Welding of Stainless Steel

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Welding
of Stainless
Steels
Copyright American Welding Society i

Provided by IHS under license with AWS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 09/23/2005 16:24:35 MDT
Compiled/Edited by
Richard D. Campbell, P.E.
Welding Solutions, Inc., Broomfield, CO
© 1999 by American Welding Society. All rights reserved

Printed in the United States of America
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550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, Florida 33126
NOTE: Although care was taken in choosing and presenting the data in this guide, AWS cannot guarantee that it is error free. Further, this
guide is not intended to be an exhaustive treatment of the topic and therefore may not include all available information, particularly with respect
to safety and health issues. By publishing this guide, AWS does not insure anyone using the information it contains against any liability or injury
to property or persons arising from that use.
ii
Copyright American Welding Society
Table of Contents
Chapter 1—Definitions........................................................................................................1
Chapter 2—Introduction to Stainless Steels and Types of Stainless Steels .........................5
Chapter 3—Stainless Steel Filler Materials.......................................................................17
Chapter 4—Preweld Cleaning and Preparation of Stainless Steels ...................................41
Chapter 5—Welding and Cutting of Stainless Steels.........................................................43
Chapter 6—Postweld Cleaning of Stainless Steels............................................................65
Chapter 7—Heat Treatments of Stainless Steels ...............................................................67
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Chapter 8—Weld Discontinuities and Defects in Stainless Steels ....................................71

Chapter 9—Stainless Steels in Welding Codes and Other Standards ................................83
Chapter 10—Safety and Health Considerations in Welding of Stainless Steels................91
References and Other Publications Available from AWS .................................................93
Copyright American Welding Society iii

List of Tables
Table Page Table Page
Base Metal Compositions (Chapter 2) 3-7 Recommended Filler Metals for Welding Austenitic Stainless
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2-1 Chemical Compositions of Typical Wrought Austenitic Stainless Steels ................................................................................................ 30

Steels .................................................................................................. 7 3-8 Recommended Filler Metals for Welding Precipitation-Hardening
2-2 Chemical Compositions of Typical Cast Austenitic Stainless Steels . 8 Stainless Steels ................................................................................. 31
2-3 Chemical Compositions of Typical Superaustenitic Stainless Steels.. 9 3-9 Suggested Filler Metals for Welds Between Dissimilar Austenitic
2-4 Chemical Compositions of Typical Ferritic Stainless Steels ........... 11 Stainless Steels ................................................................................. 32
2-5 Chemical Compositions of Typical Superferritic Stainless Steels... 12 3-10 Compositions of Silver Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels 33
2-6 Chemical Compositions of Typical Martensitic Stainless Steels..... 13 3-11 Characteristics of Silver Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless
2-7 Chemical Compositions of Typical Duplex Stainless Steels ........... 15 Steels ................................................................................................ 35
2-8 Chemical Compositions of Typical Precipitation-Hardening 3-12 Compositions of Nickel and Cobalt Filler Metals for Brazing of
Stainless Steels................................................................................. 16 Stainless Steels ................................................................................. 37
3-13 Characteristics of Nickel and Cobalt Filler Metals for Brazing of
Filler Metal/Electrode Compositions (Chapter 3)
Stainless Steels ................................................................................. 38
3-1 Chemical Composition Requirements for Stainless Steel Shielded 3-14 Compositions of Gold Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels. 39
Metal Arc Welding Electrodes......................................................... 18 3-15 Characteristics of Gold Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels 39
3-2 Types of Welding Current and Positions of Welding....................... 20
3-3 Chemical Composition Requirements for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Processes (Chapter 5)
Welding Electrodes and Rods .......................................................... 21
3-4 Chemical Composition Requirements for Stainless Steel Flux 5-1 Typical Groove Weld Joint Designs for Austenitic Stainless Steels 45
Cored Arc Welding and Flux Cored Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 5-2 GMAW Globular-to-Spray Transition Currents for a Variety of
Filler Metals ..................................................................................... 24 Electrodes......................................................................................... 47
3-5 External Shielding Medium, Polarity, and Welding Process ........... 27 5-3 Typical Arc Voltages for GMAW of Various Metals ....................... 48
3-6 Chemical Composition Requirements for Stainless Steel 5-4 GMAW Shielding Gases for Spray Transfer.................................... 49
Consumable Inserts.......................................................................... 28 5-5 GMAW Shielding Gases for Short Circuiting Transfer ................... 50
iv
Table Page Table Page
5-6 Typical Conditions for GMAW of Austenitic Stainless Steel Heat Treatments of Stainless Steels (Chapter 7)
Using a Spray Arc in the Flat Position ............................................ 51 7-1 Typical Preheat and Postweld Heat Treatment Requirements for
5-7 Typical Conditions for GMAW of Austenitic Stainless Steel Martensitic Stainless Steels.............................................................. 67
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Using a Short Circuiting Arc ........................................................... 51 7-2 Postweld Heat Treatments for Martensitic Stainless Steels ............. 68
5-8 Typical PAW Conditions for Butt Joints in Stainless Steel.............. 52 7-3 Recommended Solution Annealing Temperatures for Austenitic
5-9 Typical PAW Conditions for Welding Stainless Steels—Low Stainless Steels ................................................................................. 68
Amperage......................................................................................... 53 7-4 Typical Heat Treatments for Precipitation-Hardening Stainless
5-10 Typical Self-Shielded FCAW Procedures for Stainless Steels Steels ................................................................................................ 69
Using Stainless Steel Electrodes ...................................................... 55
5-11 Typical Conditions for SAW Double-V-Groove Joints in Stainless
Steel Plate......................................................................................... 57 Welding Codes and Standards (Chapter 9)
5-12 A—Suggested Practices for Spot Welding Stainless Steels 9-1 Typical Stainless Steel Base Metal P-Number, S-Number, and
(U.S. Customary Units) ................................................................... 58 M-Number Categories...................................................................... 85
B—Suggested Practices for Spot Welding Stainless Steels 9-2 F-Number Groupings of Welding Electrodes and Rods for
(Metric Units) .................................................................................. 59 Qualifications ................................................................................... 86
5-13 Welding Schedules Suggested for Seam Welding Stainless Steels.. 60 9-3 A-Number Classifications of Stainless Steel Ferrous Weld Metal
5-14 Projection Welding Design Data...................................................... 61 for Procedure Qualifications ............................................................ 87
5-15 Manufacturing Process Data for Projection Welding Stainless 9-4 Preheat Requirements in Various Codes .......................................... 88
Steels ................................................................................................ 62 9-5 Postweld Heat Treatment Requirements in Various Codes.............. 89
Copyright American Welding Society v

List of Figures
Figure Page Figure Page
Chapter 3 5-4 FCAW Electrode Feed Rate Versus Welding Current for
3-1 Standard Consumable Insert Designs ................................................ 29 Self-Shielding E308T-3...................................................................... 54
Chapter 8
Chapter 5
8-1 Sensitization—Formation of Chromium Carbides at Grain
5-1 Schematic Illustration of Weld Bead Produced with Arc Welds Boundaries ......................................................................................... 72
Made with the Same Parameters (Current, Voltage, and Travel 8-2 Weld Metal Area, Heat-Affected Zone, and Base Metal ................... 72
Speed) on Different Materials............................................................ 43 8-3 Multi-Pass Weld ................................................................................. 73
5-2 Schematic Illustration of Distortion Produced with Arc Welds 8-4 Weld Penetration in Stainless Steels .................................................. 76
Made with the Same Parameters (Current, Voltage and Travel 8-5 Weld Penetration in Mismatched Base Metals................................... 76
Speed) on Different Materials............................................................ 43 8-6 DeLong Diagram................................................................................ 78
5-3 Typical Welding Currents Versus Wire Feed Speeds for 8-7 Schaeffler Diagram ............................................................................ 79
300 Series Stainless Steel Electrodes................................................. 46 8-8 Weld Dilution ..................................................................................... 80
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vi
Basic Safety Precautions
Burn Protection. Molten metal, sparks, slag, and hot work surfaces are cuit. A separate connection is required to ground the workpiece. The
produced by welding, cutting, and allied processes. These can cause burns workpiece should not be mistaken for a ground connection.
if precautionary measures are not used. Workers should wear protective
clothing made of fire-resistant material. Pant cuffs, open pockets, or other Fumes and Gases. Many welding, cutting, and allied processes produce
places on clothing that can catch and retain molten metal or sparks should fumes and gases which may be harmful to health. Avoid breathing the air in
not be worn. High-top shoes or leather leggings and fire-resistant gloves the fume plume directly above the arc. Do not weld in a confined area with-
should be worn. Pant legs should be worn over the outside of high-top out a ventilation system. Use point-of-welding fume removal when weld-
shoes. Helmets or hand shields that provide protection for the face, neck, ing galvanized steel, zinc, lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, brass, or
and ears, and a head covering to protect the head should be used. In addi- bronze. No container should be presumed to be clean or safe. Do not weld or
tion, appropriate eye protection should be used. cut on any container, including piping, until it has been examined by,
cleaned under the supervision of, and rendered safe by qualified personnel.
Electrical Hazards. Electric shock can kill. However, it can be avoided. Compressed Gas Cylinders. Keep caps on cylinders when not in use.
Live electrical parts should not be touched. The manufacturer’s instructions Make sure that gas cylinders are chained to a wall or other structural sup-
and recommended safe practices should be read and understood. Faulty port. Do not weld on cylinders.
installation, improper grounding, and incorrect operation and maintenance
of electrical equipment are all sources of danger. Radiation. Arc welding may produce ultraviolet, infrared, or light radia-
tion. Always wear protective clothing and eye protection to protect the skin
All electrical equipment and the workpiece should be grounded. The work- and eyes from radiation. Shield others from light radiation from your weld-
piece lead is not a ground lead. It is used only to complete the welding cir- ing operation.
AWS recommends a personal copy of Arc Welding Safely, Fire Safety in Welding and Cutting, Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation for Welding and
Cutting of Containers and Piping, and Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes.
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Copyright American Welding Society vii

Abbreviation Quick Reference
Ag Silver Mo Molybdenum
Al Aluminum N Nitrogen
Ar Argon Nb Niobium
B Boron Ni Nickel
Be Beryllium O Oxygen
C Carbon P Phosphorus
Cd Cadmium S Sulfur
Co Cobalt Se Selenium
CO2 Carbon Dioxide Si Silicon
Cr Chromium Sn Tin
Cu Copper Ta Tantalum
Fe Iron Ti Titanium
He Helium V Vanadium
La Lanthanum W Tungsten
Li Lithium Zn Zinc
Mg Magnesium Zr Zirconium
Mn Manganese
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viii
Chapter 1—Definitions
The terms in this chapter are common words used in dealing with weld- Cold crack—A crack which develops after solidification is complete.
ing of stainless steels. See the latest revision of AWS A3.0, Standard Weld-
Corrosion—The deterioration of a metal by chemical or electrochemical
ing Terms and Definitions, for the standard terms used in the welding
reaction with its environment.
industry. Some other terms and definitions are standard metallurgical and
corrosion terms from ASM International and the National Association of Consumable insert—Filler metal that is placed at the joint root before
Corrosion Engineers (NACE). welding, and is intended to be completely fused into the joint root to
become part of the weld.
Air carbon arc cutting (CAC-A)—A carbon arc cutting process variation
that removes molten metal with a jet of air. Crater crack—A crack formed in the crater or end of a weld bead, typically
a form of a hot crack.
Austenite—A nonmagnetic phase of steel with a face-centered cubic (FCC)
structure. Crevice corrosion—Corrosion caused by the concentration of corrodent
along crevices.
Austenitic stainless steel—A stainless steel that contains chromium, nickel,
and sometimes manganese, which produce austenite. Defect—A discontinuity or discontinuities that by nature or accumulated
effect (for example total crack length) render a part or product unable to
Autogenous weld—A fusion weld made without filler metal.
meet minimum applicable standards or specifications. The term desig-
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Base metal—The metal or alloy that is welded. nates rejectability.
Buttering—A surfacing variation that deposits surfacing metal on one or Delayed crack—A nonstandard term for cold crack caused by hydrogen
more surfaces to provide metallurgically compatible weld metal for the embrittlement.
subsequent completion of the weld.
Dilution—The change in chemical composition of a welding filler metal
Carbon arc cutting (CAC)—An arc cutting process that uses a carbon caused by the admixture of the base metal or previous weld metal in the
electrode. weld bead.
Carburizing flame—A reducing oxyfuel gas flame in which there is an Discontinuity—An interruption of the typical structure of a material, such
excess of fuel gas, resulting in a carbon-rich zone extending around and as a lack of homogeneity in its mechanical, metallurgical, or physical
beyond the cone. characteristics. A discontinuity is not necessarily a defect.
Copyright American Welding Society 1

Duplex stainless steel—A stainless steel that contains chromium plus other Fusion zone—The area of base metal melted as determined on the cross
alloying elements, designed to produce a duplex structure at room tem- section of a weld.
perature of a mixture of austenite and ferrite, austenite and martensite,
etc. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)—An arc welding process that uses an arc
between a continuous filler metal electrode and the weld pool. The pro-
Electrode—A component of the electrical circuit that terminates at the arc, cess is used with shielding from an externally supplied gas.
molten conductive slag, or base metal.
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)—An arc welding process that uses an
Electron beam welding (EBW)—A welding process that produces fusion arc between a tungsten electrode (nonconsumable) and the weld pool.
(coalescence) with a concentrated beam, composed primarily of high- The process is used with shielding gas.
velocity electrons, impinging on the joint.
Heat-affected zone (HAZ)—The portion of the base metal whose mechanical
Ferrite—A magnetic phase of steel with a body-centered cubic (BCC) properties or microstructure have been altered by the heat of welding.
structure.
Heliarc welding—A nonstandard term for gas tungsten arc welding.
Ferrite number (FN)—An arbitrary, standardized value designating the
ferrite content of an austenitic stainless steel weld metal. Hot crack—A crack formed at temperatures near the completion of
solidification.
Ferritic stainless steel—A stainless steel that contains chromium (and often
molybdenum), which produce ferrite. Hydrogen crack—Another term for cold crack.
Filler metal—The metal or alloy to be added in making a welded joint. Inert gas—A gas that normally does not combine chemically with materials.
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Flux cored arc welding (FCAW)—An arc welding process that uses an arc Intergranular corrosion—Corrosion occurring along grain boundaries,
between a continuous filler metal electrode and the weld pool. The pro- with little attack on the surrounding grains.
cess is used with shielding gas from a flux contained within the tubular
electrode, with or without additional shielding from an externally sup- Interpass temperature—In a multipass weld, the temperature of the weld
plied gas. area between weld passes.
Fusion welding—Any welding process that uses fusion of the base metal to Laser beam cutting (LBC)—A thermal cutting process that severs metal by
make the weld. locally melting or vaporizing with the heat from a laser beam.
2
Laser beam welding (LBW)—A welding process that produces fusion Plasma arc welding (PAW)—An arc welding process that uses a constricted
(coalescence) with the heat from a laser beam impinging on the joint. arc between a nonconsumable electrode and the weld pool (transferred
arc) or between the electrode and the constricting nozzle (nontrans-
Martensite—A hard, brittle phase of steel with a body-centered tetragonal ferred arc). Shielding is obtained from the ionized gas issuing from the
(BCT) structure. torch, which may be supplemented by an auxiliary source of shielding
Martensitic stainless steel—A stainless steel that contains chromium and gas.
carbon, which produce martensite. Postheating (Postweld heat treatment)—The application of heat to an
MIG Welding—A nonstandard term for gas metal arc welding. assembly after welding.
Oxidizing flame—An oxyfuel gas flame in which there is an excess of oxy- Precipitation-hardening stainless steel—A stainless steel that contains
gen, resulting in an oxygen-rich zone extending around and beyond the chromium plus other alloying elements designed to produce a hardened
cone. structure by precipitation of constituents. The main structure can be
austenite, ferrite, or martensite.
Oxyfuel gas cutting (OFC)—A group of oxygen cutting processes that use
heat from an oxyfuel gas flame. Preheat—The heat applied to the base metal to attain and maintain preheat
temperature.
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Oxyfuel welding (OFW)—A group of welding processes that produces
fusion (coalescence) of workpieces by heating them with an oxyfuel gas Resistance welding (RW)—A group of welding processes that produces
flame. fusion (coalescence) of the faying surfaces with the heat obtained from
resistance of the workpieces to the flow of the welding current in a
Passivation—The changing of a chemically active surface of stainless steel circuit of which the workpieces are a part, and by the application of
to a much less reactive state. Formation of a chromium-rich oxide layer, pressure.
which is passive to corrosion or further oxidation.
Sensitization—In austenitic stainless steels, precipitation of chromium car-
Pitting corrosion—Localized corrosion occurring in the form of cavities or bides along grain boundaries in the temperature range of 800–1500°F
pits. (427–816°C), which leaves the grain boundaries depleted of chromium
and susceptible to intergranular corrosion.
Plasma arc cutting (PAC)—An arc cutting process that uses a constricted
arc and removes the molten metal with a high-velocity jet of ionized gas Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)—An arc welding process with an arc
issuing from the constricting orifice. between a covered electrode and the weld pool. The process is used

with shielding from the decomposition of the electrode covering and Submerged arc welding (SAW)—An arc welding process that uses an arc or
with filler metal from the electrode. arcs between a bare metal electrode or electrodes and the weld pool.
The arc and molten metal are shielded by a blanket of granular flux on
Stabilized stainless steels—Stainless steels that contain niobium, tantalum
the workpieces. The process is used with filler metal from the electrode
and/or titanium, which form carbides that are more stable than chro-
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and sometimes from a supplemental source (such as the flux).

