimal before determining the sum.

product, the manufacturer certifies that the product meets the requirements of this spe~ification.~

6. Units of Measure and Rounding- Off Procedure

6.1 This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). The measurements are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other without combining in any way. The specification with the designation A5.3 uses U.S. Customary Units. The specification A5.3M uses SI Units. The latter are shown i n appropriate columns in tables or within brackets [ ] when used in the text.

6.2 For the purpose of determining conformance with this specification, an observed or calculated value shall be rounded to the nearest 1000 psi [ lo MPa] for tensile strength, and to the “nearest unit” in the last right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting value for other quantities in accordance with the rounding-off method given in ASTM E 29, Practice for Using Signifi- cant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.

5. See Section A4, Certification (in Annex A) for further information concerning certification and the testing called for to meet this requirement.

Part B Tests, Procedures, and Requirements

7. Summary of Tests The tests required for each classification are specified

in Table 2. The purpose of these tests is to determine the chemical composition of the core wire and the mechanical properties of the weldment. The base metal for the weld test assemblies, the welding and testing procedures to be employed, and the results required are given in Sec- tions 9 through 12.

8. Retest 8.1 If the results of any test fail to meet the requirement, that test shall be repeated twice. The results of both tests shall meet the requirement. Specimens or samples for retest may be taken from the original test assembly or sample, or from a new test assembly or sample. For chemical analysis, retest need be only for those specific elements that failed to meet the test requirement.

8.2 I f the results of one or both retests fail to meet the requirement, the material under test shall be considered as not meeting the requirements of this specification for that classification.

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= 0784265 0533333 9 T T AWS A5.3iA5.3M A999

Table 2 Required Tests

Electrode Size

AWS Classification in. mm Chemical Analysisa Tension Testh Bend TestC

3/32

1 I8 5/32

2.4 2.5 3.2 4.0

El 1 0 0 , E3003, and E4043 311 6 4.8

5 .O

114 511 6 318

6.0 6.4 8.0 9.5

Required Required Required Required

Required Required Required Required Required Required

Not Required" Not Required" Not Requiredd

Requirede

Not Required" Not Requiredd

Requiredf Requiredf

Not Requiredd Not Requiredd

Not Requiredd Not Requiredd Not Requiredd

Requirede


Requiredf Required'


Notes: a. Chemical analysis of the core wire or the stock from which it is made. b. See Section 1 1 . c. See Section 12. d. If the product is not produced in the sizes listed for required tensile tests and bend tests, then the size closest but not greater than the size specified

e. Electrodes 5/32 in. [4.0 mm] and smaller shall be classified on the basis of the results obtained with the 5/32 in. [4.0 mm] size of the same

f. Electrodes 3/16 in. [4.8 mm] and larger shall be classified on the basis of the results obtained with the 114 in. (6.0 or 6.4 mm] size of the same

to be tested, shall be subject to the required tests.

classification.

classification.

8 3 In the event that, during preparation or after completion of any test, it is clearly determined that prescribed or proper procedures were not followed in preparing the weld test assembly or test specimens or in conducting the test, the test shall be considered invalid, without regard to whether the test was actually completed, or whether the test results met, or failed to meet, the requirement. That test shall be repeated, following the proper prescribed procedures. In this case the requirement for dou- bling the number of test specimens does not apply.

9. Weld Test Assembly 9.1 One weld test assembly is required as specified in Table 2. It is the groove weld in Figure 1 for mechanical properties.

9.2 Preparation of the weld test assembly shall be as prescribed in 9.3, Figure 1, and Table 2 (Notes e and f) using base metal of the appropriate type specified in Table 3. Testing of the assembly shall be as specified in Sections 11, Tension Test, and 12, Bend Test. The assembly shall be tested in the as-welded condition.

9.3 The test assembly shall be preheated to a temperature between 350" and 400°F [175" and 2OO"C], and shielded metal arc (SMA) welded from one side, in the flat posi-

tion. The test assembly should be precambered or re- strained so that warping due to welding will not cause the finished test assembly to be out-of-plane by more than 5 degrees. If the completed test assembly is more than 5 degrees out-of-plane i t shall be straightened at room temperature.

10. Chemical Analysis 10.1 A sample of the core wire, or the stock from which it is made, shall be prepared for chemical analysis.

10.2 The sample shall be analyzed by accepted analytical methods. The referee method shall be ASTM E 34, Stan- dard Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys.

10.3 The results of the analysis shall meet the requirements of Table 1 for the classification of electrode under test.

11. Tension Test 11.1 Two transverse rectangular tension test specimens shall be machined from the groove weld described in Section 9, Weld Test Assembly, and shown in Figure 1.