mium carbides, thus avoiding sensitization.
Stainless steel—Steels that contain a minimum of 10.5–12% chromium, TIG welding—A nonstandard term for gas tungsten arc welding.
depending on classification. Weld (arc)—A localized coalescence (fusion) of metals produced by heat-
Stick electrode welding—A nonstandard term for shielded metal arc ing the metals to the welding temperature, with or without the use of
welding. filler metals.
Stress-corrosion cracking (SCC)—Failure of metals by cracking under Welding rod—A form of welding filler metal, normally packaged in straight
combined action of corrosion and stress, residual or applied. lengths, that does not conduct the welding current.
4
Chapter 2—Introduction to Stainless Steels and Types of Stainless Steels
What are Stainless Steels? Classification AISI Series
Stainless steels are steels (iron-based alloys) that contain a minimum of Austenitic 200 and 300 Series
approximately 10.5 wt.% chromium (sometimes classified as containing no Ferritic Some of the 400 Series
less than 12 wt.% chromium). With more than this amount of chromium, Martensitic Some of the 400 Series
stainless steels are very resistant to corrosion and oxidation in specific envi- Duplex
ronments. These steels are properly called corrosion-resistant steels, or Precipitation-Hardening
“CRES,” as called for on some older drawings and material lists.
Each type is described by the metallurgical structure present at room
Just as chromium plating provides protection for steel, the chromium in
temperature.
stainless steels provides corrosion resistance. The chromium causes a “pas-
Most stainless steel base metals are available in various forms, including:
sive” chromium-rich oxide layer to form on the surface of the steel. This is
an invisible layer that adheres to the surface of the steel. Unlike plated or (1) Wrought
painted steel, if stainless steel is scratched, the passive chromium oxide • Plate, sheet
reforms in air, thus protecting the steel from corrosion or oxidation. • Pipe, tube
• Bar, wire
• Forgings
Types of Stainless Steels (2) Cast
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) classifications for stain- Note: The 500 series of steels are technically heat-resistant steels, not
less steels are: corrosion-resistant, because they contain less than 10.5% chromium. How-
ever, they are often classified with the corrosion-resistant base metals and
AISI Classification Series Major Alloying Elements
filler metals.
200 Series Cr-Ni-Mn
300 Series Cr-Ni In the following tables, the stainless steels are listed by their AISI type
400 Series Cr (e.g., 304). The tables also list the Unified Numbering System (UNS) num-
bers for the various stainless steels. The UNS numbers include an “S” for
The five major types or classifications of stainless steels are: wrought stainless steel. The number typically includes the common type
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number, such as UNS S30400 for Type 304; S30403 for Type 304L, etc. The most common stainless steels used are the wrought austenitics in
Some of the superaustenitic stainless steels are actually classified as nickel Table 2-1. Type 302 is the basic austenitic 18Cr-8Ni alloy. Type 304 has a
alloys and have UNS “N” designations (see Table 2-3). Cast stainless steels higher chromium and nickel content to improve corrosion resistance.
have a UNS “J” designation. Although Type 316 has lower chromium, a higher nickel content, plus the
addition of molybdenum provides even better resistance to pitting corro-
Austenitic Stainless Steels sion, crevice corrosion, and stress-corrosion cracking (especially in chlo-
ride environments).
The majority of stainless steels used are austenitic stainless steels,
The “L” grades (e.g., 304L and 316L) contain a lower carbon content,
which contain approximately 16–25 wt.% chromium and 7–35 wt.%
thus, they are less likely to be sensitized or produce intergranular corrosion.
nickel. The 300 series austenitics are iron-chromium-nickel alloys, while
the 200 series also contain manganese and nitrogen to replace some of the The “H” grades (e.g., 304H and 316H) have a higher carbon content for
nickel. These steels are named for the face-centered cubic (FCC) structure greater strength at elevated temperatures.
that is present at room temperature, called austenite. Some properties of There are many cast austenitic stainless steels with compositions similar
these stainless steels (with some exceptions) include: to the wrought stainless steels, as shown in Table 2-2. For example, alloy
designation CF-8 is the cast equivalent of Type 304 and CF-3M is the cast
(1) Nonmagnetic. equivalent of Type 316L. The “C” denotes corrosion resistant, the 8 indi-
(2) Best general corrosion resistance. cates a maximum of 0.08% carbon, the 3 indicates 0.03% maximum car-
(3) Not heat treatable (cannot be heat treated to increase strength or bon, and the M denotes molybdenum.
hardness).
The superaustenitic stainless steels in Table 2-3 contain higher levels of
(4) Can be strengthened only by cold work.
chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, with significantly lower carbon and
(5) Good ductility and toughness at low and high temperatures (nickel
nitrogen contents (such as Type 904L). These provide better corrosion
provides good cryogenic properties).
resistance in specific environments, such as improved pitting and stress-
(6) Poor resistance to:
corrosion cracking resistance in chlorides.
• Stress corrosion cracking
• Pitting corrosion
• Crevice corrosion Ferritic Stainless Steels
Chemical compositions of typical austenitic stainless steels are pro- Ferritic stainless steels are iron-chromium alloys that contain approxi-
vided in Tables 2-1–2-3. mately 11–30 wt.% chromium and low levels of carbon. The name refers to
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Table 2-1—Chemical Compositions of Typical Wrought Austenitic Stainless Steels
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Composition, wt.%a
Type UNS Number C Mn Si Cr Nib P S Other
201 S20100 0.15 5.5–7.50 1.00 16.0–18.0 3.5–5.5 0.060 0.03 0.25 N
202 S20200 0.15 7.5–10.0 1.00 17.0–19.0 4.0–6.0 0.060 0.03 0.25 N
301 S30100 0.15 2.00 1.00 16.0–18.0 6.0–8.0 0.045 0.03 —
302 S30200 0.15 2.00 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 0.045 0.03 —
302B S30215 0.15 2.00 2.0–3.0 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 0.045 0.03 —
303 S30300 0.15 2.00 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 0.200 0.15 min 0–0.6 Mo
303Se S30323 0.15 2.00 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 0.200 0.06 0.15 Se min
304 S30400 0.08 2.00 1.00 18.0–20.0 8.0–10.5 0.045 0.03 —
304H S30409 0.04–0.10 2.00 1.00 18.0–20.0 8.0–11.0 0.045 0.03 —
304L S30403 0.03 2.00 1.00 18.0–20.0 8.0–12.0 0.045 0.03 —
304LN S30453 0.03 2.00 1.00 18.0–20.0 8.0–12.0 0.045 0.03 0.10–0.16 N
304N S30451 0.08 2.00 1.00 18.0–20.0 8.0–10.5 0.045 0.03 0.10–0.16 N
305 S30500 0.12 2.00 1.00 17.0–19.0 10.0–13.0 0.045 0.03 —
308 S30800 0.08 2.00 1.00 19.0–21.0 10.0–12.0 0.045 0.03 —
309 S30900 0.20 2.00 1.00 22.0–24.0 12.0–15.0 0.045 0.03 —
309S S30908 0.08 2.00 1.00 22.0–24.0 12.0–15.0 0.045 0.03 —
310 S31000 0.25 2.00 1.50 24.0–26.0 19.0–22.0 0.045 0.03 —
310S S31008 0.08 2.00 1.50 24.0–26.0 19.0–22.0 0.045 0.03 —
314 S31400 0.25 2.00 1.5–3.0 23.0–26.0 19.0–22.0 0.045 0.03 —
316 S31600 0.08 2.00 1.00 16.0–18.0 10.0–14.0 0.045 0.03 2.0–3.0 Mo
316H S31609 0.04–0.10 2.00 1.00 16.0–18.0 10.0–14.0 0.040 0.03 2.0–3.0 Mo
316L S31603 0.03 2.00 1.00 16.0–18.0 10.0–14.0 0.045 0.03 2.0–3.0 Mo
317 S31700 0.08 2.00 1.00 18.0–20.0 11.0–15.0 0.045 0.03 3.0–4.0 Mo
317L S31703 0.03 2.00 1.00 18.0–20.0 11.0–15.0 0.045 0.03 3.0–4.0 Mo
321 S32100 0.08 2.00 1.00 17.0–19.0 9.0–12.0 0.045 0.03 5 × %C Ti min
329 S32900 0.08 1.00 0.75 23.0–28.0 2.5–5.0 0.045 0.03 1.0–2.0 Mo
330 N08330 0.08 2.00 0.75–1.50 17.0–20.0 34.0–37.0 0.040 0.03
347 S34700 0.08 2.00 1.00 17.0–19.0 9.0–13.0 0.045 0.03 Note c
348 S34800 0.08 2.00 1.00 17.0–19.0 9.0–13.0 0.045 0.03 0.20 Coc,d
384 S38400 0.08 2.00 1.00 15.0–17.0 17.0–19.0 0.045 0.03
Notes:
a. Single values are maximum percentages unless indicated otherwise.
b. Higher percentages are required for certain tube manufacturing processes.
c. 10 × %C (Nb +Ta) min.
d. 0.10%
Copyright TaWelding
American max. Society 7
Table 2-2—Chemical Compositions of Typical Cast Austenitic Stainless Steels
Composition, wt.%a
Alloy Similar
Designation UNS Number Wrought Typeb C Si Cr Ni Mo Other
CE-30 J93423 312 0.30 2.0 26–30 8–11 — —

CF-3 J92700 L304L 0.03 2.0 17–21 8–12 — —
CF-3M J92800 L316L 0.03 1.5 17–21 9–13 2.0–3.0 —
CF-8 J92600 304 0.08 2.0 18–21 8–11 — —
CF-8C J92710 347 0.08 2.0 18–21 9–12 — Note c
CF-8M J92900 316 0.08 1.5 18–21 9–12 2.0–3.0 —
CF-12M — 316 0.12 1.5 18–21 9–12 2.0–3.0 —
CF-16F J92701 303 0.16 2.0 18–21 9–12 1.5 0.20–0.35 Se
CF-20 J92602 302 0.20 2.0 18–21 8–11 — —
CG-8M — 317 0.08 1.5 18–21 9–13 3.0–4.0 —
CH-20 J93402 309 0.20 2.0 22–26 12–15 — —
CK-20 J94202 310 0.20 2.0 23–27 19–22 — —
CN-7M J95150 — 0.07 1.5 18–22 27.5–30.5 2.0–3.0 3–4 Cu
HE J93403 — 0.2–0.5 2.0 26–30 8–11 0.5 —
HF J92603 304 0.2–0.4 2.0 19–23 9–12 0.5 —
HH J93503 309 0.20 — — — 0.5 —
HI J94003 — 0.2–0.5 2.0 26–30 14–18 0.5 —
HK J94224 310 0.2–0.6 2.0 24–28 18–22 0.5 —
HL J94604 — 0.2–0.6 2.0 28–32 18–22 0.5 —
HN J94213 — 0.2–0.5 2.0 19–23 23–27 0.5 —
HP — — 0.35–0.75 2.0 24–28 33–37 0.5 —
HT J94605 330 0.35–0.75 2.5 15–19 33–37 0.5 —
HU — — 0.35–0.75 2.5 17–21 37–41 0.5 —
Notes:
a. Single values are maximum percentages. 1.50% Mn max for CX-XX types. 2.0% Mn max for HX types. 0.04% P max (exception: CF-16F has 0.17% P max). 0.04% S max.
b. Compositions are similar but not exactly the same as the cast types.
c. 8 × %C Nb, 1.0% Nb max, or 9 × %C (Nb + Ta), 1.1% (Nb + Ta) max.
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Table 2-3—Chemical Compositions of Typical Superaustenitic Stainless Steels
Nominal Composition, wt.%b

UNS
Alloya Number C Cr Ni Mo Cu Mn N Si P S Other Elements
20 Cb3™ N08020 0.07 19–21 32–38 2–3 3–4 2.0 — 1.00 0.045 0.035 8 × %C ≤ Nb ≤ 1.0
20 Mo6™ N08026 0.03 22–26 33–37 5–6.7 2–4 1.0 — 0.50 0.030 0.030 —
SANICRO™ 28 N08028 0.03 26–28 29.5–32.5 3–4 0.6–1.4 2.5 — 1.00 0.030 0.030 —
AL-6XN® N08367 0.03 20–22 23.5–25.5 6–7 0.75 2.0 0.18–0.25 1.00 0.040 0.030 —
JS™ 700 N08700 0.04 19–23 24–26 4.3–5.0 0.5 2.0 — 1.00 0.040 0.030 8 × %C ≤ Nb ≤ 0.5
904L N08904 0.02 19–23 23–28 4–5 1–2 2.0 — 1.00 0.045 0.035 —
1925hMo, 25-6MO™ N08925 0.02 19–21 24–26 6–7 0.8–1.5 1.0 0.18–0.20 0.50 0.045 0.030 —
254SMO™ S31254 0.02 19.5–20.5 17.5–18.5 6.0–6.5 0.5–1.0 1.0 0.18–0.22 0.80 0.030 0.010 —
317LM S31725 0.03 18–20 13–17 4–5 — 2.0 — 0.75 0.045 0.030 —
17-14-4 LN S31726 0.03 17–20 13.5–17.5 4–5 — 2.0 0.10–0.20 0.75 0.030 0.030 —
Notes:
a. AL-6XN is a registered trademark of Allegheny Ludlum Corporation. 20 Cb3 and 20 Mo6 are trademarks of Carpenter Technology Corporation; SANICRO is a registered trademark of AB Sandvik
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Steel; 25-6MO is a trademark of INCO; JS is a trademark of Jessop Steel; and 254SMO is a trademark of Avesta Jernwerke AB.
b. Single values are maximum percentages; balance is Fe.

the body-centered cubic (BCC) structure present at room temperature, that forms when these stainless steels are quenched (rapidly cooled), often
called ferrite. Some properties of these stainless steels include: when cooled in air. Some properties of these stainless steels include:
(1) Ferromagnetic. (1) Ferromagnetic.
(2) Intermediate general corrosion resistance. (2) Lowest corrosion resistance.
(3) Better stress-corrosion cracking resistance than austenitics. (3) Heat treatable (can be strengthened by quenching).
(4) Good pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. (4) High strength.
(5) Not heat treatable (by quenching and tempering). (5) Lowest ductility and toughness.
(6) Lower strength and toughness than austenitics. (6) Good high temperature oxidation resistance.
(7) Good ductility. When these steels are quenched from high temperatures, martensite is
The chemical compositions of typical ferritic stainless steels are pro- produced, which gives the steels high strength and hardness. Since the
vided in Tables 2-4 and 2-5. steels also become very brittle and subject to cold (or hydrogen) cracking,
they are often tempered after quenching. This process improves ductility
The ferritic stainless steels shown in Table 2-4 include both wrought
(reduces the brittleness), although strength and hardness are somewhat
and cast alloys. These alloys essentially contain no nickel, but have chro-
reduced.
mium contents from the lowest allowable levels in stainless steels (Type
The chemical compositions of typical martensitic stainless steels are
409) up to very high levels (29-4-2). Some of these alloys contain moderate
provided in Table 2-6.
levels of carbon (Type 430) and can form martensite, although most form
only ferrite.
The superferritic stainless steels shown in Table 2-5 have even higher Duplex Stainless Steels
levels of chromium, with some molybdenum and significantly lower car- Duplex stainless steels are iron-chromium-nickel alloys that contain
bon. These alloys provide much improved corrosion resistance, especially 23–30 wt.% chromium and 2–7 wt.% nickel, plus other elements. Since
in chloride environments. these stainless steels have two phases present at room temperature, ferrite
and austenite, they are referred to as duplex. Some properties of these stain-
Martensitic Stainless Steels less steels include:
Martensitic stainless steels are iron-chromium alloys with 11–17 wt.% (1) Partially magnetic.
chromium and enough carbon (0.1–1.2 wt.%) to produce some martensite (2) Good general corrosion resistance.
on cooling. This martensite is a body-centered tetragonal (BCT) structure (3) Better stress-corrosion cracking resistance than austenitics.
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10
Table 2-4—Chemical Compositions of Typical Ferritic Stainless Steels
Composition, wt.%a
Type UNS Number C Mn Si Cr Ni P S Others
Wrought Alloys
405 S40500 0.080 1.00 1.00 11.5–14.5 — 0.040 0.030 0.10–0.30 Al

409 S40900 b0.08b0 1.00 1.00 10.5–11.75 — 0.045 0.045 Ti, 6 × %C min
429 S42900 0.120 1.00 1.00 14.0–16.0 — 0.040 0.030 —
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430 S43000 0.120 1.00 1.00 16.0–18.0 — 0.040 0.030 —
430Ti S43036 0.100 1.00 1.00 16.0–19.5 0.75 0.040 0.030 Ti, 5 × %C min, 0.75 max
434 S43400 0.120 1.00 1.00 16.0–18.0 — 0.040 0.030 0.75–1.25 Mo
436 S43600 0.120 1.00 1.00 16.0–18.0 — 0.040 0.030 0.75–1.25 Mo; (Nb+Ta), 5 × %C min
439 S43035 0.070 1.00 1.00 17.0–19.0 0.50 0.040 0.030 0.15 Al max; 0.04 N max;
Ti, 0.20 + 4(%C + %N) min, 1.10 max
442 S44200 0.200 1.00 1.00 18.0–23.0 — 0.040 0.030 Ti, 0.20 + 4(%C + %N)
444 S44400 0.025 1.00 1.00 17.5–19.5 1.00 0.040 0.030 1.75–2.5 Mo; 0.035 N max;
(Nb+Ta), 0.2 + 4 (%C + %N) min
446 S44600 0.200 1.50 1.00 23.0–27.0 — 0.040 0.030 0.25 N
26-1 S44626 0.006 0.75 0.75 25.0–27.0 0.50 0.040 0.020 0.75–1.50 Mo; 0.20–1.0 Ti; 0.04 N; 0.2 Cu
29-4 S44700 0.010 0.20 0.30 28.0–30.0 0.15 0.025 0.020 3.5–4.2 Mo; 0.020 Ni; 0.15 Cu
29-4-2 S44800 0.010 0.20 0.30 28.0–30.0 2.0–2.5 0.025 0.020 3.5–4.2 Mo; 0.020 Ni, 0.15 Cu
Casting Alloys
CB-30 J91803 0.30 1.50 1.00 18.0–21.0 2.0 0.04 0.04 —

CC-50 J92616 0.50 1.50 1.00 26.0–30.0 4.0 0.04 0.04 —
Notes:
a. Single values are a maximum.
b. Most producers can now make a low-carbon with 0.02% carbon.

Table 2-5—Chemical Compositions of Typical Superferritic Stainless Steels
Nominal Composition, wt.%b
Alloya UNS Number C Cr Mo Ni N Mn Other Elements
E-BRITE® S44726 0.010 25–27 0.75–1.50 0.30 0.015 0.40 0.05–0.20 Nb

MONIT™ S44635 0.025 24.5–26.0 3.5–4.5 3.5–4.5 0.035 1.00 [0.20 + 4(C + N)] ≤ (Nb + Ti) ≤ 0.80
SEA-CURE® S44660 0.025 25–27 2.5–3.5 1.5–3.5 0.035 1.00 [0.20 + 4(C + N)] ≤ (Nb + Ti) ≤ 0.80
AL 29-4® S44700 0.010 28–30 3.5–4.2 0.15 0.020 0.30
AL 29-4C® S44735 0.030 28–30 3.6–4.2 1.0 0.045 1.00 6(C + N) ≤ (Nb + Ti) ≤ 1.0
AL 29-4-2® S44800 0.010 28–30 3.5–4.2 2.0–2.5 0.020 0.30
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SHOMAC® 30-2 — c0.003c c30c c2.0c c0.2c c0.007c c0.05c
Notes:
a. E-BRITE, AL 29-4, AL 29-4-2, and AL 29-4C are registered trademarks of Allegheny Ludlum Corporation; SEA-CURE is a registered trademark of Crucible Materials Corporation; SHOMAC is a
registered trademark of Showa Denko KK. Monit is a trademark of Nyby Uddeholm AB.
b. Single values are maximum percentages; balance is Fe.
c. Typical value.
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Table 2-6—Chemical Compositions of Typical Martensitic Stainless Steels
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Composition, wt.%a
Type UNS Number C Mn Si Cr Ni P S Other
Wrought Alloys
403 S40300 0.15 1.00 0.50 11.5–13.0 — 0.040 0.030 —

410 S41000 0.15 1.00 1.00 11.5–13.0 — 0.040 0.030 —
414 S41400 0.15 1.00 1.00 11.5–13.5 1.25–2.50 0.040 0.030 —
416 S41600 0.15 1.25 1.00 12.0–14.0 — 0.040 0.15 min —
420 S42000 0.15 min 1.00 1.00 12.0–14.0 — 0.040 0.030 —
422 S42200 0.20–0.25 1.00 0.75 11.0–13.0 0.5–1.0 0.025 0.025 0.75–1.25 Mo; 0.75–1.25 W; 0.15–0.3 V
431 S43100 0.20 1.00 1.00 15.0–17.0 1.25–2.50 0.040 0.030 —
440A S44002 0.60–0.75 1.00 1.00 16.0–18.0 — 0.040 0.030 0.75 Mo
440B S44003 0.75–0.95 1.00 1.00 16.0–18.0 — 0.040 0.030 0.75 Mo
440C S44004 0.95–1.20 1.00 1.00 16.0–18.0 — 0.040 0.030 0.75 Mo
Casting Alloys
CA-6NM J91540 0.06 1.00 1.00 11.5–14.0 3.5–4.5 0.040 0.030 0.40–1.0 Mo
CA-15 J91150 0.15 1.00 1.50 11.5–14.0 1.0 0.040 0.030 0.5 Mo
CA-40 J91153 0.20–0.40 1.00 1.50 11.5–14.0 1.0 0.040 0.030 0.5 Mo
Note:
a. Single values are maximum percentages.

(4) Better pitting corrosion resistance than austenitics. Depending on their compositions, these alloys can be one of three types
(5) Better intergranular corrosion resistance than austenitics. as shown in Table 2-8:
(6) Higher strength than austenitics.
(1) Martensitic.
The chemical compositions of typical duplex stainless steels are pro- (2) Semiaustenitic (structure is austenite with some ferrite and/or
vided in Table 2-7. martensite).
(3) Austenitic.
Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steels
Precipitation-hardening stainless steels require a two-step heat treat-
Precipitation-hardening stainless steels are iron-chromium-nickel alloys
ment to obtain the best properties. The first is a solution anneal at an ele-
that have other elements added to form precipitates. During a postweld heat
vated temperature of 1900–2200°F (1038–1204°C) followed by quenching.
treatment, these constituents precipitate and dramatically improve hard-
This produces the various structures listed above. Then the steel is aged to
ness, thus the name precipitation-hardening. Some properties of these
cause precipitates of copper, nickel, titanium or other elements to form,
stainless steels include:
which dramatically increase the strength.
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(1) Intermediate corrosion resistance. The chemical compositions of typical precipitation-hardening stainless
(2) Very high strength (when heat treated). steels are provided in Table 2-8.
14
Table 2-7—Chemical Compositions of Typical Duplex Stainless Steels
Composition, wt.% a,b,c
Alloy UNS Number C Cr Ni Mo N Other Elements
329 S32900 0.080 23.0–28.0 2.5–5.0 1.0–2.0 — —

44LN S31200 0.030 24.0–26.0 5.5–6.5 1.2–2.0 0.14–0.20 —
DP3 S31260 0.030 23.0–28.0 2.5–5.0 2.5–3.5 0.10–0.30 0.20–0.80 Cu; 0.10–0.50 W
2205 S31803 0.030 21.0–23.0 4.5–6.5 2.5–3.5 0.08–0.20 —
2304 S32304 0.030 21.5–24.5 3.0–5.5 0.05–0.60 0.05–0.20 —
255 S32550 0.040 24.0–27.0 4.5–6.5 2.9–3.9 0.10–0.25 1.5–2.0 Cu
2507 S32750 0.030 24.0–26.0 6.0–8.0 3.0–4.0 0.24–0.32 —
Z100d S32760 0.030 24.0–26.0 6.0–8.0 3.0–4.0 0.2–0.3 0.5–1.0 Cu; 0.5–1.0 W
3RE60 S31500 0.030 18.0–19.0 4.25–5.25 2.5–3.0 — —
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U50d S32404 0.040 20.5–22.5 5.5–8.5 2.0–3.0 0.20 1.0–2.0 Cu

7MoPLUS S32950 0.030 26.0–29.0 3.5–5.2 1.0–2.5 0.15–0.35 —
DP3W S39274 0.030 24.0–26.0 6.0–8.0 2.5–3.5 0.24–0.32 0.2–0.8 Cu; 1.5–2.5 W
Notes:
a. Single values are maximum percentages.
b. 2.5 Mn max.
c. 0.70–1.0 Si max.
d. Z100—Zeron 100; U50—Uranus 50.

Table 2-8—Chemical Compositions of Typical Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steels
Nominal Composition, wt.%

UNS
Type Designationa Number C Mn Si Cr Ni Mo Al Other Elements
Martensitic
Moderate strength 17-4 PH S17400 0.04 0.30 0.60 16.00 4.20 — — 3.4 Cu; 0.25 Nb
15-5 PH S15500 0.04 0.30 0.40 15.00 4.50 — — 3.4 Cu; 0.25 Nb
Custom 450 S45000 0.03 0.25 0.25 15.00 6.00 0.80 — 1.5 Cu; 0.3 Nb
High strength PH 13-8 Mo S13800 0.04 0.03 0.03 12.70 8.20 2.20 1.1 —
Custom 455 S45500 0.03 0.25 0.25 11.75 8.50 — — 2.5 Cu; 1.2 Ti; 0.3 Nb
Semiaustenitic PH 15-7 Mo S15700 0.07 0.50 0.30 15.20 7.10 2.20 1.2 —
PH 14-8 Mo S14800 0.04 0.02 0.02 15.10 8.20 2.20 1.2 —
AM-350 S35000 0.10 0.75 0.35 16.50 4.25 2.75 — —
AM-355 S35500 0.13 0.85 0.35 15.50 4.25 2.75 — —
Austenitic A-286 S66286 0.05 0.50 0.50 14.75 25.000 1.30 0.15 0.30 V; 2.15 Ti; 0.005 B
17-10 P — 0.10 0.60 0.50 17.00 11.000 — — 0.30 P
HNM — 0.30 3.50 0.50 18.50 9.50 — — 0.25 P
Note:
a. Some of these designations are registered trademarks.
16
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Chapter 3—Stainless Steel Filler Materials
Welding Filler Metals Tables 3-1 through 3-6 list the chemical compositions of stainless steel
filler metals described in these specifications. The compositions of bare
Stainless steels can be welded with or without filler metals. wire or strip are based on chemical analysis of the bare filler metal. The
compositions of coated or cored electrodes and rods are based on as-
Processes Requiring Filler Metal:
deposited, undiluted weld metal. The UNS numbers have a prefix of “W”
• SMAW
to denote welding filler metal.
• GMAW
• FCAW
• SAW AWS A5.4
Stainless steel electrodes for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) are
Processes For Which Filler Metal is Optional:
listed in Table 3-1. Electrodes are available for all five major groups of
• GTAW
stainless steels; however, there are only a few martensitic and ferritic stain-
• PAW
less steel electrodes.
• LBW
There are electrodes available that closely match the base metal compo-
• EBW
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sitions; however, the actual chemical composition of any filler metal is typ-
AWS specifications for stainless steel welding electrodes and filler ically higher than the base metal, because some elements are often lost in
metals are described in the list of standards that are provided at the end of the transfer across the arc.
this Advisor. The welding processes covered for filler metals are as follows: The classifications indicated with “-XX” suffixes designate the various
types of welding currents and positions of welding, as summarized in Table
(1) AWS A5.4 SMAW electrodes 3-2. The “XXX(X)” classification denotes the stainless steel composition,
(2) AWS A5.9 GMAW electrodes such as 308L. The “1” suffix indicates that the electrodes can be used in all
GTAW welding rod welding positions, while the “2” indicates flat and horizontal positions
SAW electrodes only.
(3) AWS A5.22 FCAW electrodes The last digit designates whether the electrode can be used with direct
Cored wire for GTAW current electrode positive (dcep–reverse polarity) only or with both dcep
(4) AWS A5.30 Consumable inserts and alternating current (ac).

Table 3-1—Chemical Composition Requirements for Stainless Steel Shielded Metal Arc Welding Electrodesa
Composition, wt.%b
AWS UNS
Classificationc Numberd C Cr Ni Mo Nb + Ta Mn Si P S N Cu
E209-XXe W32210 0.06 20.5–24.0 9.5–12.0 1.5–3.0 — 4.0–7.0 0.90 0.04 0.03 0.10–0.30 0.75
E219-XX W32310 0.06 19.0–21.5 5.5–7.0 0.75 — 8.0–10.0 1.00 0.04 0.03 0.10–0.30 0.75
E240-XX W32410 0.06 17.0–19.0 4.0–6.0 0.75 — 10.5–13.5 1.00 0.04 0.03 0.10–0.30 0.75
E307-XX W30710 0.04–0.14 18.0–21.5 9.0–10.7 0.5–1.5 — 3.30–4.75 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E308-XX W30810 0.08 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 0.75 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E308H-XX W30810 0.04–0.08 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 0.75 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E308L-XX W30813 0.04 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 0.75 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E308Mo-XX W30820 0.08 18.0–21.0 9.0–12.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E308LMo-XX W30823 0.04 18.0–21.0 9.0–12.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E309-XX W30910 0.15 22.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.75 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E309H-XX — 0.04–0.15 22.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.75 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E309L-XX W30913 0.04 22.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.75 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E309Cb-XX W30917 0.12 22.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.75 0.70–1.00 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E309Mo-XX W30920 0.12 22.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E309LMo-XX W30923 0.04 22.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E310-XX W31010 0.08–0.20 25.0–28.0 20.0–22.5 0.75 — 1.0–2.5 0.75 0.03 0.03 — 0.75
E310H-XX W31015 0.35–0.45 25.0–28.0 20.0–22.5 0.75 — 1.0–2.5 0.75 0.03 0.03 — 0.75
E310Cb-XX W31017 0.12 25.0–28.0 20.0–22.0 0.75 0.70–1.00 1.0–2.5 0.75 0.03 0.03 — 0.75
E310Mo-XX W31020 0.12 25.0–28.0 20.0–22.0 2.0–3.0 — 1.0–2.5 0.75 0.03 0.03 — 0.75
E312-XX W31310 0.15 28.0–32.0 8.0–10.5 0.75 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E316-XX W31610 0.08 17.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E316H-XX W31610 0.04–0.08 17.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E316L-XX W31613 0.04 17.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E317-XX W31710 0.08 18.0–21.0 12.0–14.0 3.0–4.0 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E317L-XX W31713 0.04 18.0–21.0 12.0–14.0 3.0–4.0 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E318-XX W31910 0.08 17.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 6 × %C min, 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
1.00 max
E320-XX W88021 0.07 19.0–21.0 32.0–36.0 2.0–3.0 8 × %C min, 0.5–2.5 0.60 0.04 0.03 — 3.0–4.0
1.00 max
(continued)
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Table 3-1—Chemical Composition Requirements for Stainless Steel Shielded Metal Arc Welding Electrodesa (Continued)
Composition, wt.%b
AWS UNS
E320LR-XX W88022 0.03 19.0–21.0 32.0–36.0 2.0–3.0 8 × %C min 1.50–2.50 0.30 0.020 0.015 — 3.0–4.0
0.40 max
E330-XX W88331 0.18–0.25 14.0–17.0 33.0–37.0 0.75 — 1.0–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E330H-XX W88335 0.35–0.45 14.0–17.0 33.0–37.0 0.75 — 1.0–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E347-XX W34710 0.08 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 0.75 8 × %C min, 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
1.00 max
E349-XXe,f,g W34910 0.13 18.0–21.0 8.0–10.0 0.35–0.65 0.75–1.2 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E383-XX W88028 0.03 26.5–29.0 30.0–33.0 3.2–4.2 — 0.5–2.5 0.90 0.02 0.02 — 0.6–1.5
E385-XX W88904 0.03 19.5–21.5 24.0–26.0 4.2–5.2 — 1.0–2.5 0.75 0.03 0.02 — 1.2–2.0
E410-XX W41010 0.12 11.0–13.5 0.75 0.7 — 1.0 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E410NiMo-XX W41016 0.06 11.0–12.5 4.0–5.0 0.40–0.70 — 1.0 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E430-XX W43010 0.10 15.0–18.0 0.6 0.75 — 1.0 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E502-XXh W50210 0.10 4.0–6.0 0.4 0.45–0.65 — 1.0 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E505-XXh W50410 0.10 8.0–10.5 0.4 0.85–1.20 — 1.0 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E630-XX W37410 0.05 16.0–16.75 4.5–5.0 0.75 0.15–0.30 0.25–0.75 0.75 0.04 0.03 — 3.25–4.00
E16-8-2-XX W36810 0.10 14.5–16.5 7.5–9.5 1.0–2.0 — 0.5–2.5 0.60 0.03 0.03 — 0.75
E7Cr-XXh W50310 0.10 6.0–8.0 0.4 0.45–0.65 — 1.0 0.90 0.04 0.03 — 0.75
E2209-XX W39209 0.04 21.5–23.5 8.5–10.5 2.5–3.5 — 0.5–2.0 0.90 0.04 0.03 0.08–0.20 0.75
E2553-XX W39553 0.06 24.0–27.0 6.5–8.5 2.9–3.9 — 0.5–1.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 0.10–0.25 1.5–2.5
E2593-XX W39593 0.04 24.0–27.0 8.5–11.0 2.9–3.9 — 0.5–1.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 0.08–0.25 1.5–3.0
Notes:
a. Analysis shall be made for the elements for which specific values are shown in this table. If, however, the presence of other elements is indicated in the course of routine analysis, further analysis shall
be made to determine that the total of these other elements, except iron, is not present in excess of 0.50%.
b. Single values shown are maximum percentages.
c. Classification suffix may be -15, -16, -17, -25, or -26. See Section A8 of the Appendix of AWS A5.4, Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding, for an explanation.
d. ASTM/SAE Unified Numbering System for Metals and Alloys.
e. 0.10–0.30% V.
f. 0.15% Ti max.
g. 1.25–1.75% W.
h. In the next revision of A5.4, classifications E502, E505, and E7Cr will be eliminated, but they will be added to the next revision of A5.5 and listed as follows: E502 as E901X-B6, E505 as E901X-B8,
and E7Cr as E901X-B7.
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Table 3-2—Types of Welding Current and Positions of Welding EC—Composite metal cored or stranded wire (for GTAW or PAW)
EQ—Bare strip electrodes (for SAW)
AWS Classification Welding Currentb Welding Positiona,c
EXXX(X)-15 dcep Alld There are electrodes and rods available for many of the stainless steels,
EXXX(X)-25 dcep H, F and most stainless steel base metals are welded with filler metals of the
EXXX(X)-16 dcep or ac Alld same type. However, the actual compositions of the filler metals typically
EXXX(X)-17 dcep or ac Alld
contain greater amounts of most elements, because there is some loss
EXXX(X)-26 dcep or ac H, F
across the arc. Note that there is no Type 304 filler metal; Type 308 is the
Notes:
a. See A5.4, Section A8, Classification as to Usability, for explanation of positions. filler metal used for Type 304 base metal.
b. dcep = Direct current electrode positive (reverse polarity).
ac = Alternating current.
c. The abbreviations H and F indicate welding positions as follows: AWS A5.22
F = Flat.
H = Horizontal. Table 3-4 lists the chemical compositions of stainless steel flux cored
d. Electrodes 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) and larger are not recommended for welding all positions. wires as described in AWS A5.22. The designation system includes:
E—Cored electrode for flux cored arc welding (FCAW)
As with all SMAW electrodes, it is important to keep these dry and R—Flux cored rod for GTAW (or PAW)
stored properly, according to the code requirements or manufacturer’s T—Tubular wire
instructions. The designations indicate the chemical compositions of the as-depos-
Since some of the alloying in the weld comes from the coating, the solid ited, undiluted weld metal, positions of welding, external shielding
core wire should never be used as a bare wire for welding. medium, and type of current. There are flux cored filler metals for many
stainless steel alloys.
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
AWS A5.9 The “E” designation filler metals shown in Table 3-4 are used for
FCAW processes—both gas-shielded and self-shielded; while the “R” des-
Table 3-3 lists the chemical compositions of numerous types of stainless
ignates filler metals for GTAW. These filler metals are typically used for
steel filler metals described in AWS A5.9. These filler metals are used for var-
root pass welding of stainless steel pipe, without the use of back shielding
ious welding processes. As listed in Note (c) in Table 3-3, the designations are:
gas. The rods contain 5 wt.% or more of non-metallic content. Cored rods
ER—Solid wires used as electrodes (for GMAW and SAW) and rods with less than this amount are not contained in AWS A5.22, but are classi-
(for GTAW and PAW) fied as metal cored rods in AWS A5.9.
20
Table 3-3—Chemical Composition Requirements for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rodsa
AWS Composition, wt.%b Amount
Classifi- UNS Other of Other
cationc,d Numbere C Cr Ni Mo Mn Si P S N Cu Element Element
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 3.3–4.75 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
(continued)

Table 3-3—Chemical Composition Requirements for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rodsa (Continued)
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 — —
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 Nbg 8 × %C min,
1.0 max
ER320 NO8021 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 Nbg 8 × %C min,
1.0 max
ER320LR NO8022 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 Nbg 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
ER330 NO8331 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 Nbg 10 × %C min,
1.0 max
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 Nbg 10 × %C min,
1.0 max
ER383 NO8028 0.025 26.5–28.5 30.0–33.0 3.2–4.2 1.0–2.5 0.50 0.02 0.03 — 0.70–1.5 — —
ER385 NO8904 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 max
ER409Cb S40940 0.08 10.5–13.5 0.6 0.50 0.8 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.75 Nbg 10 × %C min,
0.75 max
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 — —
(continued)
22
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Table 3-3—Chemical Composition Requirements for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rodsa (Continued)
ER430 S43080 0.10 15.5–17.0 0.6 0.75 0.6 0.5 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER446LMo S44687 0.015 25.0–27.5 Note f 0.75–1.50 0.4 0.4 0.02 0.02 0.015 Note f — —
ER502 S50280 0.10 4.6–6.0 0.6 0.45–0.65 0.6 0.5 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER505 S50480 0.10 8.0–10.5 0.5 0.8–1.2 0.6 0.5 0.03 0.03 — 0.75 — —
ER630 S17480 0.05 16.0–16.75 4.5–5.0 0.75 0.25–0.75 0.75 0.03 0.03 — 3.25–4.00 Nbg 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 Nbg 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 — —
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 — —
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 — —
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
Nb 0.30
Ta 0.30–1.25
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Al 0.10–0.50
Zr 0.001–0.10
La 0.005–0.10
B 0.02
Notes:
a. 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%.
c. 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 ASTM/SAE Uniform Numbering System for the proper UNS number.
d. For special applications, electrodes and rods may be purchased with less than the specified silicon content.
e. ASTM/SAE Unified Numbering System for Metals and Alloys.
f. 0.5% (Ni + Cu) max.
g. Nb may be reported as Nb + Ta.