3



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0784265 0533332 83b AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

t

” DISCARD L i

I

I

I TENSION SPECIMEN I

A I ROOT-BEND SPECIMEN-

A I FACE-BEND SPECIMEN A II t I

TENSION SPECIMEN

t C DISCARD

DIMENSIONS

” in. mm

A 1.5 38

B 2 50

C, MIN 1.8 45

L, MIN 12 300

R, RADIUS 114 6.5

S 114 6.5

T W8 9.5

V 311 6 5

W, MIN 10 250

Z, MIN 1 25

SEE DETAIL “ A

General Notes: 1. Root Opening = 1116 in. [1.6 mm]. 2. Backing material shall be the same alloy

3. Test material blanks shall be removed from the locations shown. as the base metal. It may be rolled or extruded.

DETAIL A

Figure 1-Groove Weld Test Assembly for Mechanical Properties

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M 07842b5 05LL333 772 AWS A5.3lA5.3M:1999

Table 3 Base Metal for Test Assemblies

Electrode Base Metal

AWS Aluminum ASTM UNS Classification Alloy" Specification Designation

Ell00 1100 B209 A91100 E3003, E4043 3003 B209 A93003

Notes: a. Aluminum Association, Inc. registration numbers. b. When welding 3003 with E4043 electrodes, 3003-0 (annealed tem-

per) plate is preferred.

The dimensions of the specimens shall be as specified in the tension test section of AWS B4.0, Standard Methods for Mechanical Testing of Welds. All dimensions shall be the same as shown in the AWS B4.0 figure for transverse rectangular tension test specimens (plate) except the reduced section radius shall be 2 in. [50 mm].

11.2 The specimens shall be tested in the manner described in the tension test section of ANSI/AWS B4.0, Standard Methods for Mechanical Testing of Welds.

11.3 The results of the tension test shall meet the requirements specified in Table 4.

12. Bend Test 12.1 One transverse face and one transverse root bend specimen, as required in Table 2, shall be machined from the groove weld test assembly described in Section 9 and shown in Figure 1. The dimensions of these bend specimens shall be the same as those shown in the bend test section of AWS B4.0 in the figure for transverse face and transverse root-bend specimens (plate).

Table 4 Tension Test Requirements

Tensile Strength, min."

AWS Classification psi M Pa

El 100 12 o00 80 E3003 14 O00 95 E4043 14 O 0 0 95

Note: a. Fracture may occur in either the base metal or the weld metal.

12.2 The specimens shall be tested in the manner described in the guided bend test section of ANSVAWS B4.0 by bending them uniformly through 180 degrees over a 1-1/4 in. [32 mm] radius in any suitable jig. Typi- cal bend test jigs as shown in bend test section of AWS 84.0 shall be used. Positioning of the face-bend specimen shall be such that the face of the weld is in tension. Positioning of the root-bend specimen shall be such that the root of the weld is in tension. For both types of transverse bend specimen, the weld shall be at the center of the bend.

12.3 Each specimen, after bending, shall conform to the 1-1/4 in. [32 mm] radius, with an appropriate allowance for spring back, and the weld metal shall show no crack or other open defect exceeding 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] measured in any direction on the convex surface, when ex- amined with the unaided eye. Cracks that occur on the comers of a specimen during testing and which show no evidence of inclusions or other fusion-type discontinui- ties, shall be disregarded.

Part C Manu facture, Identification, and

Packaging

13. Method of Manufacture The electrodes classified according to this specifi-

cation may be manufactured by any method that will produce electrodes that meet the requirements of this specification.

14. Standard Sizes and Lengths 14.1 Standard sizes (diameter of the core wire) and lengths of electrodes are shown in Table 5. Other sizes and lengths meet the requirements of this specification when agreed by the purchaser and supplier.

14.2 The diameter of the core wire shall not vary more than 20.002 in. [+0.05 mm] from the diameter specified. The length shall not vary more than +1/4 in. [+6 mm] from that specified.

15. Core Wire and Covering 15.1 The core wire and covering shall be free of defects tha t would interfere with uniform deposition of the electrode.

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0784265 0511334 609 AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

Table 5 Standard Sizes

Diameter of Core Wire Standard Lengths

AWS Classification in. mm in. mm

3/32 (0.094) 2.4¿ (0.098) 2.5

1 /8 (0. 125) 3.2 5/32 (0. 156) 4.0 3/16 (0. 188) 4Aa

El 100, E3003, and E4043 (0. 197) 5.0 (0.236) 6.0

1 /4 (0.250) 6.4a

14 350

5/1 6 (0.312) 8.0 318 (0.375) 9.5"

18 450

Note: a. These sizes are not included in I S 0 544.

15.2 The core wire and the covering shall be concentric to the extent that the maximum core-plus-one-covering dimension shall not exceed the minimum core-plus-one- covering dimension by more than the following:

(1) Seven percent of the mean dimension in sizes 3/32 in. [2.4 and 2.5 mm]

(2) Five percent of the mean dimension in sizes 1/8 and 5/32 in. [3.2 and 4.0 mm]

(3) Four percent of the mean dimension in sizes 3/16 in. [4.8 mm] and larger Concentricity may be measured by any suitable means.