Table 3-4—Chemical Composition Requirements for Stainless Steel Flux Cored Arc Welding
and Flux Cored Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Filler Metalsa
Composition, wt.%b
AWS UNS
Gas Shielded Flux Cored Arc Welding
E307TX-X W30731 0.13 18.0–20.5 9.0–10.5 0.5–1.5 — 3.30–4.75 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308TX-X W30831 0.08 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308LTX-X W30835 0.04 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308HTX-X W30831 0.04–0.08 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308MoTX-X W30832 0.08 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308LMoTX-X W30838 0.04 18.0–21.0 9.0–12.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309TX-X W30931 0.10 22.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309LCbTX-X W30932 0.04 22.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.5 0.70–1.00 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309LTX-X W30935 0.04 22.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309MoTX-X W30939 0.12 21.0–25.0 12.0–16.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309LMoTX-X W30938 0.04 21.0–25.0 12.0–16.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309LNiMoTX-X W30936 0.04 20.5–23.5 15.0–17.0 2.5–3.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E310TX-X W31031 0.20 25.0–28.0 20.0–22.5 0.5 — 1.0–2.5 1.0 0.03 0.03 — 0.5
E312TX-X W31331 0.15 28.0–32.0 8.0–10.5 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E316TX-X W31631 0.08 17.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E316LTX-X W31635 0.04 17.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E317LTX-X W31735 0.04 18.0–21.0 12.0–14.0 3.0–4.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E347TX-X W34731 0.08 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 0.5 Note h 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E409TX-Xe W40931 0.10 10.5–13.5 0.60 0.5 — 0.80 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E410TX-X W41031 0.12 11.0–13.5 0.60 0.5 — 1.20 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E410NiMoTX-X W41036 0.06 11.0–12.5 4.0–5.0 0.40–0.70 — 1.00 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E410NiTiTX-Xe W41038 0.04 11.0–12.0 3.6–4.5 0.5 — 0.70 0.50 0.03 0.03 — 0.5
E430TX-X W43031 0.10 15.0–18.0 0.60 0.5 — 1.20 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
(continued)
24
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
and Flux Cored Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Filler Metalsa (Continued)
Composition, wt.%b
AWS UNS
Gas Shielded Flux Cored Arc Welding (Continued)
E502TX-X W50231 0.10 4.0–6.0 0.40 0.45–0.65 — 1.20 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E505TX-X W50431 0.10 8.0–10.5 0.40 0.85–1.20 — 1.20 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
Self-Shielded Flux Cored Arc Welding
E307T0-3 W30733 0.13 19.5–22.0 9.0–10.5 0.5–1.5 — 3.30–4.75 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308T0-3 W30833 0.08 19.5–22.0 9.0–11.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308LT0-3 W30837 0.03 19.5–22.0 9.0–11.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308HT0-3 W30833 0.04–0.08 19.5–22.0 9.0–11.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308MoT0-3 W30839 0.08 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308LMoT0-3 W30838 0.03 18.0–21.0 9.0–12.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E308HMoT0-3 W30830 0.07–0.12 19.0–21.5 9.0–10.7 1.8–2.4 — 1.25–2.25 0.25–0.80 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309T0-3 W30933 0.10 23.0–25.5 12.0–14.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309LT0-3 W30937 0.03 23.0–25.5 12.0–14.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309LCbT0-3 W30934 0.03 23.0–25.5 12.0–14.0 0.5 0.70–1.00 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309MoT0-3 W30939 0.12 21.0–25.0 12.0–16.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E309LMoT0-3 W30938 0.04 21.0–25.0 12.0–16.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E310T0-3 W31031 0.20 25.0–28.0 20.0–22.5 0.5 — 1.0–2.5 1.0 0.03 0.03 — 0.5
E312T0-3 W31231 0.15 28.0–32.0 8.0–10.5 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E316T0-3 W31633 0.08 18.0–20.5 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E316LT0-3 W31637 0.03 18.0–20.5 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E316LKT0-3f W31630 0.04 17.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E317LT0-3 W31737 0.03 18.5–21.0 13.0–15.0 3.0–4.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E347T0-3 W34733 0.08 19.0–21.5 9.0–11.0 0.5 Note h 0.5–2.5 1.0 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
(continued)

and Flux Cored Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Filler Metalsa (Continued)
Composition, wt.%b
AWS UNS
Self-Shielded Flux Cored Arc Welding (Continued)
E409T0-3e W40931 0.10 10.5–13.5 0.60 0.5 — 0.80 1.00 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E410T0-3 W41031 0.12 11.0–13.5 0.60 0.5 — 1.00 1.00 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E410NiMoT0-3 W41036 0.06 11.0–12.5 4.0–5.0 0.40–0.70 — 1.00 1.00 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E410NiTiT0-3e W41038 0.04 11.0–12.0 3.6–4.5 0.5 — 0.70 0.50 0.03 0.03 — 0.5
E430T0-3 W43031 0.10 15.0–18.0 0.60 0.5 — 1.00 1.00 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
E2209T0-X W39239 0.04 21.0–24.0 7.5–10.0 2.5–4.0 — 0.5–2.0 1.00 0.04 0.03 0.08–0.20 0.5
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
E2553T0-X W39533 0.04 24.0–27.0 8.5–10.5 2.9–3.9 — 0.5–1.5 0.75 0.04 0.03 0.10–0.20 1.5–2.5
Special Category Flux Cored Arc Welding
EXXXTX-Gg Unspecified — — — — — — — — — — —
Flux Cored Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
R308LT1-5 W30835 0.03 18.0–21.0 9.0–11.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.20 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
R309LT1-5 W30935 0.03 22.0–25.0 12.0–14.0 0.5 — 0.5–2.5 1.20 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
R316LT1-5 W31635 0.03 17.0–20.0 11.0–14.0 2.0–3.0 — 0.5–2.5 1.20 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
R347T1-5 W34731 0.08 18.0–11.0 9.0–11.0 0.5 Note h 0.5–2.5 1.20 0.04 0.03 — 0.5
Notes:
a. The weld metal shall be analyzed for the specific elements 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%.
c. In this table, the “X” following the “T” refers to the position of welding (1 for all-position operation or 0 for flat or horizontal operation) and the “X” following the hyphen refers to the shielding
medium (-1 for carbon dioxide, -3 for none (self-shielded), -4 for 75–80% argon/25–20% carbon dioxide, or -5 for 100% argon). Also see footnote g.
d. ASTM/SAE Unified Number System for Metals and Alloys.
e. 10 × %C Ti min, 1.5% Ti max.
f. This alloy is designed for cryogenic applications.
g. For information concerning the “G” following the hyphen, see AWS A5.22, Annex items A2.3.7 and A2.3.8.
h. 8 × %C (Nb + Ta) min, 1.0% (Nb + Ta) max.
26
As shown in Table 3-5, electrodes with a -1, -4, or -5 suffix require typically used for making root pass welds from one side with the GTAW or
external gas shielding, while a -3 suffix denotes self-shielding (refer to the PAW process. The inserts produce consistent, high-quality weld shapes on
categories of “Gas-Shielded” and “Self-Shielded” in Table 3-4). The “-G” both pipe and tube. Figure 3-1 shows cross sections of the five classes of
suffix denotes general, or that the shielding medium is not specified. The consumable insert shapes available (some are shown as continuous rings,
“X” following the “T” designates the position of welding; a “0” indicates while others are shown as split rings).
flat or horizontal only; a “1” indicates all positions.
Recommended Filler Metals
AWS A5.30 Recommended filler metals for welding various austenitic stainless
Table 3-6 lists the chemical compositions of austenitic stainless steel steel base metals (both wrought and cast base metals) are shown in Table
consumable inserts described in AWS A5.30. The “IN” classification 3-7. Table 3-8 lists the recommended filler metals for welding precipita-
denotes insert (several stainless steel consumable inserts are available). tion-hardened stainless steel base metals.
Consumable inserts are made up of filler metal that has been formed Of the few filler metals available for welding martensitic and ferritic
into various shapes. These inserts are preplaced into the weld joint and stainless steels, Types 410 and 430 are most often used. For duplex stain-
less steels, filler metals such as Type 2209 are available.
For superaustenitic and superferritic stainless steels, filler metals of the
Table 3-5—External Shielding Medium, Polarity, and Welding Process same (or nearly the same) composition are typically used. Most of these
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Welding Welding steels are welded with gas shielded processes (GMAW or GTAW) or beam
AWS Designationa External Shieldingb Polarity Process processes (electron or laser beam).
EXXXTX-1 100% carbon dioxide (CO2) dcep FCAW
EXXXTX-3 None (self-shielded) dcep FCAW Filler Metals for Use with Dissimilar Base Metals
EXXXTX-4 75–80% Ar, remainder CO2 dcep FCAW
RXXXT1-5 100% argon (Ar) dcen GTAW When welding dissimilar base metals together, it is typical to use a filler
EXXXTX-Gc Not specified Not specified FCAW metal that is available for the higher composition base metal; however, this
RXXXT1-Gc Not specified Not specified GTAW procedure does not always work. Table 3-9 provides the recommended
Notes: filler metals for welding various stainless steels together. Types 308, 309,
a. The letters “XXX” stand for the designation of the chemical composition. The “X” after the
“T” designates the position of operation. A “0” indicates flat or horizontal operation; a “1”
and 310 are used for many dissimilar base metal combinations.
indicates all-position operation. In addition, Types 309 and 310 are also good for welding many austenitic
b. A restrictive requirement only for classification tests; suitability may be determined for other stainless steel base metals to carbon and alloy steels. Type 308 would not be used
applications.
c. For more information, see Annex items A2.3.7 and A2.3.8 in AWS A5.22. in this case, because there is not enough nickel in the diluted weld metal, and the

Table 3-6—Chemical Composition Requirements for Stainless Steel Consumable Inserts
Composition, wt.%a,b
AWS UNS
Group Classification Numberc C Cr Ni Mo Nb + Ta Mn Si P S Cu
C IN308d 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
IN308Ld 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
IN309d 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
IN309Ld 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
IN310 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
IN312d 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
IN316d 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
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
IN316Ld 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
IN348d S34780 0.08 19.0–21.5 9.0–11.0 0.75 e10 × C mine 1.0–2.5 0.30–0.65 0.03 0.03 0.75
–1.0 max
Notes:
a. The consumable insert shall be analyzed for the specific elements for which values are shown in this table.
b. Single values shown are maximum.
c. ASTM/SAE Unified Numbering System for Metals and Alloys.
d. Delta ferrite may be specified upon agreement between supplier and purchaser.
e. Tantalum content shall not exceed 0.10 percent. (Nb is the same as Cb.)
28
weld can produce enough martensite to be susceptible to cold cracking. Types
309 and 310 filler metals contain greater amounts of nickel; therefore, when
diluted with the carbon or alloy steel, this higher level of nickel does not allow
much martensite to form, which greatly reduces the chances of cold cracking.
When dissimilar welds are made—for example, between carbon steel
and Type 304—it is best to use a “buttering technique” of Type 309 or 310
filler metal on the carbon steel joint. After the weld joint is prepared, the
buttered surface can then be welded to the Type 304 base metal. The high-
nickel content of Types 309 or 310 filler metal provides the carbon steel
with improved ductility. When welded to the Type 304 base metal, the Type
309 or 310 filler metal dramatically reduces the chances of cold cracking.
When hot cracking of austenitic stainless steels is a concern, Type 312
filler metal is the best choice, because it forms more ferrite than Types 308,
309, or 310. However, in some cases, the high ferrite content can decrease
toughness (at cryogenic temperatures) or cause problems because of its
magnetic properties (if the material was selected for nonmagnetic purposes).
When it is necessary to weld martensitic stainless steels without
postweld heat treatment, or in cases where ferritic stainless steels are
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
welded but there is no matching filler metal, Types 309 or 310 filler metals
are often used. Since the austenitic stainless steel provides much greater
ductility in the weld metal than the martensitic or ferritic stainless steel
base metal, there is less chance of cracking.
Brazing Filler Metals

Tables 3-10 through 3-15 list the brazing filler metals available for braz-
ing of stainless steels (as described in AWS A5.8). Stainless steels are often
brazed with silver, gold, cobalt, or nickel brazing filler metals. (The “B”
Figure 3-1—Standard Consumable Insert Designs classification designates brazing filler metal.)

Table 3-7—Recommended Filler Metals for Welding Austenitic Stainless Steels
Type of Stainless Steel Recommended Filler Metals
Wrought Casta SMAWb GMAW, GTAW, PAW, SAWc FCAWd
201, 202 — eE209,E219, E308 e ER209, E219, E308 e E308TX-X e

301, 302, 304, 305 CF-20, CF-8 E308 e ER308 e E308TX-X e
304L CF-3 E308L ER308L E308LTX-X
309 CH-20 E309 ER309 E309TX-X
309S — E309L, E309Cb ER309L E309LTX-X, E309CbLTX-X
310, 314 CK-20 E310 ER310 E310TX-X
310S — E310, E310Cb ER310 E310TX-X
316 CF-8M E316 e ER316 e E316TX-X e
316L CF-3M E316L ER316L E316LTX-X
316H CF-12M E16-8-2, E316H ER16-8-2, ER316H E316TX-X
317 — E317 ER317 E317LTX-X
317L — E317L ER317L E317LTX-X
321 — E347 ER321 E347TX-X
330 HT E330 ER330 —
347, 348 CF-8C E347 ER347 E347TX-X
Notes:
a. Castings higher in carbon but otherwise of generally corresponding compositions are available in heat-resisting grades. These castings carry the “H” designation (HF, HH, and HK, for instance).
Electrodes best suited for welding these high-carbon versions are the standard electrodes recommended for the corresponding lower carbon corrosion-resistant castings shown above.
b. Covered electrodes for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).
c. Bare welding rods and electrodes for gas metal arc (GMAW), gas tungsten arc (GTAW), plasma arc (PAW), and submerged arc (SAW) welding. Higher silicon versions (e.g., ER308LSi) are also
classified and are often preferred for better wetting and fluidity in GMAW.
d. Tubular electrodes for flux cored arc welding (FCAW). (See Table 3-4.)
e. Low carbon versions of these filler metals may also be used.
30
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Table 3-8—Recommended Filler Metals for Welding Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steels
Covered Electrodes Bare Welding Wires

Base Metal UNS
Designation Number AMSa AWSb AMS AWSc Dissimilar PH Stainless Steels (AWS)
Martensitic Types
17-4 PH S17400 5827B (17-4PH) E630 5826 (17-4 PH) ER630 E308, ER308, E309, ER309, E309Cb, ER309Cb
15-5 PH S15500 5827B (17-4PH) E630 5826 (17-4 PH) ER630 E308, ER308, E309, ER309, E309Cb, ER309Cb
Semiaustenitic Types
17-7 PH S17700 5827B (17-4 PH) E630 5824A (17-7 PH) ER630 E310, ER 310, ENiCrFe-2d, ERNiCr-3e
PH 15-7 Mo S15700 E630 5812C (PH 15-7 Mo) ER630 E308, E309, ER309, E310, ER310
AM 350 S35000 5775A (AM 350) E630 5774B (AM 350) ER630 E308, ER308, E309, ER309
AM 355 S35500 5781A (AM 355) E630 5780A (AM 355) ER630 E308, ER308, E309, ER309
Austenitic Type
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
A286 S66286 E309, E310 5805C (A286) ERNiCrFe-6e, ERNiMo-3e E309, ER309, E310, ER310
Notes:
a. AMS refers to Aerospace Materials Specification (published by SAE).
b. See AWS A5.4, Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding.
c. See AWS A5.9, Specification for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods.
d. See AWS A5.11, Specification for Nickel and Nickel Alloy Welding Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding.
e. See AWS A5.14, Specification for Nickel and Nickel Alloy Bare Welding Electrodes and Rods.