15.3 The coverings shall be such that they are not readily damaged by ordinary handling and the coverings shall not blister when heated to 400°F [200°C]. They shall be consumed uniformly during welding, and they also shall not blister or melt back from the core wire. The flux resi- due they produce shall be readily removable.

16. Exposed Core 16.1 The grip end of each electrode shall be bare (free of covering) for a distance of not less than 1/2 in. [12 mm], nor more than 1-1/4 in. [30 mm] for electrodes 5/32 in. [4.0 mm] and smaller, and not less than 3/4 in. [19 mm] nor more than 1-1/2 in. [38 mm] for electrodes 3/16 in. [4.8 mm] and larger, to provide for electrical contact with the electrode holder.

16.2 The arc end of each electrode shall be sufficiently bare and the covering sufficiently tapered to permit easy striking of the arc. The length of the bare portion (measured from the end of the core wire to the location where

the f u l l cross-section of the covering is obtained) shall not exceed 1/8 in. [3 mm] or the diameter of the core wire, whichever is less. Electrodes with chipped coverings near the arc end, baring the core wire no more than the lesser of 1/4 in. [6 mm] or twice the diameter of the core wire, meet the requirements of this specification, provided no chip uncovers more than 50% of the circum- ference of the core.

17. Electrode Identification All electrodes shall be identified as follows:

17.1 At least one imprint of the electrode classification shall be applied to the electrode covering within 2-1/2 in. [65 mm] of the grip end of the electrode.

17.2 The numbers and letters of the imprint shall be of bold block type of a size large enough to be legible.

17.3 The ink used for imprinting shall provide sufficient contrast with the electrode covering so that, in normal use, the numbers and letters are legible both before and after welding.

17.4 The prefix letter E in the electrode classification may be omitted from the imprint.

17.5 In lieu of imprinting, electrodes may be identified by the following:

(1) Attaching to the bare grip end of each electrode a pressure sensitive tape bearing the classification number

(2) Embossing the classification number on the bare grip end of each electrode. In this case, a slight flattening

6



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= 0784265 0511335 545 AWS A5.3IA5.3M : 1999

of the grip end will be permitted in the area of the embossing.

18. Packaging 18.1 Electrodes shall be suitably packaged to protect them from damage during shipment and storage under normal conditions.

18.2 Standard package net weights shall be 1 Ib [0.5 kg], 5 Ib [2.5 kg], and 10 lb [5 kg]. Other package weights meet the requirements of this specification when agreed by the purchaser and supplier.

I

19. Marking of Packages 19.1 The following product information (as a minimum) shall be legibly marked on the outside of each uni t package:

(1) AWS specification and classification designations (year of issue may be excluded)

(2) Supplier’s name and trade designation (3) Size and net weight (4) Lot, control, or heat number

19.2 The following precautionary information (as a minimum) shall be prominently displayed in legible print on all packages of electrodes, including individual unit packages enclosed within a larger package.

WARNING:

PROTECT yourself and others. Read and understand this information.

FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous to your health.

ARC RAYS can injure eyes and burn skin.

ELECTRIC SHOCK can KILL.

Before use, read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), and your employer’s safety practices.

Keep your head out of the fumes.

Use enough ventilation, exhaust at the arc, or both, to keep fumes and gases away from your breathing zone and the general area.

Wear correct eye, ear, and body protection.

Do not touch live electrical parts.

See American National Standard ANSI 249.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, published by the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126; and OSHA Safety and Health Standards, available from the Superintendent of Doc- uments, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washing- ton, DC 20402. Phone: (202) 512-1800.

DO NOT REMOVE THIS INFORMATION

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07842b5 051133b 4 B L AWS A5.31A5.3M : 1999

Annex A

Guide to Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum- Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

(This Annex is not a part of AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999, Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding, but is included for information purposes only).

Al. Introduction The purpose of this guide is to correlate the electrode

classifications with their intended applications so the specification can be used effectively. Reference to appropriate base metal specifications is made whenever that can be done and when it would be helpful. Such references are intended only as examples rather than complete listings of the materials for which each filler metal is suitable.

A2. Classification System A2.1 The system for identifying the electrode classifications in this specification follows the standard pattern used in other AWS filler metal specifications. The letter E at the beginning of each classification designation stands for electrode. The numerical portion of the designation in this specification conforms to the Aluminum Association registration for the composition of the core wire used in the electrode.

A2.2 An international system for designating welding filler metals is under development by the International Institute of Welding (IIW) for use in future specifications to be issued by the International Standards Organization (ISO). Table A l shows the proposed designations for aluminum filler metals. In that system the initial “ E des- ignates a covered electrode, the letter “A” the alloy system, followed by a four-digit number. For wrought aluminum alloys, the four-digit number is the same as that commonly recognized worldwide.

A3. Acceptance Acceptance of all welding materials classified under

this specification is i n accordance with ANSIIAWS A5.01, Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines, as the specification states. Any testing a purchaser requires of the supplier, for material shipped i n accordance with this Specification, shall be clearly stated in the purchase order, according to the provisions of ANSIIAWS A5.01. In the absence of any such statement in the purchase order, the supplier may ship the material with whatever testing normally is performed on material of that classification, as specified in Schedule F, Table 1 , of ANSI/AWS A5.01. Testing in accordance with any other Schedule in that Table shall be specifically required by the purchase order. In such cases, acceptance of the material shipped shall be in accordance with those requirements.

A4. Certification The act of placing the AWS specification and classifi-

cation designations on the packaging enclosing the product, or the classification on the product itself, constitutes the supplier’s (manufacturer’s) certification that the product meets all of the requirements of the specification.

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 representative of that being shipped and that material met the requirements of the specification. Representative material, in this case, is any production run of that classification using the same formulation. “Certification” is not

9



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W 0764265 0511337 316 AWS A5.31A5.3M : 1999

Table A l Designation Reference Guide

AWS Composition Designationa UNS Number Proposed IS0 Designationh AWS Classification NumberC

1100 A91 1 00 EA1100 El 1 0 0 3003 A93003 EA3003 E3003 4043 A94043 EA4043 E4043

Notes: a. AWS chemical composition designation is that of the core wire and is the same as the Aluminum Association designation number. b. The proposed IS0 designation number (IIW doc. XII-1232-91) contains the last four digits of the UNS number for wrought alloys, preceded by

c. The AWS classification number is the AWS chemical composition designation preceded by an "E" to signify an electrode which carries the electrical "EA," " E to signify a covered electrode and "A" to signify an aluminum base alloy.

current.

to be construed to mean that tests of any kind were nec- essarily conducted on samples of the specific material shipped. Tests on such material may or may not have been conducted. The basis for the certification required by the specification is the classification test of "representative material" cited above, and the "Manufacturer's Quality Assurance Program" in ANSI/AWS A5.01.

A5. Ventilation During Welding A5.1 Five major factors govern the quantity of fumes in the atmosphere to which welders and welding operators are exposed during welding:

(1) Dimensions of the space in which welding is done (with special regard to the height of the ceiling)

(2) Number of welders and welding operators working in that space

(3) Rate of evolution of fumes, gases, or dust, according to the materials and processes used

(4) The proximity of the welders or welding operators to the fumes as the fumes issue from the welding zone, and to the gases and dusts in the space i n which they are working

(5) The ventilation provided to the space in which the welding is done.

A5.2 American National Standard ANSI 249.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes (published by the American Welding Society), discusses the ventilation that is required during welding and should be referred to for details. Attention is drawn particularly to the Section of that document on Health Protection and Ventilation.

A6. Welding Considerations A6.1 Welding aluminum by the shielded metal arc process is a well established practice. However, develop-

ment of the gas shielded arc welding processes and the many advantages these processes offer has caused a shift away from the use of covered electrodes. When shielded metal arc welding, a flux-covered electrode is held in the standard electrode holder, and welding is done with di- rect current, electrode positive (DCEP). Important factors to be considered when welding aluminum with covered electrodes are moisture content of the electrode covering, and cleanliness of the electrode and base metal. Preheat is usually required to obtain good fusion and to improve soundness of the weld. Residual flux removal between passes is required to provide improved arc sta- bility and weld fusion. Complete removal of the residual flux after welding is necessary to avoid corrosive attack in service.

A6.2 The presence of moisture in the electrode covering is a major cause of weld porosity. Dirt, grease, or other contamination of the electrode can also contribute to porosity. The absorption of moisture by the covering can be quite rapid, and the covering can deteriorate after only a few hours exposure to a humid atmosphere. For this reason, the electrodes should be stored in a dry, clean location. Electrodes taken from previously opened packages or those exposed to moisture should be "conditioned" by holding them at 350" to 400°F [175" to 2OO"C] for an hour before welding. After conditioning, they should be stored in a heated cabinet at 150" to 200°F 165" to 95"CJ until used.

A6.3 The minimum base metal thickness recommended for shielded metal arc welding of aluminum is 1/8 in. [3.2 mm]. For thicknesses less than 1/4 in. [6.4 mm], no edge preparation other than a relatively smooth, square cut is required. Material over 1/4 in. [6.4 mm] should be beveled to a single-V-groove with a 60 to 90-degree included angle. On very thick material, U-grooves may be used. Depending upon base metal gauge, root-face thicknesses range between 1/16 and 1/4 in. [1.6 and 6.4 mm].

10



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A root opening of 1/32 to 1/16 in. [0.8 to 1.6 mm] is de- sirable for all groove welds.