Table 3-9—Suggested Filler Metals for Welds Between Dissimilar Austenitic Stainless Steelsa
316H 321H 347, 347H
AISI Type 304L 308 309 309S 310 310S 316H 316L 317 321H 348, 348H
304, 304H, 305 308 b 308 308 308 308 308 308 308 308 308 308
309 309 309 309 316 316 316 347 347
310 310 317
304L b308 b b308 b b308 b b308 b 308 b b308 b L308L 308 L308L L308L
b309 b b309 b b309 b 309 b b316 b L316L 316 347 347
310 310 317
308 b308 b 308 308 308 308 b308 b 308 308 308
b309 b 309 309 309 316 b316 b 316 347 347
310 310 317
309 309 309 309 309 309 309 309 309
310 310 316 316 316 347 347
310 316 316 317 308 308
310 Mo310Mo Mo310Mo 310 310
310Mo 310 310
316, 316H b316 b 317 308 316
316 316 347
347
316L b317 b L316L L316L
347 347
317 308 317
317 347
317, 321H 347
Notes:
a. Electrodes and welding rods listed are not in any preferred order.
b. Low carbon grades of these filler metals may also be used.
32
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Table 3-10—Compositions of Silver Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels
Composition, wt.%
AWS UNS Total, Other

Classificationa Numberb Ag Cu Zn Cd Ni Sn Li Mn Elementsc
BAg-1 P07450 44.0–46.0 14.0–16.0 14.0–18.0 23.0–25.0 — — — — 0.15
BAg-1a P07500 49.0–51.0 14.5–16.5 14.5–18.5 17.0–19.0 — — — — 0.15
BAg-2 P07350 34.0–36.0 25.0–27.0 19.0–23.0 17.0–19.0 — — — — 0.15
BAg-2a P07300 29.0–31.0 26.0–28.0 21.0–25.0 19.0–21.0 — — — — 0.15
BAg-3 P07501 49.0–51.0 14.5–16.5 13.5–17.5 15.0–17.0 2.5–3.5 — — 0.15
BAg-4 P07400 39.0–41.0 29.0–31.0 26.0–30.0 — 1.5–2.5 — — — 0.15
BAg-5 P07453 44.0–46.0 29.0–31.0 23.0–27.0 — — — — — 0.15
BAg-6 P07503 49.0–51.0 33.0–35.0 14.0–18.0 — — — — — 0.15
BAg-7 P07563 55.0–57.0 21.0–23.0 15.0–19.0 — — 4.5–5.5 — — 0.15
BAg-8 P07720 71.0–73.0 Bal. — — — — — — 0.15
BAg-8a P07723 71.0–73.0 Bal. — — — — — 0.25–0.50 0.15
BAg-9 P07650 64.0–66.0 19.0–21.0 13.0–17.0 — — — — — 0.15
BAg-10 P07700 69.0–71.0 19.0–21.0 8.0–12.0 — — — — — 0.15
BAg-13 P07540 53.0–55.0 Bal. 4.0–6.0 — 0.5–1.5 — — — 0.15
BAg-13a P07560 55.0–57.0 Bal. — — 1.5–2.5 — — — 0.15
BAg-18 P07600 59.0–61.0 Bal. — — — 9.5–10.5 — — 0.15
BAg-19 P07925 92.0–93.0 19.0–21.0 26.0–30.0 — 1.5–2.5 — — 0.15–0.30 0.15
BAg-20 P07301 29.0–31.0 37.0–39.0 30.0–34.0 — — — — — 0.15
BAg-21 P07630 62.0–64.0 27.5–29.5 — — 2.0–3.0 5.0–7.0 — — 0.15
BAg-22 P07490 48.0–50.0 15.0–17.0 21.0–25.0 — 4.0–5.0 — 7.0–8.0 — 0.15
BAg-23 P07850 84.0–86.0 — — — — — Rem — 0.15
(continued)
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Table 3-10—Compositions of Silver Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels (Continued)
Composition, wt.%
AWS UNS Total, Other

Classificationa Numberb Ag Cu Zn Cd Ni Sn Li Mn Elementsc
BAg-24 P07505 49.0–51.0 19.0–21.0 26.0–30.0 — 1.5–2.5 — — — 0.15
BAg-26 P07250 24.0–26.0 37.0–39.0 31.0–35.0 — 1.5–2.5 — 1.5–2.5 — 0.15
BAg-27 P07251 24.0–26.0 34.0–36.0 24.5–28.5 12.5–14.5 — — — — 0.15
BAg-28 P07401 39.0–41.0 29.0–31.0 26.0–30.0 — — 1.5–2.5 — — 0.15
BAg-33 P07252 24.0–26.0 29.0–31.0 26.5–28.5 — — — — — 0.15
BAg-34 P07380 37.0–39.0 31.0–33.0 26.0–30.0 — — 1.5–2.5 — — 0.15
BAg-35 P07351 34.0–36.0 31.0–33.0 31.0–35.0 — — — — — 0.15
BAg-36 P07454 44.0–46.0 26.0–28.0 23.0–27.0 — — 2.5–3.5 — — 0.15
BAg-37 P07253 24.0–26.0 39.0–41.0 31.0–35.0 — — 1.5–2.5 — — 0.15
Notes:
a. For more information on these and similar filler metals for vacuum service (e.g., BVAg-8b), see AWS A5.8, Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding.
b. ASTM/SAE Unified Numbering System for Metals and Alloys.
c. The brazing filler metal shall be analyzed for those specific elements for which 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 does not exceed the limit specified.
34 --`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Table 3-11—Characteristics of Silver Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels
Solidus Liquidus Brazing
Temperaturea Temperaturea Temperature Range
AWS
Classification °F °C °F °C °F °C Color Other Characteristics
BAg-1 1125 607 1145 618 1145–1400 618–760 whitish yellow Free-flowing
BAg-1a 1160 627 1175 635 1175–1400 635–760 whitish yellow Free-flowing
BAg-2 1125 607 1295 702 1295–1550 702–843 light yellow Good for nonuniform clearance
BAg-2a 1125 607 1310 710 1310–1550 710–843 — —
BAg-3 1170 632 1270 688 1270–1500 688–816 whitish yellow Retards corrosion at joint
BAg-4 1240 671 1435 779 1435–1650 779–899 light yellow Flows better than BAg3
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
BAg-5 1225 663 1370 743 1370–1550 743–843 light yellow Not free-flowing, cadmium-free,
useful in food industry
BAg-6 1270 688 1425 774 1425–1600 774–871 light yellow Similar to BAg5
BAg-7 1145 618 1205 652 1205–1400 652–760 white Good color match
BAg-8 1435 779 1435 779 1435–1650 779–899 white Wetting is slow
BAg-8a 1410 766 1410 766 1410–1600 766–871 white For furnace brazing PH SS
BAg-9 1240 671 1325 718 1325–1550 718–843 — —
BAg-10 1275 691 1360 738 1360–1550 738–843 — —
BAg-13 1325 718 1575 857 1575–1775 857–968 white Useful to 700°F (371°C)
BAg-13a 1420 771 1640 893 1600–1800 871–982 — —
BAg-18 1115 602 1325 718 1325–1550 718–843 white Wets well for brazing PH SS
BAg-19 1400 760 1635 891 1610–1800 877–982 white Good for furnace brazing
BAg-20 1250 677 1410 766 1410–1600 766–871 — —
BAg-21 1275 691 1475 802 1475–1650 802–899 — Immune to crevice corrosion
BAg-22 1260 682 1290 699 1290–1525 699–829 — Low temperature, good wettability on carbides
(continued)

Table 3-11—Characteristics of Silver Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels (Continued)
Solidus Liquidus Brazing
Temperaturea Temperaturea Temperature Range
AWS
Classification °F °C °F °C °F °C Color Other Characteristics
BAg-23 1760 960 1780 971 1780–1900 971–1038 — —
BAg-24 1220 660 1305 707 1305–1550 707–843 — Low melting, cadmium free torch alloy
BAg-26 1305 707 1475 800 1475–1600 802–871 — Moderately low temperature, low silver,
good wettability on stainless
BAg-27 1125 607 1375 746 1375–1575 746–857 — —
BAg-28 1200 649 1310 710 1310–1550 710–843 — —
BAg-33 1125 607 1260 682 1260–1400 682–760 — —
BAg-34 1200 649 1330 721 1330–1550 721–843 — Free flowing, cadmium free torch alloy
BAg-35 1265 685 1390 754 1390–1545 754–841 — —
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
BAg-36 1195 646 1251 677 1251–1495 677–813 — —

BAg-37 1270 688 1435 779 1435–1625 779–885 — —
BVAg-0 1761 961 1761 961 1761–1900 961–1038 — —
BVAg-6 1435 779 1602 872 1600–1800 871–982 — —
BVAg-8 1435 779 1435 779 1435–1650 779–899 — —
BVAg-8b 1435 779 1463 795 1470–1650 799–899 — —
BVAg-18 1115 602 1325 718 1325–1550 718–843 — —
BVAg-29 1155 624 1305 707 1305–1450 707–788 — —
BVAg-30 1485 807 1490 810 1490–1700 810–927 — —
BVAg-31 1515 824 1565 852 1565–1625 852–885 — —
BVAg-32 1650 899 1740 949 1740–1800 949–982 — —
Note:
a. Solidus and liquidus shown are for the nominal composition in each classification.
36
Table 3-12—Compositions of Nickel and Cobalt Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels
Composition, wt.%a
AWS Total,
Classi- UNS Other
fication Numberb Ni Cr B Si Fe C P S Al Ti Mn Cu Zr W Co Se Elementsc
BNi-1 N99600 Bal. 13.0–15.00 2.75–3.50 4.0–5.0 4.0–5.0 0.60–0.90 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
BNi-1a N99610 Bal. 13.0–15.00 2.75–3.50 4.0–5.0 4.0–5.0 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
BNi-2 N99620 Bal. 6.0–8.00 2.75–3.50 4.0–5.0 2.5–3.5 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
BNi-3 N99630 Bal. — 2.75–3.50 4.0–5.0 0.5 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
BNi-4 N99640 Bal. — 1.50–2.20 3.0–4.0 1.5 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
BNi-5 N99650 Bal. 18.5–19.50 0.03 9.75–10.50 — 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
BNi-5a N99651 Bal. 18.5–19.50 1.0–1.5 7.0–7.5 0.5 0.10 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
BNi-6 N99700 Bal. — — — — 0.06 10.0–12.0 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
BNi-7 N99710 Bal. 13.0–15.00 0.01 0.10 0.2 0.06 9.7–10.5 0.02 0.05 0.05 0.04 — 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
BNi-8 N99800 Bal. — — 6.0–8.0 — 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 12.5– 4.0– 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
24.50 5.00
BNi-9 N99612 Bal. 13.5–16.50 3.25–4.00 — 1.5 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 — 0.10 0.005 0.50
BNi-10 N99622 Bal. 10.0–13.00 2.0–3.0 3.0–4.0 2.5–4.5 0.40–0.55 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 15.0–17.0 0.10 0.005 0.50
BNi-11 N99624 Bal. 9.00–11.75 2.2–3.1 3.35–4.25 2.5–4.0 0.30–0.50 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 11.5–12.75 0.10 0.005 0.50
BCo-1 R39001 16.0– 18.0–20.00 0.70–0.90 7.5–8.5 1.0 0.35–0.45 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 — — 0.05 3.5–4.5 Bal. 0.005 0.50
18.00
Notes:
a. Single values are maximum percentages. 0.10% Co max and 0.005% Se max for the BN series.
c. The filler metal shall be analyzed for those specific elements for which 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 does not exceed the limit specified.

Table 3-13—Characteristics of Nickel and Cobalt Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels
Solidus Temperaturea Liquidus Temperaturea Brazing Temperature Range
AWS Classification °F °C °F °C °F °C
Nickel Filler Metals
BNi-1 1790 977 1900 1038 1950–2200 1066-1204

BNi-1a 1790 977 1970 1077 1970–2200 1077-1204
BNi-2 1780 971 1830 999 1850–2150 1010–1177
BNi-3 1800 982 1900 1038 1850–2150 1010–1177
BNi-4 1800 982 1950 1066 1850–2150 1010–1177
BNi-5 1975 1079 2075 1135 2100–2200 1149–1204
BNi-5a 1931 1055 2111 1155 2100–2200 1149–1204
BNi-6 1610 877 1610 877 1700–2000 927–1093
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BNi-7 1630 888 1630 888 1700–2000 927–1093

BNi-8 1800 982 1850 1010 1850–2000 1010–1093
BNi-9 1930 1054 1930 1054 1950–2200 1066–1204
BNi-10 1780 971 2020 1104 2100–2200 1149–1204
BNi-11 1780 971 2003 1095 2100–2200 1149–1204
Cobalt Filler Metal
BCo-1 2050 1121 2100 1149 2100–2250 1149–1232
Note:
38
Table 3-14—Compositions of Gold Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels
Composition, wt.%
AWS Classificationa UNS Numberb Au Cu Pd Ni Total, Other Elementsc

BAu-1 P00375 37.0–38.0 Bal. — — 0.15
BAu-2 P00800 79.5–80.5 Bal. — — 0.15
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BAu-3 P00350 34.5–35.5 Bal. — 2.5–3.5 0.15

BAu-4 P00820 81.5–82.5 — — Bal. 0.15
BAu-5 P00300 29.5–30.5 — 33.5–34.5 35.5–36.5 0.15
BAu-6 P00700 69.5–70.5 — 7.5–8.5 21.5–22.5 0.15
Notes:
a. For more information on these and similar filler metals for vacuum service (e.g., BVAg-8b), see AWS A5.8, Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding.
c. The brazing filler metal shall be analyzed for those specific elements for which 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 does not exceed the limit specified.
Table 3-15—Characteristics of Gold Filler Metals for Brazing of Stainless Steels

Solidus Temperaturea Liquidus Temperaturea Brazing Temperature Range
AWS Classification °F °C °F °C °F °C
BAu-1 1815 991 1860 1016 1860–2000 1016–1093
BAu-2 1635 891 1635 891 1635–1850 891–1010
BAu-3 1785 974 1885 1029 1885–1995 1029–1091
BAu-4 1740 949 1740 949 1740–1840 949–1004
BAu-5 2075 1135 2130 1166 2130–2250 1166–1232
BAu-6 1845 1007 1915 1046 1915–2050 1046–1121
BVAu-2 1635 891 1635 891 1635–1850 891–1010
BVAu-4 1740 949 1740 949 1740–1840 949–1004
BVAu-7 2015 1102 2050 1121 2050–2110 1121–1154
BVAu-8 2190 1199 2265 1241 2265–2325 1241–1274
Note:

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Chapter 4—Preweld Cleaning and Preparation of Stainless Steels
Cutting, Grinding, Prepping Preweld Cleaning

All stainless steels need to be prepared without contamination. Any Regardless of the type of stainless steel to be used, it is imperative that the
sources of free iron, rust, carbon, hydrogen, etc., can cause welding or base metal be properly cleaned before welding. In most cases, this involves:
corrosion problems. Therefore, the following guidelines should be (1) Wire brush or grind to remove any oxidation (which may be present
followed: on hot rolled parts).
(1) Thermal cutting should be done with the appropriate process (not (2) Chemically clean all surfaces that were machine-cut with cutting fluids.
oxyfuel). (3) Remove all grease, oil, moisture, etc.
(4) Wipe all surfaces to be welded with acetone or isopropyl alcohol.
(2) If machining is performed, it should be done without overheating
the base metal, which could cause oxidation. Welding Preparation
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(3) Mechanical grinding should be done with grinding wheels that are (1) Weld in an area segregated from the welding of other alloys, espe-
segregated for use on stainless steels. cially carbon and low-alloy steels.
(4) All hand tools should be segregated for use on stainless steels only (2) Cover welding tables with stainless steel, aluminum, or other mate-
(e.g., deburring knives, files). rial to protect the stainless steel parts from contamination.
(5) All wire brushes should be made of stainless steel, and used only on (3) Use vises, hold-down fixtures and tools, clamps, etc., made of stain-
stainless steels. less steel or covered with protective material (stainless steel, tape, etc.).