A6.4 Because of the high thermal conductivity of aluminum, preheating to 250" to 400°F [120" to 200°C] is nearly always necessary on thick material to maintain the weld pool and obtain proper fusion. Preheating will also help to avoid porosity due to too rapid cooling of the weld pool at the start of the weld. On complex assemblies, preheating is useful in avoiding distortion. Preheating may be done by torch using oxygen and acetylene or other suitable fuel gas, or by electrical resistance heating. Mechani- cal properties of 6XXX series aluminum-alloy weldments can be reduced significantly if the higher preheating temperatures, 350°F [175"C] or higher, are applied.

A6.5 Single-pass SMA welds should be made whenever possible. However, where thicker plates require multiple passes, thorough cleaning between passes is essential for optimum results. After the completion of any welding, the weld and work should be thoroughly cleaned of residual flux. The major portion of the residual flux can be removed by mechanical means, such as a rotary wire brush, slag hammer, or peening hammer, and the rest by steaming or a hot-water rinse. The test for complete removal of residual f l u x is to swab a solution of five- percent silver nitrate on the weld areas. Foaming will occur if residual flux is present.

A6.6 Interruption of the arc when shielded metal arc welding aluminum can cause the formation of a fused flux coating over the end of the electrode. Reestablishing a satisfactory arc is impossible unless this formation is removed.

A7. Description and Intended Use of Electrodes

A7.1 Electrodes of the EllOO classification produce weld metal of high ductility, good electrical conductivity, and a minimum tensile strength of 12 O 0 0 psi (80 MPa). EllOO electrodes are used to weld 1100, 1350(EC), and other commercially pure aluminum alloys.

A7.2 Electrodes of the E3003 classification produce weld metal of high ductility and a minimum tensile strength of 14 O00 psi [95 MPa]. E3003 electrodes are used to weld aluminum alloys 1100 and 3003.

A7.3 The E4043 classification contains approximately five-percent silicon, which provides superior fluidity at welding temperatures, and for this reason is preferred for general purpose welding. The E4043 classification produces weld metal with fair ductility and a minimum tensile strength of 14 O00 psi [95 MPa]. E4043 electrodes can be used to weld the 6XXX series aluminum alloys,

AWS A5.31A5.3M : 1999

the 5XXX series aluminum alloys (up to 2.5-percent Mg content), and aluminum-silicon casting alloys, as well as aluminum base metals 1100, 1350(EC), and 3003.

A7.4 For many aluminum applications, corrosion resistance of the weld is of prime importance. In such cases, it is advantageous to choose an electrode with a composition as close as practical to that of the base metal. For this use, covered electrodes for base metals other than 1100 and 3003 usually are not stocked and must be spe- cially ordered. For applications where corrosion resistance is important, it may be advantageous to use one of the gas shielded arc welding processes for which a wider range of filler metal compositions is available.

AS. Special Tests It is recognized that supplementary tests may be re-

quired for certain applications. In such cases, tests to determine specific properties such as corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, mechanical properties at elevated or cryogenic temperatures, and suitability for welding different combinations of aluminum base alloys may be required.

A9. Chemical Analysis The accepted and most widely used method for chem-

ical analysis is found in ASTM E 227, Optical Emission Spectrometric Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy by the Point-to-Plane Technique. This method ana- lyzes a bulk sample and all elements simultaneously. The ASTM E 34, Test Method for Chemical Analysis of Alu- minum and Aluminum Alloy, prescribes individual test methods for which each element is tested. The ASTM E 34 test methods are used as a referee method if a dispute arises concerning a specific element analysis.

Alo. General Safety Considerations A1O.l Burn Protection. Molten metal, sparks, slag, and hot work surfaces are produced by welding, cutting, and allied processes. These can cause burns if precautionary measures are not used. Workers should wear protective clothing made of fire-resistant material. Pant cuffs, open pockets, or other places on clothing that can catch and re- tain molten metal or sparks should not be worn. High-top shoes or leather leggings and fire-resistant gloves should be worn. Pant legs should be worn over the outside of high-top shoes. Helmets or hand shields that provide protection for the face, neck, and ears, and a head covering

11



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AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

to protect the head should be used. In addition, appropriate eye protection should be used.

When welding overhead or in confined spaces, ear plugs to prevent weld spatter from entering the ear canal should be worn. Goggles or equivalent should also be worn to protect eyes. Clothing should be kept free of grease and oil. Combustible materials should not be car- ried in pockets. If any combustible substance has been spilled on clothing, a change to clean, fire-resistant clothing should be made before working with open arcs or flame. Aprons, cape-sleeves, leggings, and shoulder cov- ers with bibs designed for welding service should be used.

Where welding or cutting of unusually thick base metal is involved, sheet metal shields should be used for extra protection. Mechanization of highly hazardous processes or jobs should be considered. Other personnel in the work area should be protected by the use of noncom- bustible screens or by the use of appropriate protection as described in the previous paragraph. Before leaving a work area, hot work pieces should be marked to alert other persons of this hazard. No attempt should be made to repair or disconnect electrical equipment when it is under load. Disconnection under load produces arcing of the contacts and may cause burns or shock, or both. (Note: Burns can be caused by touching hot equipment such as electrode holders, tips, and nozzles. Therefore, insulated gloves should be worn when these items are handled, unless an adequate cooling period has been allowed before touching.)

The following sources are for more detailed information on personal protection:

(1) ANSI 249.1, Safely in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, published by the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

(2) Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29 Labor, Chapter XVII, Part 1910, OSHA General Industry Stan- dards available from the U.S. Government Printing Of- fice, Washington, DC 20402.

(3) ANSIIASC 287.1, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, American Na- tional Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New

(4) ANSI 241, American National Standard for Per- sonal ProtectionDrotective Footwear, American Na- tional Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002.

A10.2 Electrical Hazards. Electric shock can kill. How- ever, it can be avoided. Live electrical parts should not be touched. The manufacturer’s instructions and recommended safe practices should be read and understood. Faulty installation, improper grounding, and incorrect operation and maintenance of electrical equipment are all sources of danger.

York, NY 10036-8002.

All electrical equipment and the workpieces should be grounded. The workpiece lead is not a ground lead. It is used only to complete the welding circuit. A separate connection is required to ground the workpiece. The workpiece should not be mistaken for a ground connection.

The correct cable size should be used, since sustained overloading will cause cable failure and result in possible electrical shock or fire hazard. All electrical connections should be tight, clean, and dry. Poor connections can overheat and even melt. Further, they can produce dan- gerous arcs and sparks. Water, grease, or dirt should not be allowed to accumulate on plugs, sockets, or electrical units. Moisture can conduct electricity. To prevent shock, the work area, equipment, and clothing should be kept dry at all times. Welders should wear dry gloves and rub- ber soled shoes, or stand on a dry board or insulated plat- form. Cables and connections should be kept in good condition. Improper or worn electrical connections may create conditions that could cause electrical shock or short circuits. Worn, damaged, or bare cables should not be used. Open-circuit voltage should be avoided. When several welders are working with arcs of different polari- ties, or when a number of alternating-current machines are being used, the open-circuit voltages can be additive. The added voltages increase the severity of the shock hazard.

In case of electric shock, the power should be turned off. If the rescuer must resort to pulling the victim from the live contact, nonconducting materials should be used. If the victim is not breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscita- tion (CPR) should be administered as soon as contact with the electrical source is broken. A physician should be called and CPR continued until breathing has been re- stored, or until a physician has arrived. Electrical burns are treated as thermal burns; that is, clean, cold (iced) compresses should be applied. Contamination should be avoided; the area should be covered with a clean, dry dressing; and the patient should be transported to medi- cal assistance.

Recognized safety standards such as ANSI 249.1, Safely in Welding, Cutting, andAllied Processes; the Na- tional Electrical Code; and NFPA No. 70, available from National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269, should be followed.

A103 Fumes and Gases. Many welding, cutting, and allied processes produce fumes and gases which may be harmful to health. Fumes are solid particles which origi- nate from welding filler metals and fluxes, the base metal, and any coatings present on the base metal. Gases are produced during the welding process or may be produced by the effects of process radiation on the surround- ing environment. Management, personnel and welders alike should be aware of the effects of these fumes and gases. The amount and composition of these fumes and



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gases depend upon the composition of the filler metal and base metal, welding process, flux, current level, arc length, and other factors. Fluxes, used for oxyfuel gas welding of aluminum alloys, are composed primarily of chlorides plus small fluoride additions. The coatings used in covered electrodes of the types shown in this specification A5.3IA5.3M contain both chlorides and fluorides.

The possible effects of overexposure range from irri- tation of eyes, skin, and respiratory system to more se- vere complications. Effects may occur immediately or at some later time. Fumes can cause symptoms such as nau- sea, headaches, dizziness, and metal fume fever. The possibility of more serious health effects exists when es- pecially toxic materials are involved. In confined spaces, the fumes might displace breathing air and cause asphyx- iation. One’s head should always be kept out of the fumes. Sufficient ventilation, exhaust at the arc or flame, or both, should be used to keep fumes and gases from your breathing zone and the general area.

In some cases, natural air movement will provide enough ventilation. Where ventilation may be question- able, air sampling should be used to determine if correc- tive measures should be applied.

All aluminum electrodes possess a compositional control of 0.0008 percent maximum beryllium content. This provides a check by the manufacturer that the filler metal is essentially free of this element and thus avoids the presence of concentrations of this highly toxic metallic particulate during the filler metal transfer across the arc. Since the electrode core wire is fabricated as drawn, wrought aluminum wire, the same beryllium control has been applied to all filler metals covered by this ANSI/ AWS A5.3IA5.3M specification. Thus all electrodes possess a 0.0008 percent beryllium maximum limit.

More detailed information on fumes and gases produced by the various welding processes may be found in the following:

(1) The permissible exposure limits required by OSHA can be found in CFR Title 29, Chapter XVII Part 1910. The OSHA General Industry Standards are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Gov- ernment Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

(2) The recommended threshold limit values for these fumes and gases may be found in Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Workroom Environment, published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), 1330 Kemper Meadow Drive, Suite 600, Cin- cinnati, OH 45240-1643.