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Chapter 5—Welding and Cutting of Stainless Steels
Basic Fusion Welding Behavior welding parameters, as shown in Figure 5-2, significantly less heat will be
conducted away from the weld. This produces a much larger weld bead on
Welding stainless steels is inherently different from welding carbon and austenitic stainless steels than on low carbon steels.
low-alloy steels. There are two major physical properties of stainless steels
The martensitic and ferritic stainless steels have thermal conductivities
that dramatically affect their weldability—thermal conductivity and ther-
approximately 1/2 that of carbon steels. The weld beads made with these
mal coefficient of expansion. Figures 5-1 and 5-2 illustrate the effects of
same parameters will produce a larger weld than on carbon steel, but
these properties on fusion welding (arc or beam welding).
smaller than on the austenitic stainless steel.
To produce a similar size weld bead on each material, a lower current
Thermal Conductivity
(lower heat input) would be used on the martensitic and ferritic stainless
Austenitic stainless steels have approximately 1/3 the thermal conduc- steels than on the carbon steel. The austenitics would require an even lower
tivity of low carbon steels; therefore, if they are welded with the same arc current and heat input.
Thermal Main Coefficient of

Type of Steel Conductivity* Type of Steel Thermal Expansion*
Low Carbon Steel 35 Low Carbon Steel 6.5
410 Martensitic Stainless 410 Martensitic Stainless

15–17 6.5
430 Ferritic Stainless 430 Ferritic Stainless
304 Austenitic Stainless 11–13 304 Austenitic Stainless 10

*Btu/hr-ft-F *From 32–1000°F (micro-in./in.-F)
Figure 5-1—Schematic Illustration of Weld Bead Figure 5-2—Schematic Illustration of Distortion

Produced with Arc Welds Made with the Same Parameters Produced with Arc Welds Made with the Same Parameters
(Current, Voltage, and Travel Speed) on Different Materials (Current, Voltage and Travel Speed) on Different Materials
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Thermal Expansion However, it is important to note that tables of parameters for arc or
resistance welding of “stainless steels” refer to the austenitic stainless
There are also differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion of steels. Parameters for the ferritic and martensitic stainless steels would be
austenitic stainless steels, as compared with carbon steels. This property about midway between those for the carbon steels and for austenitic stain-
determines how much a metal expands when heated and shrinks when less steels.
cooled. During welding, thermal expansion produces distortion. The higher
the coefficient, the more expansion and contraction, and the greater the
amount of distortion. General Welding Information
As shown in Figure 5-2, austenitic stainless steels have a coefficient of Stainless steels can be welded using all five joint types (butt, T, corner,
thermal expansion approximately 50% higher than carbon steels, while lap, and edge), in all positions, and with any type of weld (groove, fillet,
martensitic and ferritic stainless steels are similar to the carbon steels. If the seam, etc.). Table 5-1 provides typical groove weld joint designs for auste-
welding parameters are changed for the austenitic stainless steels to pro- nitic stainless steels.
vide the same weld shape as in the carbon steels and the martensitic and All forms of stainless steel can be welded; however, the wrought forms
ferritic stainless steels, the distortion will be significantly greater with the (plate, bar, pipe, tube, etc.) are more weldable than cast versions. Castings
austenitic stainless steels. contain high levels of silicon and other elements, which also tend to cause
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hot cracking. Higher carbon contents (such as those found in high-carbon
Figures 5-1 and 5-2 illustrate that fusion welding parameters for austen- cast austenitics or martensitics) are more difficult to weld than other stain-
itic stainless steels are significantly different from those for carbon steels. less steels, due to the greater chance of cold cracks.
Recommended arc welding parameters for the austenitic stainless steels are
cooler (lower current, faster travel speed, etc.) than those for carbon steels.
This is due to the lower heat input required (from the low thermal conduc- Shielding
tivity), as well as to reduce the distortion (because of the higher thermal
Pipe, tube, and vessels are normally shielded on the inside with inert
expansion).
shielding gas (such as argon or helium). There are also fluxes developed for
For resistance welding, the austenitics also have lower electrical con- stainless steels. These are applied to the backside of the weld before
ductivity (higher electrical resistance). This means that lower levels of cur- welding. This flux helps protect the backside of the weld from oxidation
rent are required to produce a similar weld nugget in austenitic stainless and contamination. However, these fluxes do not shield the weld underbead
steels as in carbon steels, which is reflected in the recommended resistance as well as inert gases, and should not be used in critical or high-purity
welding parameters for austenitic stainless steels. applications.
44
Table 5-1—Typical Groove Weld Joint Designs for Austenitic Stainless Steels
Thickness Root Opening Root Face
Groove Angle,
Joint Design Welding Processa in. mm in. mm in. mm Degrees
Square-groove, one-pass SMAW 0.08–0.16 2.0–4.1 .0–0.08 .00–2.0 — — —
GTAW 0.04–0.13 1.0–3.3 .0–0.08 .00–2.0 — — —
GMAW 0.08–0.16 2.0–4.1 .0–0.08 .00–2.0 — — —
Square-groove, two-pass SMAW 0.12–0.25 3.1–6.4 .0–0.08 .00–2.0 — — —
GTAW 0.12–0.25 3.1–6.4 .0–0.04 .00–1.0 — — —
GMAW 0.12–0.32 3.1–8.1 .0–0.04 .00–1.0 — — —
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SAW 0.15–0.32 3.8–8.1 0 0 — — —

Single-V-grooveb SMAW 0.12–0.50 3.1–12.70 .0–0.08 .00–2.0 0.06–0.12 1.5–3.1 60
GTAW 0.15–0.25 3.8–6.4 .0–0.01 .00–0.3 0.06–0.08 1.5–2.0 90
GTAW 0.25–0.63 6.4–16.0 .0–0.02 .00–0.5 0.04–0.06 1.0–1.5 70
GMAW 0.15–0.50 3.8–12.70 .0–0.08 .00–2.0 0.06–0.12 1.5–3.1 60
SAW 0.31–0.50 7.9–12.70 .0–0.08 .00–2.0 0.06–0.16 1.5–4.1 60
Single-U-groove GMAW ≥ 0.50 ≥ 12.70 .0–0.08 .00–2.0 0.08–0.12 2.0–3.1 c15c
Double-V-grooveb SMAW 0.50–1.25 12.70–31.80 0.04–0.13 1.0–3.3 0.06–0.16 1.5–4.1 60

SAW
GMAW 0.50–1.25 12.70–31.80 .0–0.08 .00–2.0 0.08–0.12 2.0–3.1 60
Double-U-groove SMAW Over 1.25 Over 31.8 0.04–0.08 1.0–2.0 0.08–0.12 2.0–3.1 10–15c
Notes:
a. SMAW, shielded metal arc welding; GTAW, gas tungsten arc welding; GMAW, gas metal arc welding; SAW, submerged arc welding.
b. For welding in the horizontal position, the lower member should be beveled only 10–15 degrees, and the top member 45–55 degrees.
c. Groove radius, 0.25– 0.31 in. (6.3–7.93 mm).

Arc Welding Processes For weld repair on used or in-service stainless steels, proper grinding
and cleaning is necessary to remove contaminants, acids, etc. Use of
There are two major shielding methods for arc welding processes: SMAW or FCAW, with their flux, may additionally help ‘clean’ the metal.
(1) Gas shielding—uses an external shielding gas to protect the arc and
weld pool. While providing excellent protection from contamination from Arc Welding Figures and Tables
the air, this process does not “clean” or remove contaminants from the weld Figure 5-3 and Tables 5-2–5-7 provide data for GMAW of (austenitic)
pool. stainless steels. Some of these tables include comparison data with other
(2) Flux shielding—uses a flux that forms a vapor to protect the arc and base metals.
weld pool. The flux also “cleans” the weld pool by combining with con-
taminants (oxygen, sulfur, etc.) to form a slag that floats on the top surface
of the weld pool. Although flux shielding provides good cleaning of the
weld, it does not protect the weld from atmospheric contamination as well
as the gas shielding processes.
New stainless steels are often welded with the following processes:
• GMAW • SMAW
• GTAW • FCAW
• PAW • SAW
The shielding gas is typically argon or helium, although gas mixtures
containing hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen have been
used. The superaustenitic and superferritic stainless steels are almost exclu-
sively welded with these processes, because the use of flux processes intro-
duces too much oxygen and nitrogen (and other contaminants).
Repair welding is often performed with:
• SMAW
• FCAW Figure 5-3—Typical Welding Currents Versus Wire Feed Speeds
• GTAW for 300 Series Stainless Steel Electrodes
46
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Table 5-2—GMAW Globular-to-Spray Transition Currents for a Variety of Electrodes
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Wire Electrode Diameter
Wire Electrode Type in. mm Shielding Gas Minimum Spray Arc Current, A
Mild Steel 0.030 0.8 98% Argon + 2% Oxygen 150

0.035 0.9 165
0.045 1.1 220
0.062 1.6 275
Stainless Steel 0.035 0.9 98% Argon + 2% Oxygen 170

0.045 1.1 225
0.062 1.6 285
Aluminum 0.030 0.8 Argon 95

0.045 1.1 135
0.062 1.6 180
Deoxidized Copper 0.035 0.9 Argon 180

0.045 1.1 210
0.062 1.6 310
Silicon Bronze 0.035 0.9 Argon 165

0.045 1.1 205
0.062 1.6 270

Table 5-3—Typical Arc Voltages for GMAW of Various Metalsa
Sprayb Globular Transfer Short Circuiting Transfer

1/16 in. (1.6 mm) Diameter Electrode 0.035 in. (0.9 mm) Diameter Electrode
75% He + Ar–O2 Ar–O2 75%Ar +

Metal Argon Helium 25% Ar (1–5% O2) CO2 Argon (1–5% O2) 25% CO2 CO2
Aluminum 25 30 29 — — 19 — — —
Magnesium 26 — 28 — — 16 — — —
Carbon Steel — — — 28 30 17 18 19 20
Low-Alloy Steel — — — 28 30 17 18 19 20
Stainless Steel 24 — — 26 — 18 19 21 —
Nickel 26 30 28 — — 22 — — —
Nickel-Copper Alloy 26 30 28 — — 22 — — —
Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloy 26 30 28 — — 22 — — —
Copper 30 36 33 — — 24 22 — —
Copper-Nickel Alloy 28 32 30 — — 23 — — —
Silicon Bronze 28 32 30 28 — 23 — — —
Aluminum Bronze 28 32 30 — — 23 — — —
Phosphor Bronze 28 32 30 23 — 23 — — —
Notes:
a. Plus or minus approximately 10%. The lower voltages are normally used on light material and at low amperage; the higher voltages are used on heavy material at high amperage.
b. For the pulsed variation of spray transfer, the arc voltage would be from 18–28 volts, depending on the amperage range used.
48
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Table 5-4—GMAW Shielding Gases for Spray Transfer
Metal Shielding Gas Thickness Advantages
Aluminum 100% Argon 0 to 1 in. (0 to 25 mm)0 Best metal transfer and arc stability; least spatter
65% Helium + 35% Argon 1 to 3 in. (25 to 76 mm) Higher heat input than straight argon; improved fusion characteristics with
5XXX series Al-Mg alloys
75% Helium + 25% Argon Over 3 in. (76 mm) Highest heat input; minimizes porosity
Magnesium 100% Argon — Excellent cleaning action
Carbon Steel 95% Argon + 3.5% Oxygen — Improves arc stability; produces a more fluid and controllable weld puddle;
good coalescence and bead contour; minimizes undercutting; permits
higher speeds than pure argon
90% Argon + 8 to 10% Carbon Dioxide — High-speed mechanized welding; low-cost manual welding
Low-Alloy Steel 98% Argon + 2% Oxygen — Minimizes undercutting; provides good toughness
Stainless Steel 99% Argon + 1% Oxygen — Improves arc stability; produces a more fluid and controllable weld puddle,
good coalescence and bead contour; minimizes undercutting on heavier
stainless steels
98% Argon + 2% Oxygen — Provides better arc stability, coalescence, and welding speed than 1% oxygen
mixture for thinner stainless steel materials
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Nickel, Copper, 100% Argon Up to 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) Provides good wetting; decreases fluidity of weld metal
and their Alloys
Argon + Helium Mixtures — Higher heat inputs of 50 and 75% helium mixtures offset high heat dissipa-
tion of heavier gages
Titanium 100% Argon — Good arc stability; minimum weld contamination; inert gas backing is
required to prevent air contamination on back of weld area

Table 5-5—GMAW Shielding Gases for Short Circuiting Transfer
Metal Shielding Gas Thickness Advantages
Carbon Steel Less than 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) High welding speeds without burn-through; minimum distortion
and spatter
75% Argon + 25% CO2
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More than 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) Minimum spatter; clean weld appearance; good puddle control in
vertical and overhead positions
50% Argon + 50% CO2 — Deeper penetration; faster welding speeds
Stainless Steel 90% Helium + 7.5% Argon — No effect on corrosion resistance; small heat-affected zone; no
+ 2.5% CO2 undercutting; minimum distortion
Low-Alloy Steel 60–70% Helium + 25–35% Argon — Minimum reactivity; excellent toughness; excellent arc stability,
+ 4.5% CO2 wetting characteristics, and bead contour; little spatter
75% Argon + 25% CO2 — Fair toughness; excellent arc stability, wetting characteristics, and
bead contour; little spatter
Aluminum, Copper, Magnesium, Argon and Argon + Helium Mixtures Over 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) Argon satisfactory on sheet metal; argon-helium preferred on
Nickel, and their Alloys thicker base material
50
Table 5-6—Typical Conditions for GMAW of Austenitic Stainless Steel Using a Spray Arc in the Flat Position
Material Thickness Wire Diameter Current Voltagea Wire Feed Speed Gas Flow
in. mm Type of Weld in. mm amps volts IPM mm/s Shielding Gas CFH LPM
0.125(1 3.2 Butt Joint with Backing 0.062 1.6 225 24 130 55 98% Ar + 2% O2 30 14
)
0.250 b 6.4 V-Butt Joint 60° Inc. Angle 0.062 1.6 275 26 175 74 98% Ar + 2% O2 35 16
0.375 b 9.5 V-Butt Joint 60° Inc. Angle 0.062 1.6 300 28 240 102 98% Ar + 2% O2 35 16
Notes:
a. Direct current electrode positive (dcep).
b. Two passes required.
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Table 5-7—Typical Conditions for GMAW of Austenitic Stainless Steel Using a Short Circuiting Arc
Material Thickness Wire Diameter Current Voltagea Wire Feed Speed Gas Flow
in. mm Type of Weld in. mm amps volts IPM mm/s Shielding Gas CFH LPM
0.062 1.6 Butt Joint 0.030 0.8 85 21 185 78 98% He + 7.5% Ar 30 14

+ 2.5% CO2
0.093 2.4 Butt Joint 0.030 0.8 105 23 230 97 98% He + 7.5% Ar 30 14
+ 2.5% CO2
0.125 3.2 Butt Joint 0.030 0.8 125 24 280 118 98% He + 7.5% Ar 30 14
+ 2.5% CO2
Note:
a. Direct current electrode positive (dcep).

GTAW is typically performed using thoriated, lanthanated, or ceriated Submerged arc welding (SAW) does not presently have any fluxes that
tungsten electrodes. Direct current electrode negative (dcen–straight polar- are classified. The various codes and standards (such as AWS D1.6)
ity) is used for all current levels. For thin stainless steels, alternating cur- address the specific requirements for these fluxes. Table 5-11 provides typ-
rent (ac) or direct current electrode positive (dcep–reverse polarity) can be ical conditions for SAW of double V-groove welds in stainless steel plate.
used, but care is needed to ensure that the tungsten electrode does not melt.
PAW of stainless steels is typically performed using argon or mixtures Resistance Welding Processes
of argon-hydrogen for keyhole welding, and argon or argon-helium mix- Tables 5-12–5-15 provide data for welding of stainless steels with:
tures for the melt-in welding technique. Tables 5-8 and 5-9 provide some • Resistance spot welding
typical PAW conditions for stainless steels. • Resistance seam welding
Typical data for FCAW is shown in Figure 5-4 and Table 5-10. • Projection welding
Table 5-8—Typical PAW Conditions for Butt Joints in Stainless Steel
Gas Flowb
Thickness Travel Speed Current Arc Orificec Shieldc

(dcen) Voltage Nozzle
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in. mm in./min mm/s A V Typea ft3/h L/min ft3/h L/min Remarksd
0.092 2.4 24 10 115 30 111M 6 3 35 17 Keyhole, square-groove weld

Notes:
a. Nozzle type: number designates orifice diameter in thousands of an inch; “M” designates design.
b. Gas underbead shielding is required for all welds.
c. Gas used: 95% Ar + 5% H.
d. Torch standoff: 3/16 in. (4.8 mm).
52
Table 5-9—Typical PAW Conditions for Welding Stainless Steels—Low Amperage
Orifice Gas Flow Torch Electrode
Thickness Travel Speed Current Diameter Orificea,b,c Standoff Diameter
(dcen)
in. mm Type of Weld in./min mm/s A in. mm ft3/h L/min in. mm in. mm Remarks
0.030 0.76 Square-groove weld, 5.0 2 11 0.030 0.76 0.6 0.3 1/4 6.4 0.040 1.0 Mechanized
butt joint
0.060 1.50 Square-groove weld, 5.5 2 28 0.047 1.20 0.8 0.4 1/4 6.4 0.060 1.5 Mechanized
butt joint
0.030 0.76 Fillet weld, tee joint — — 8 0.030 0.76 0.6 0.3 1/4 6.4 0.040 1.0 Manual, filler metald
0.060 1.50 Fillet weld, tee joint — — 22 0.047 1.20 0.8 0.4 1/4 6.4 0.060 1.5 Manual, filler metald
0.030 0.76 Fillet weld, lap joint — — 9 0.030 0.76 0.3 0.6 3/8 9.5 0.040 1.0 Manual, filler metald
0.060 1.50 Fillet weld, lap joint — — 22 0.047 1.20 0.8 0.4 3/8 9.5 0.060 1.5 Manual, filler metale
Notes:
a. Orifice gas: argon.
b. Shielding gas: 95% Ar + 5% H at 20 ft3/h (10 L/min).
c. Gas underbead shielding: argon at 10 ft3/h (5 L/min).
d. Filler wire: 0.045 in. (1.1 mm) diameter 310 stainless steel.
e. Filler wire: 0.055 in. (1.4 mm) diameter 310 stainless steel.
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--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Figure 5-4—FCAW Electrode Feed Rate Versus Welding Current for Self-Shielding E308T-3
54
Table 5-10—Typical Self-Shielded FCAW Procedures for Stainless Steels Using Stainless Steel Electrodes
Weld Size, Root Opening, Electrode Welding Power, Wire Feed Electrode
T R Diameter dcep Speed Extension
Total
Joint Design in. mm in. mm Passes in. mm A V in./min mm/s in. mm
Flat Position Groove Welds
1/4 6 1/8 3 1 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 190 70 1 25

3/8 10 1/8 3 2 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 25
1/2 13 3/16 5 2 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 25

3/4 19 3/16 5 4 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 25
7/8 22 3/8 10 6 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 25

1-1/4 32 3/8 10 8 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 to 1-1/4 25–32
1/2 13 1/8 3 2 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 25

3 76 1/8 3 250 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 to 1-1/4 25–32
(continued)
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Table 5-10—Typical Self-Shielded FCAW Procedures for Stainless Steels Using Stainless Steel Electrodes (Continued)
Weld Size, Root Opening, Electrode Welding Power, Wire Feed Electrode
T R Diameter dcep Speed Extension
Total
Joint Design in. mm in. mm Passes in. mm A V in./min mm/s in. mm
Flat Position Groove Welds (Continued)
3/8 10 3/8 10 3 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 25

1-1/4 32 3/8 10 8 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 to 1-1/4 25–32
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Flat Position Fillet Weld
3/8 10 0 0 1 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 25

3/4 19 0 0 3 3/32 2.4 300 27.5 170 70 1 25
Horizontal Position Fillet Weld
1/8 3 0 0 1 1/16 1.6 185 24 265 1100 1/2 13