(3) The results of an AWS-funded study are available i n a report entitled, Fumes and Gases in the Welding Environment, available from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

D 07842b5 05LL340 902 AWS A5.3lA5.3M :1999

A10.4 Radiation. Welding, cutting, and allied operations may produce radiant energy (radiation) harmful to health. One should become acquainted with the effects of this radiant energy.

Radiant energy may be ionizing (such as x-rays), or nonionizing (such as ultraviolet, visible light, or infra- red). Radiation can produce a variety of effects such as skin burns and eye damage, depending on the radiant energy’s wavelength and intensity, if excessive exposure occurs.

A10.4.1 Ionizing Radiation. Ionizing radiation is produced by the electron beam welding process. I t is ordinarily controlled within acceptance limits by use of suitable shielding enclosing the welding area.

A10.4.2 Nonionizing Radiation. The intensity and wavelengths of nonionizing radiant energy produced depend on many factors, such as the process, welding pa- rameters, electrode and base metal composition, fluxes, and any coating or plating on the base metal. Some processes such as resistance welding and cold pressure welding ordinarily produce negligible quantities of radiant energy. However, most arc welding and cutting processes (except submerged arc when used properly), laser beam welding and torch welding, cutting, brazing, or sol- dering can produce quantities of nonionizing radiation such that precautionary measures are necessary.

Protection from possible harmful effects caused by nonionizing radiant energy from welding include the following measures:

(1) One should not look at welding arcs except through welding filter plates which meet the requirements of ANSVASC 287.1, Practice for Occupational and Education Eye and Face Protection, published by American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002. I t should be noted that transparent welding curtains are not intended as welding filter plates, but rather are intended to protect passersby from incidental exposure.

(2) Exposed skin should be protected with adequate gloves and clothing as specified in ANSI 249.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, published by American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

(3) Reflections from welding arcs should be avoided, and all personnel should be protected from intense reflections. (Note: Paints using pigments of substantially zinc oxide or titanium dioxide have a lower reflectance for ultraviolet radiation.)

(4) Screens, curtains, or adequate distance from aisles, walkways, etc., should be used to avoid exposing passersby to welding operations.

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AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

( 5 ) Safety glasses with UV-protective side shields have been shown to provide some beneficial protection from ultraviolet radiation produced by welding arcs.

A10.4.3 Ionizing radiation information sources

(1) AWS F2.1-78, Recommended Safe Practices for Electron Beam Welding and Cutting, available from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126,

(2) Manufacturer’s product information literature.

A10.4.4 Nonionizing radiation information sources include:

(1) Hinrichs, J. F., Project Committee on Radiation- summary report. Welding Journal, January 1978.

(2) Nonionizing Radiation Protection Special Study No. 42-0053-77, Evaluation of the Potential Hazards from Actinic Ultraviolet Radiation Generated by Electric Welding and Cutting Arcs, available from the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161,

(3) Nonionizing Radiation Protection Special Study No. 42-0312-77, Evaluation of the Potential Retina

include:

ADA-033768.

Hazards from Optical Radiation Generated by Electric Welding and Cutting Arcs, available from the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161,

(4) Moss, C. E., and Murray, W. E. Optical Radiation Levels Produced in Gas Welding, Torch Brazing, and Oxygen Cutting. Welding Journal, September 1979.

(5) Optical Radiation Levels Produced by Air- Carbon Arc Cutting Processes, Welding Journal, March 1980.

(6) ANSI/ASC 2136.1, Safe Use of Lasers, published by American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002.

(7) ANSI 249.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, published by the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

(8) ANSI/ASC 287.1, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, published by American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002.

(9) Moss, C. E. Optical Radiation Transmission Lev- els through Transparent Welding Curtains, Welding Jour- nal, March 1979.

ADA-043023.

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= 07842b5 0533342 785 AWS A5.31A5.3M:1999

Annex B

Guidelines for Preparation of Technical Inquiries for AWS Technical Committees

(This Annex is not a part of ANSIJAWS A5.3JA5.3M:1999, Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Elec- trodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding, but is included for information purposes only).

B1. Introduction The AWS Board of Directors has adopted a policy

whereby all official interpretations of AWS standards will be handled in a formal manner. Under that policy, all interpretations are made by the committee that is responsible for the standard. Official communication concerning an interpretation is through the AWS staff member who works with that committee. The policy requires that all requests for an interpretation be submitted in writing. Such requests will be handled as expeditiously as possible but due to the complexity of the work and the procedures that must be followed, some interpretations may require considerable time.

B2. Procedure All inquiries must be directed to: Managing Director,

Technical Services, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. Ldeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

All inquiries must contain the name, address, and af- filiation of the inquirer, and they must provide enough information for the committee to fully understand the point of concern in the inquiry. Where that point is not clearly defined, the inquiry will be returned for clarifica- tion. For efficient handling, all inquiries should be type- written and should also be in the format used here.

B2.1 Scope. Each inquiry must address one single provision of the Standard, unless the point of the inquiry in- volves two or more interrelated provisions. That provision must be identified in the Scope of the inquiry, along with

the edition of the standard that contains the provisions or that the Inquirer is addressing.

B2.2 Purpose of the Inquiry. The purpose of the inquiry must be stated in this portion of the inquiry. The purpose can be either to obtain an interpretation of a Standard requirement, or to request the revision of a particular provision in the Standard.

B2.3 Content of the Inquiry. The inquiry should be concise, yet complete, to enable the committee to quickly and fully understand the point of the inquiry. Sketches should be used when appropriate and all paragraphs, figures, and tables (or the Annex), which bear on the inquiry must be cited. If the point of the inquiry is to obtain a revision of the Standard, the inquiry must provide technical justification for that revision.

B2.4 Proposed Reply. The inquirer should, as a proposed reply, state an interpretation of the provision that is the point of the inquiry, or the wording for a proposed revision, if that is what inquirer seeks.

B3. Interpretation of Provisions of the Standard

lnterpretations of provisions of the Standard are made by the relevant AWS Technical Committee. The secretary of the committee refers all inquiries to the chairman of the particular subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the portion of the Standard addressed by the inquiry. The subcommittee reviews the inquiry and the proposed reply to determine what the response to the inquiry should be.

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AWS A5.3fA5.3M : 1999

Following the subcommittee’s development of the re- an official interpretation of any AWS Standard with the sponse, the inquiry and the response are presented to the information that such an interpretation can be obtained entire committee for review and approval. Upon ap- only through a written request. The Headquarters Staff proval by the committee, the interpretation will be an of- can not provide consulting services. The staff can, how- ficial interpretation of the Society, and the secretary will ever, refer a caller to any of those consultants whose transmit the response to the inquirer and to the Welding names are on file at AWS Headquarters. Journal for publication.

B6. The AWS Technical Committee B4. Publication of Interpretations All official interpretations will appear in the Welding

Journal.

B5. Telephone Inquiries Telephone inquiries to AWS Headquarters concerning

AWS Standards should be limited to questions of a general nature or to matters directly related to the use of the Standard. The Board of Directors’ Policy requires that all AWS Staff members respond to a telephone request for

The activities of AWS Technical Committees in regard to interpretations, are limited strictly to the Interpretation of provisions of Standards prepared by the Committee or to consideration of revisions to existing provisions on the basis of new data or technology. Neither the committee nor the Staff is in a position to offer interpretive or consulting services on: (1) specific engineering problems, or (2) requirements of Standards applied to fabrications outside the scope of the document or points not specifically covered by the Standard. In such cases, the inquirer should seek assistance from a competent engineer experi- enced in the particular field of interest.

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AWS Filler Metal Specifications by Material and Welding Process

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07842b5 0511345 494 AWS A5.31A5.3M : 1999

AWS Filler Metal Specifications and Related Documents

AWS Designation Title

IFS International Index of Welding Filler Metal Classifications

FMC Filler Metal Comparison Charts ~ ~~ ~~ ~~

UGFM User’s Guide to Filler Metals

A4.2MlA4.2 Standard Procedures for Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic and Duplex Austenitic-Ferritic 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

A5.01 Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines

A5.1 Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.2 Specification for Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Rods for Oxyfuel Gas Welding

A5.31A5.3M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.4 Specification for Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.5 Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.6 Specification for Covered Copper and Copper Alloy Arc Welding Electrodes

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A5.7 Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Bare Welding Rods and Electrodes

A5.8 Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding

A5.9 SDecification for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.10 Specification for Bare Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.11/A5.11M Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Alloy Welding Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.12/A5.12M Specification for Tungsten and Tungsten Alloy Electrodes for Arc Welding and Cutting

A5.13 Specification for Solid Surfacing Welding Rods and Electrodes

A5.141A5.14M SDecification for Nickel and Nickel-Allov Bare Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.15 SDecification for Welding Electrodes and Rods for Cast Iron

,4516 SDecification for Titanium and Titanium Allov Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.17/A5.17M Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding

A5.18 Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding

A5.19 Specification for Magnesium Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.20 Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding

A5.21 Specification for Composite Surfacing Welding Rods and Electrodes

A5.22 Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding and Stainless Steel Flux Cored Rods for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

A5.23/A5.23M Suecification for Low-Allov Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding

A5.24 Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Allov Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.251A5.25M SDecification for Carbon and Low-Allov Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Electroslae Welding

A5.26/A5.26M Specification for Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Electrogas Welding

A5.28 Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding

A5.29 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

For ordering information, contact the AWS Order Department, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. Telephones: (800) 334-9353, (305) 443-9353, ext. 280; FAX (305) 443-7559.

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