3/8 10 0 0 1 3/32 2.4 300 27 170 70 1 25
56
Table 5-11—Typical Conditions for SAW Double-V-Groove Joints in Stainless Steel Plate
First Welda Second Welda
Electrode Electrode
Plate Thickness Root Face Diameter Welding Travel Speed Diameter Welding Travel Speed
Current, Voltage, Current, Voltage,
in. mm in. mm in. mm A V in./min mm/s in. mm A V in./min mm/s
3/8 9.5 1/4 6.4 3/16 4.8 525 30 20 8.5 3/16 4.8 0575 32 24 10.2
1/2 12.7 1/4 6.4 3/16 4.8 700 35 18 7.6 3/16 4.8 0900 33 18 07.6
5/8 15.9 1/4 6.4 3/16 4.8 700 33 16 6.8 1/4 6.4 0900 35 12 05.1
3/4 19.1 1/4 6.4 1/4 6.4 700 33 15 6.4 1/4 6.4 0950 35 12 05.1
7/8 22.2 5/16 7.9 1/4 6.4 715 33 15 6.4 1/4 6.4 1025 35 12 05.1
Note:
a. 90-degree groove angle.
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Table 5-12A—Suggested Practices for Spot Welding Stainless Steels (U.S. Customary Units)
Welding Current, A
Thickness Electrodeb Weld Time Minimum Shear Strength, lb (approx.) Fused
of (Single Zone Minimum Minimum
Thinnest Face Net Impulse), Base Metal Base Metal Base Metal Tensile Tensile Diameter, Weld Contacting
Outside Diameter, Diameter, Electrode Cycles UTS 70–90 UTS UTS Strength Strength in. Spacing, Overlap,
Piece, in.a in. in. Force, lb (60 Hz) ksi 90–150 ksi ≥150 ksi <150 ksi ≥150 ksi (approx.) in.c in.
0.006 3/16 3/32 180 2 60 70 85 2 000 2 000 0.045 3/16 3/16
0.008 3/16 3/32 200 3 100 130 145 2 000 2 000 0.055 3/16 3/16
0.010 3/16 1/8 230 3 150 170 210 2 000 2 000 0.065 3/16 3/16
0.012 1/4 1/8 260 3 185 210 250 2 100 2 000 0.076 1/4 1/4
0.014 1/4 1/8 300 4 240 250 320 2 500 2 200 0.082 1/4 1/4
0.016 1/4 1/8 330 4 280 300 380 3 000 2 500 0.088 3/16 1/4
0.018 1/4 1/8 380 4 320 360 470 3 500 2 800 0.093 3/16 1/4
0.021 1/4 5/32 400 4 370 470 500 4 000 3 200 0.100 3/16 5/16
0.025 3/8 5/32 520 5 500 600 680 5 000 4 100 0.120 7/16 3/8
0.031 3/8 3/16 650 5 680 800 930 6 000 4 800 0.130 1/2 3/8
0.034 3/8 3/16 750 6 800 920 1100 7 000 5 500 0.150 9/16 7/16
0.040 3/8 3/16 900 6 1000 1270 1400 7 800 6 300 0.160 5/8 7/16
0.044 3/8 3/16 1000 8 1200 1450 1700 8 700 7 000 0.180 11/16 7/16
0.050 1/2 1/4 1200 8 1450 1700 2000 9 500 7 500 0.190 3/4 1/2
0.056 1/2 1/4 1350 10 1700 2000 2450 10 300 8 300 0.210 7/8 9/16
0.062 1/2 1/4 1500 10 1950 2400 2900 11 000 9 000 0.220 1 5/8
0.070 5/8 1/4 1700 12 2400 2800 3550 12 300 10 000 0.250 1-1/8 5/8
0.078 5/8 5/16 1900 14 2700 3400 4000 14 000 11 000 0.275 1-1/4 11/16
0.094 5/8 5/16 2400 16 3550 4200 5300 15 700 12 700 0.285 1-1/8 3/4
0.109 3/4 3/8 2800 18 4200 5000 6400 17 700 14 000 0.290 1-1/2 13/16
0.125 3/4 3/8 3300 20 5000 6000 7600 18 000 15 500 0.300 2 7/8
Notes:
a. Types of steel are 301, 302, 303, 304, 308, 309, 310, 316, 317, 321, 347, and 348. Material should be free from scale, oxides, paint, grease, and oil. Welding conditions are determined by thickness of
the thinnest outside piece, T. Data for total thickness of pile-up not exceeding 4T. Maximum ratio between two thicknesses is 3 to 1.
b. Truncated electrodes of RWMA Group A, Class 3 or Group B, Class 2 material. Electrodes with 3 in. spherical faces also are used.
c. Minimum weld spacing is that spacing for two pieces for which no special precautions need be taken to compensate for shunted current effect of adjacent welds. For three pieces, increase spacing 30%.
58 --`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Table 5-12B—Suggested Practices for Spot Welding Stainless Steels (Metric Units)
Welding Current, A
Thickness Electrodeb Weld Time Minimum Shear Strength, N (approx.) Fused
of (Single Zone Minimum Minimum
Thinnest Face Net Impulse), Base Metal Base Metal Base Metal Tensile Tensile Diameter, Weld Contacting
Outside Diameter, Diameter, Electrode Cycles UTS 483– UTS 621– UTS Strength Strength mm Spacing, Overlap,
Piece, mma mm mm Force, N (60 Hz) 621 MPa 1034 MPa ≥1034 MPa <1034 MPa ≥1034 MPa (approx.) mmc mm
0.15 4.76 2.38 801 2 267 311 378 2 000 2 000 1.14 4.76 4.76
0.20 4.76 2.38 890 3 445 578 645 2 000 2 000 1.40 4.76 4.76
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0.25 4.76 3.18 1 023 3 667 756 934 2 000 2 000 1.65 4.76 4.76
0.31 6.35 3.18 1 157 3 823 934 1 112 2 100 2 000 1.93 6.35 6.35
0.36 6.35 3.18 1 334 4 1 068 1 112 1 423 2 500 2 200 2.08 6.35 6.35
0.41 6.35 3.18 1 468 4 1 246 1 334 1 690 3 000 2 500 2.24 4.76 6.35
0.46 6.35 3.18 1 690 4 1 423 1 601 2 091 3 500 2 800 2.36 4.76 6.35
0.53 6.35 3.97 1 779 4 1 646 2 091 2 224 4 000 3 200 2.54 4.76 7.94
0.64 9.53 3.97 2 313 5 2 224 2 669 3 025 5 000 4 100 3.05 11.11 9.53
0.79 9.53 4.76 2 891 5 3 025 3 559 4 137 6 000 4 800 3.30 12.70 9.53
0.86 9.53 4.76 3 336 6 3 559 4 092 4 893 7 000 5 500 3.81 14.29 11.11
1.02 9.53 4.76 4 003 6 4 448 5 649 6 228 7 800 6 300 4.06 15.88 11.11
1.12 9.53 4.76 4 448 8 5 338 6 450 7 562 8 700 7 000 4.57 17.46 11.11
1.27 12.70 6.35 5 338 8 6 450 7 562 8 896 9 500 7 500 4.83 19.05 12.70
1.42 12.70 6.35 6 005 10 7 562 8 896 10 898 10 300 8 300 5.33 22.23 14.29
1.58 12.70 6.35 6 672 10 8 674 10 676 12 900 11 000 9 000 5.59 25.40 15.88
1.78 15.88 6.35 7 562 12 10 676 12 455 15 791 12 300 10 000 6.35 28.58 15.88
1.98 15.88 7.94 8 452 14 12 010 15 124 17 793 14 000 11 000 6.99 31.75 17.46
2.39 15.88 7.94 10 676 16 15 791 18 683 23 576 15 700 12 700 7.24 28.58 19.05
2.77 19.05 9.53 12 455 18 18 683 22 241 28 469 17 700 14 000 7.37 38.10 20.64
3.18 19.05 9.53 14 679 20 22 241 26 689 33 806 18 000 15 500 7.62 50.80 22.23
Notes:
a. Types of steel are 301, 302, 303, 304, 308, 309, 310, 316, 317, 321, 347, and 348. Material should be free from scale, oxides, paint, grease, and oil. Welding conditions are determined by thickness of
the thinnest outside piece, T. Data for total thickness of pile-up not exceeding 4T. Maximum ratio between two thicknesses is 3 to 1.
b. Truncated electrodes of RWMA Group A, Class 3 or Group B, Class 2 material. Electrodes with 76 mm spherical faces also are used.
c. Minimum weld spacing is that spacing for two pieces for which no special precautions need be taken to compensate for shunted current effect of adjacent welds. For three pieces, increase spacing 30%.

Table 5-13—Welding Schedules Suggested for Seam Welding Stainless Steels
Thickness
of Thinnest Minimum Net Heat Cool Time for Maximum Welding Minimum
Outside Piecea Electrode Widthb Electrode Force Time, Maximum Speed Welding Speed Welds Current, Joint Overlapc
Cycles (Pressure-Tight), A
in. mm in. mm lb N (60 Hz) Cycles (60 Hz) in./min mm/s in. mm (approx.) in. mm
0.006 0.15 3/16 4.8 300 1 334 2 1 60 25.4 20 508 4 000 1/4 6.4
0.008 0.20 3/16 4.8 350 1 557 2 1 67 28.4 18 457 4 600 1/4 6.4
0.010 0.25 3/16 4.8 400 1 779 3 2 45 19.1 16 406 5 000 1/4 6.4
0.012 0.31 1/4 6.4 450 2 002 3 2 48 20.3 15 381 5 600 5/16 7.9
0.014 0.36 1/4 6.4 500 2 224 3 2 51 21.6 14 356 6 200 5/16 7.9
0.016 0.41 1/4 6.4 600 2 669 3 2 51 21.6 14 356 6 700 5/16 7.9
0.018 0.46 1/4 6.4 650 2 891 3 2 55 23.3 13 330 7 300 5/16 7.9
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0.021 0.53 1/4 6.4 700 3 114 3 2 55 23.3 13 330 7 900 3/8 9.5
0.025 0.64 3/8 9.5 850 3 781 3 3 50 21.2 12 305 9 200 7/16 11.1
0.031 0.79 3/8 9.5 1000 4 448 3 3 50 21.2 12 305 10 600 7/16 11.1
0.040 1.02 3/8 9.5 1300 5 783 3 4 47 19.9 11 279 13 000 1/2 12.7
0.050 1.27 1/2 12.7 1600 7 117 4 4 45 19.1 10 254 14 200 5/8 15.9
0.062 1.58 1/2 12.7 1850 8 229 4 5 40 16.9 10 254 15 100 5/8 15.9
0.070 1.78 5/8 15.9 2150 9 564 4 5 44 18.6 9 229 15 900 11/16 17.5
0.078 1.98 5/8 15.9 2300 10 231 4 6 40 16.9 9 229 16 500 11/16 17.5
0.094 2.39 5/8 15.9 2550 11 343 5 6 36 15.2 9 229 16 600 3/4 19.1
0.109 2.77 3/4 19.1 2950 13 122 5 7 38 16.1 8 203 16 800 13/16 20.6
0.125 3.18 3/4 19.1 3300 14 679 6 6 38 16.1 8 203 17 000 7/8 22.2
Notes:
a. Types of steel are 301, 302, 303, 304, 308, 309, 310, 316, 317, 321, and 347. Material should be free from scale, oxides, paint, grease, and oil. Welding conditions determined by thickness of thinnest
outside piece. Data for total thickness of pile-up not exceeding 4 (thinnest outside piece thickness). Maximum ratio between thicknesses 3 to 1.
b. Electrode material RWMA Group A, Class 3 copper alloy. Face radius, 3 in. (76 mm).
c. For large assemblies, minimum joint overlap should be increased 30%.
60
Table 5-14—Projection Welding Design Data
Minimum Shear Strength (Single Projection Weld)

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Thickness Tensile Strength Tensile Strength Tensile Strength Minimum

of Thinnest Diameter Height < 70 ksi 70–150 ksi ≥ 150 ksi Diameter of Minimum
Outside Piecea of Projectionb of Projectionc (483 MPa) (483–1034 MPa) (1034 MPa) Fused Zone Joint Overlapd
in. mm in. mm in. mm lb N lb N lb N in. mm in. mm
0.010 0.25 0.055 1.40 0.015 0.38 130 578 180 801 250 1 112 0.112 2.85 1/8 3.2
0.012 0.31 0.055 1.40 0.015 0.38 170 756 220 979 330 1 468 0.112 2.85 1/8 3.2
0.014 0.36 0.055 1.40 0.015 0.38 200 890 280 1 246 380 1 690 0.112 2.85 1/8 3.2
0.016 0.41 0.067 1.70 0.017 0.43 240 1 068 330 1 468 450 2 002 0.112 2.85 5/32 4.0
0.021 0.53 0.067 1.70 0.017 0.43 320 1 423 440 1 957 600 2 669 0.140 3.56 5/32 4.0
0.025 0.64 0.081 2.06 0.020 0.51 450 2 002 600 2 669 820 3 648 0.140 3.56 3/16 4.8
0.031 0.79 0.094 2.39 0.022 0.56 635 2 825 850 3 781 1100 4 893 0.169 4.29 7/32 5.6
0.034 0.86 0.094 2.39 0.022 0.56 790 3 514 1000 4 448 1300 5 783 0.169 4.29 7/32 5.6
0.044 1.12 0.119 3.02 0.028 0.71 920 4 092 1300 5 783 2000 8 896 0.169 4.29 9/32 7.1
0.050 1.27 0.119 3.02 0.028 0.71 1350 6 005 1700 7 562 2400 10 676 0.225 5.72 9/32 7.1
0.062 1.58 0.156 3.96 0.035 0.89 1950 8 674 2250 10 008 3400 15 124 0.225 5.72 3/8 9.5
0.070 1.78 0.156 3.96 0.035 0.89 2300 10 231 2800 12 455 4200 18 683 0.281 7.14 3/8 9.5
0.078 1.98 0.187 4.75 0.041 1.04 2700 12 010 3200 14 234 4800 21 351 0.281 7.14 7/16 11.1
0.094 2.39 0.218 5.54 0.048 1.22 3450 15 346 4000 17 792 6100 27 134 0.281 7.14 1/2 12.7
0.109 2.77 0.250 6.35 0.054 1.37 4150 18 460 5000 22 241 7000 31 138 0.338 8.59 5/8 15.9
0.125 3.18 0.281 7.14 0.060 1.52 4800 21 351 5700 25 355 8000 35 586 0.338 8.59 11/16 17.5
Notes:
a. Types of steel are 309, 310, 316, 317, 321, and 347 (maximum carbon content 0.15%). Material should be free from scale, oxides, paint, grease, and oil. Size of projection normally determined by
thickness of thinner piece, and projection should be on thicker piece, where possible. Data based on thickness of thinner sheet, and for two thicknesses only.
b. Projection should be made on piece of higher conductivity when dissimilar metals are welded. For diameter of projection, a tolerance of ±0.003 in. (0.076 mm) in material up to and including 0.050 in.
(1.27 mm) in thickness and ±0.007 in. (0.178 mm) in material over 0.050 in. (1.27 mm) in thickness may be allowed.
c. For height of projection, a tolerance of ±0.002 in. (0.051 mm) in material up to and including 0.050 in. (1.27 mm) in thickness and ±0.005 in. (0.127 mm) in material over 0.050 in. in thickness may be
allowed.
d. Overlap does not include any radii from forming, etc. Weld should be located in center of overlap.

Table 5-15—Manufacturing Process Data for Projection Welding Stainless Steels
Thickness of Thinnest
Outside Piecea Electrode Face Diameterb Net Electrode Force Weld Time, Hold Time, Welding
Cycles Cycles Current, A
in. mm in. mm lb N (60 Hz) (60 Hz) (approx.)
0.014 0.36 1/8 3.2 300 1 334 7 15 4 500

0.021 0.53 3/32 2.4 500 2 224 10 15 4 750
0.031 0.79 3/16 4.8 700 3 114 15 15 5 750
0.044 1.12 1/4 6.4 700 3 114 20 15 6 000
0.062 1.59 5/16 7.9 1200 5 338 25 15 7 500
0.078 1.98 3/8 9.5 1900 8 452 30 30 10 000
0.094 2.39 7/16 11.10 1900 8 452 30 30 10 000
0.109 2.78 1/2 12.70 2800 12 455 30 45 13 000
0.125 3.18 9/16 14.30 2800 12 455 30 45 14 000
Notes:
a. Types of steel are 309, 310, 316, 317, 321, and 347 (maximum carbon content, 0.15%). Material should be free from scale, oxides, paint, grease, and oil. Data based on thickness of thinner sheet, and
for two thicknesses only. Maximum ratio between two thicknesses 3 to 1.
b. Electrode material, RWMA Group A, Class 2, or Group B, Class 12 alloy. Truncated electrodes with flat faces.
62
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Oxyfuel Welding Processes Cutting Processes
Oxyfuel welding processes should not be used to weld stainless steels. Cutting processes not to use on stainless steels:
These processes utilize a mixture of gases containing hydrocarbons and (1) Oxyfuel—can carburize or oxidize the stainless steel.
oxygen. If the flame is not adjusted properly it will result in either:
Cutting processes that can be used:
(1) Carburizing flame—adds carbon to the stainless steel and leads to (1) Plasma arc.
sensitization. (2) Laser.
(2) Oxidizing flame—adds oxygen that oxidizes the stainless steel, (3) Waterjet.
making it no longer corrosion resistant. (4) Air carbon arc—will carburize the cut surface, but if properly
cleaned, is acceptable.
Beam Welding Processes Brazing

Electron beam and laser beam welding processes are readily suitable for Stainless steels are readily brazed, using some of the brazing filler
stainless steels (no filler metal is required; however, it can be added). The metals listed in Chapter 3. These are typically furnace brazed in a vacuum
faster travel speeds and solidification rates of these processes tend to pro- or inert atmosphere to avoid carburization or oxidation. Stainless steels are
duce more hot cracking problems. also torch brazed, provided a neutral flame is maintained.
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--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Chapter 6—Postweld Cleaning of Stainless Steels
Postweld Cleaning If the weldment is not properly cleaned, slag, entrapped foreign parti-
Following welding, the weld and surrounding heat-affected zone (HAZ) cles, and even discolored oxides (light blue or straw-colored or darker)
should be properly cleaned, to ensure that the entire weldment has full may cause corrosion, depending on the environment.
corrosion resistance. Further treatments could include:
Depending upon the application, one or more of the following may be
necessary: (1) Chemical cleaning.
(1) Chip or grind to remove all slag, scale and heavy oxide. (2) Pickling—use of an acid to attack and remove contamination, oxi-
(2) Remove all spatter. dized areas, etc.
(3) Grind any arc strikes.
(3) Passivation—chemical treatment to form chromium-rich passive
(4) Wire brush to remove all final traces of slag.
oxide layer on the surface.
(5) Wire brush to remove discoloration.
(6) Grind and/or repair any crevices and pits. (4) Mechanical polishing—to remove crevices and produce a smooth
(7) Ensure all wire brushes are stainless steel, and are segregated for surface.
use only on stainless steels. (5) Electropolishing (following mechanical polishing)—produces the
(8) Segregate all tools for use on stainless steel, and do not allow them smoothest surface finish to avoid crevices and pits. This also renders the
to become contaminated with carbon steel. surface less reactive than chemical passivation.
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--`,,,,,,``````,`,```,,`````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Chapter 7—Heat Treatments of Stainless Steels
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Preweld Heat Treatment (Preheat) Table 7-1—Typical Preheat and Postweld Heat Treatment
Requirements for Martensitic Stainless Steels
Preweld heat treatment (preheating) is used only for some of the mar-
tensitic stainless steels and some of the ferritic stainless steels that produce Preheat (minimum)a
Postweld Heat Treatment
martensite. There are two main reasons for preheating (both of which Carbon, % °F °C Requirementsb
reduce the chances of forming cold cracks):
<0.05 250 121 Optional
(1) Slow down the cooling rate so that less martensite forms. 0.05–0.15 400 204 Recommended
(2) Drive off any hydrogen or moisture. >0.15 600 316 Necessary
Notes:
Table 7-1 lists the typical preheat and postweld heat treatment require- a. The ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code recommends a minimum preheat of 400°F
ments for martensitic stainless steels. Note that the preheat temperature (204°C) for those materials listed as P-6 in Section IX.
b. The required heating and cooling rates are specified in the applicable construction code
increases with greater carbon content (it also should increase with base section of the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code.
metal thickness). As the carbon content increases, the martensite that forms
is harder and more brittle; and therefore, more likely to crack.
Preheat is not necessary for most other stainless steels. In fact, preheat-
Postweld Heat Treatment
ing of austenitic stainless steels and the majority of ferritic stainless steels Postweld heat treatment is required for several types of stainless steels,
(especially the superaustenitics and superferritics) is detrimental. These but for different reasons. Table 7-2 presents postweld heat treatments for
alloys, when heated, do not undergo a phase transformation; therefore, pre- martensitic stainless steels as follows:
heating these alloys makes the grains grow dramatically, which decreases
(1) Subcritical heat treatment to temper the martensite and improve
the strength. Since no martensite forms, there is no beneficial effect in pre-
ductility and toughness, or
heating, in fact, preheating of ferritic or austenitic stainless steels increases
(2) Full annealing heat treatment to transform the martensite and
the undesirable possibility of sensitization. With austenitic stainless steels,
improve ductility and toughness.
the tremendous amount of distortion that occurs is another reason for not
preheating these alloys. While both of these treatments will improve ductility and toughness,
(Refer to Chapter 9 for preheat treatment information and code they will not remove cold cracks that may have already formed. Preheat is
requirements.) the best method to avoid cold cracks in martensitic stainless steels.

Table 7-2—Postweld Heat Treatments for Martensitic Stainless Steels Table 7-3—Recommended Solution Annealing
Temperatures for Austenitic Stainless Steels
Subcritical Postweld
Heat Treatment Full Annealing Temperature
Temperature Rangea,b Temperature Rangec
Type °F °C
Type °F °C °F °C 201, 202, 301, 302, 303, 304, 304L, 305, 308 1850–2050 1010–1121
403, 410, 416 1200–1400 649–760 1525–1625 829–885 309, 309S, 316 1900–2050 1038–1121
414 1200–1350 649–732 Note d Note d 316L, 317L 1900–2025 1038–1107
420 1250–1400 677–760 1525–1625 829–885 317 1950–2050 1066–1121
431 1150–1300 621–704 Note d Note d 321 1750–1950 954–1066
440A, 440B, 440C 1250–1400 677–760 1550–1650 843–899 347, 348 1800–1950 982–1066
CA-6NM 1100–1150 593–621 1450–1500 788–816
CA-15, CA–40 1150–1200 621–649 1550–1650 843–899
Notes: Precipitation-hardening stainless steels require a postweld heat treat-
a. Air cool from temperature; lowest hardness is obtained by heating near the top of the range. ment to provide for maximum strength. Table 7-4 shows typical heat treat-
b. Specific postweld heat treatment rules for ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code applications ments for precipitation-hardening stainless steels that involve (at least) a
are indicated in the applicable code sections.
c. Furnace cool to 1100°F (593°C); weldment can then be air cooled. two-step process of:
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d. Not recommended.
(1) Solution annealing—puts everything into solution, followed by fast
cooling.
(Refer to Chapter 9 for postweld heat treatment information and code (2) Precipitation-hardening—allows precipitates to form.
requirements.) Welding of precipitation-hardening stainless steels should be done prior
Most austenitic stainless steels do not require any postweld heat treat- to the heat treatment. If left untreated, the material will not achieve the high
ment—they are only annealed if it is necessary to reduce the chances of strength possible after heat treatment. Repair welding of these stainless
sensitization or stress. Table 7-3 lists the recommended solution annealing steels typically causes problems. A postweld heat treatment on the repair
temperatures (followed by water quenching) for numerous 200 and 300 weld will produce overaging of the surrounding metal, resulting in
series austenitic stainless steels. Welded austenitic stainless steel tubing is decreased strength. A full solution anneal and precipitation-hardening
an example of a material that is typically given a solution anneal followed treatment should be performed, but may not be practical on an assembly or
by water quenching. structure that is being repaired.
68
Table 7-4—Typical Heat Treatments for Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steelsa
Heat Treatment
Solution Anneal Austenite Conditioning Precipitation Hardening
Steel UNS Grade or
Designationb Number Type °F °C Quenchc °F °C Quenchc °F °C Quenchc
Martensitic
PH 13-8 Mo S13800 XM-13 1700 ± 25 927 ± 14 AC — — — 950–1000d 510–538d AC, 4 h
17-4 PH S17400 630 1925 ± 50 1052 ± 28 AC — — — 900–1150e 482–621e AC, 4 h
15-5 PH S15500 XM-12 1900 ± 25 1038 ± 14 AC — — — 925–1150e 496–621e AC, 4 h
Custom 450 S45000 XM-25 1900 ± 25 1038 ± 14 RC — — — 900–1150e 482–621e AC, 4 h
Custom 455 S45500 XM-16 1525 ± 25 830 ± 14 WQ — — — 900–950d0 482–510d AC, 4 h
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Semiaustenitic
17-7 PH S17700 631 1950 ± 25 1066 ± 14 AC 1750 ± 15 954 ± 80 SZC 950d 510d AC, 1 h
PH 15-7 Mo S15700 632 1950 ± 25 1066 ± 14 AC 1750 ± 15 954 ± 80 SZC 950d 510d AC, 1 h
17-7 PH S17700 631 1950 ± 25 1066 ± 14 AC 1400 ± 25 760 ± 14 RC 1050d 566d AC, 1-1/2 h
PH 15-7 Mo S15700 632 1950 ± 25 1066 ± 14 AC 1400 ± 25 760 ± 14 RC 1050d 566d AC, 1-1/2 h
AM-350 S35000 633 1950 ± 25 1066 ± 14 RC 1710 ± 25 932 ± 14 SZC 850–1000e 454–538e AC, 3 h
AM-355 S35500 634 1900 ± 25 1038 ± 14 RC 1750 ± 10 954 ± 60 SZC 850–1000f 454–538f AC, 3 h
Austenitic
A-286 S66286 660 1650–1800 899–982 RC — — — 1325 718 AC, 16 h
17-10 P — — 2050 1121 WQ — — — 1300 704 AC, 24 h
HNM — — 2050 1121 AC — — — 1350 732 AC, 16 h
Notes:
a. For additional information, see ASTM A 693.
b. Many of these are registered trade names.
c. AC, air cool; WQ, water quench; RC, rapid cool (to 55 ± 5°F [13 ± 3°C] 1 h for S17700 or S15700); SZC, rapid cool to –100 ± 10°F (–73 ± 6°C) 8 h (S17700 or S15700) or –110 ± 10°F (–79 ± 6°C)
3 h (S35000 or S35500).
d. The tolerance for values in this range is ±10°F (±6°C).
e. The tolerance for values in this range is ±15°F (±8°C).
f. The tolerance for values in this range is ±25°F (±14°C).

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Chapter 8—Weld Discontinuities and Defects in Stainless Steels
General Weld Discontinuities and Defects Several references listed in the back of this Advisor provide guides to
these discontinuities and their inspection, including: AWS B1.10, Guide for
Welding of stainless steels can lead to various weld discontinuities or Nondestructive Inspection of Welds, AWS B1.11, Guide for Visual Inspec-
defects, including: tion of Welds, and The Everyday Pocket Handbook for Visual Inspection
(1) Cracks. and Weld Discontinuities.
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(2) Incomplete fusion.

(3) Incomplete joint penetration. Discontinuities and Defects in Stainless Steels
(4) Overlap. Certain discontinuities and defects are unique to welds in stainless
(5) Porosity. steels and higher alloys. For a comprehensive overview of those relating to
(6) Slag inclusions. corrosion of stainless steel welds, refer to The Practical Reference Guide
(7) Tungsten inclusions. for Corrosion of Welds: Causes and Cures. In addition, several welding-
(8) Unacceptable weld profiles. related discontinuities in stainless steels are reviewed below.
(9) Undercut.
(10) Underfill. Sensitization (Intergranular Corrosion) of Stainless
These can be caused by the:
Steels
Sensitization is a problem that can occur mainly in austenitic and fer-
(1) Welding process.
ritic stainless steels, when chromium carbides (or nitrides) precipitate at
(2) Poor weld joint design. grain boundaries (illustrated in Figure 8-1). In the austenitics, these chro-
(3) Improper welding technique or application. mium carbides form when the stainless steel is exposed to temperatures in
(4) Base metal or filler metal. the range of 800–1500°F (427–816°C). Because the chromium has diffused
These discontinuities can occur in the: to the carbides, there is a chromium-depleted region around each carbide.
When exposed to a corrosive environment, intergranular corrosion will
(1) Weld metal. likely occur at the grain boundaries, because the chromium content in the
(2) Heat-affected zone (HAZ). chromium-depleted region is less than the 10.5 wt.% needed for stainless
(3) Base metal. steel.

Figure 8-2—Weld Metal Area, Heat-Affected Zone,
and Base Metal
Figure 8-1—Sensitization—Formation of
Chromium Carbides at Grain Boundaries show “wagon wheel tracks” or parallel lines of corrosion along the HAZs
on either side of the weld (commonly termed “knife line attack”).
Typically, the weld metal of a single-pass weld does not get sensitized,
This is a defect only if the stainless steel is exposed to the proper corro- because the material exceeds the temperature for sensitization, and then
sive environment, such as an acid; however, some sensitized stainless steels cools through the sensitization temperature range too rapidly for chromium
have “rusted” or oxidized when simply exposed to air. carbides to form. Sensitization rarely occurs in small single-pass welds or
A weld on stainless steel will most often produce sensitization in the heat-affected zones on thin stainless steel, because these materials do not
heat-affected zone (HAZ), because this region is in the sensitization tem- remain in the sensitization temperature range long enough.
perature range during heating, welding, and cooling (see Figure 8-2). Multi-pass welds on stainless steel (Figure 8-3), especially on thicker
Welds that are sensitized and exposed to a corrosive environment will often material, can produce sensitization in the HAZ as well as in the first weld
72
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by normal visual or other nondestructive examination (NDE) methods
immediately after welding. Metallographic analysis on a sample is the only
accurate method to detect sensitization; unfortunately, this is a destructive
test.
Methods to Avoid Sensitization

(1) Solution Anneal and Water Quench—If the austenitic stainless
steels have already been sensitized, annealing at 1900–2050°F (1038–
Figure 8-3—Multi-Pass Weld 1121°C) causes the chromium carbides to dissolve and allows the chro-
mium to return to the depleted regions. Water quenching (cooling rapidly)
is important to avoid reformation of chromium carbides.
passes. The root pass is sensitized by the heat from the second and subse- Concerns:
quent weld passes. In the same manner, the second weld pass is sensitized • Localized heat treatment will not work. While this treatment will
by the third pass, etc. remove sensitization in the heated region, it will also produce sensi-
Thus, sensitization can occur during: tization on both sides of the heated area.
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• Full annealing of a structure is often impractical.
(1) Heat treatment
• Annealing of stainless steels, especially the austenitic stainless
(2) Multipass welding
steels, produces significant distortion.
— In the heat-affected zone
— In first weld passes (2) Use Stabilized Stainless Steels—Types 321, 347, 348, and 444 con-
(3) Service at elevated temperatures, i.e., 800–1500°F (427–816°C) tain “stabilizing” elements such as Ti, Nb, Ta, and Co, which cause the for-
mation of carbides of these elements (e.g., TiC) that are more stable than
chromium carbides. Since chromium carbides do not form, there is no deple-
Detection of Sensitization tion of chromium and no sensitization.
Since sensitization becomes a defect only after the material has been It is important to note that the amount of the stabilizing elements is crit-
exposed to corrosive or oxidizing environments, it cannot be detected ical. For example, as shown in Table 2-1, the amount of titanium needed in

Type 321 is at least 5 times the carbon content. If less than this amount of joint by exposure to carbon steel, tools that have contacted carbon steel, or
titanium were present, some chromium carbides could still form, thus pro- other sources of carbon, such as grease, oil, paint, etc.
ducing sensitization. Avoid rubbing pencil “lead” on tungsten electrodes to help strike an
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Concerns:
• Select stabilized grades of base metal.
• Use stabilized grades of filler metal for stabilized base metals (i.e.,
use ER321 filler for Type 321 base metal). General Corrosion
Stainless steels are resistant to general corrosion and oxidation mainly
(3) Use Low Carbon Stainless Steels—Several types of stainless steel because of their chromium content. It is important that the stainless steel
contain lower levels of carbon. Types 304L and 316L contain a maximum surfaces do not become contaminated or oxidized during weld preparation
of 0.03% carbon (see Table 2-1) compared with Types 304 and 316, which or welding. Avoid the following:
have a maximum of 0.08%. For Type 304 with 0.08% carbon, sensitization
can occur in less than 1 min. For Type 304L with 0.03% carbon, it would (1) Contamination of stainless steel with:
take several hours at the appropriate temperature to produce sensitization, — Free iron from carbon steels (tools, worktables, other steel, etc.)
due to the extremely low carbon content of the steel. — Rust
These low carbon stainless steels were specifically developed to avoid (2) Improper gas shielding of the weld face (top side) and weld root
sensitization. The “L” denotes low carbon. (underbead), which causes excessive discoloration.
(3) Using improper welding process, such as oxyfuel welding.
Concerns:
• Select low carbon grades of base metal.
• Use low carbon grades of filler metal for low carbon base metals Weld Contamination/Discoloration
(use ER308L filler for Type 304L base metal).
• Do not use low carbon filler metal on high or moderate carbon con- Stainless steel welds can become discolored if not properly shielded
tent base metal due to undermatching strength. with inert gas or flux during welding. Discoloration is simply varying com-
positions and thicknesses of oxidation on the stainless steel surface.
(4) Avoid Contact with Carbon—Proper cleaning and surface prepara- Depending upon the application, different levels of discoloration or oxi-
tion are very important. Avoid contamination of the stainless steel weld dation may be acceptable.
74
• In the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, no discolora- — Arc strikes
tion on the weld surface is allowed, and only a light blue or light — Rough weld ripples
straw color is allowed on the heat-affected zone (for surfaces that — Overlap
come in contact with the product). — Incomplete fusion
• In the food, dairy, and beverage industry, AWS D18.1 provides a — Incomplete joint penetration
color photograph of weld discoloration levels on stainless steel tub- — Porosity
ing, and suggests that acceptable discoloration on the weld be no (2) Use of incorrect alloy filler metal.
darker than a straw or blue color.
• In other industries, even darker discoloration levels may be acceptable. Stress Corrosion Cracking
• Sugaring (a black oxidation with white “crystals” of oxide frequently Avoid the following:
present) is the extreme condition of weld oxidation/contamination,
and is typically unacceptable for all stainless steel applications. (1) Highly restrained welds.
(2) Contamination with chlorides or sulfides (such as marking pens,
All forms of discoloration or contamination leave a chromium-depleted penetrants, etc.).
layer underneath. Since these areas do not have the passive chromium-
oxide layer that provides corrosion resistance, these areas are no longer Weld Penetration Problems
considered “stainless.” Proper mechanical or chemical cleaning, followed
Weld penetration variations, especially in arc welds, can be caused by
by a passivation treatment is necessary to restore corrosion resistance.
many factors. Normal methods to overcome incomplete joint penetration
problems include:
Pitting and Crevice Corrosion
(1) Decreasing travel speed.
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The pitting and crevice corrosion cracking resistance of stainless steels (2) Increasing welding current.
is improved by the addition of molybdenum and nickel. Any contamination (3) Changing joint design (such as decreasing weld root face or land
that removes or oxidizes these elements will decrease the corrosion thickness).
resistance.
Avoid the following: In stainless steels, however, the weld penetration is often dramatically
affected by the chemistry of the weld (from both the base metal and the
(1) Unacceptable weld profiles that create crevices, such as: filler metal). The main element that causes this variable penetration is sul-
— Weld spatter fur, and to a lesser extent, oxygen and certain other elements.

Figure 8-4 illustrates weld pools in low and high sulfur 304 stainless is the reason that some stainless steel specifications presently require sulfur
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steel. With low levels of sulfur present (<0.003 wt.%), the liquid weld pool contents of 0.005–0.017 wt.% sulfur (e.g., ASTM A 269 and A 270). The
flows outward, producing shallow weld penetration (Figure 8-4A). When minimum of 0.005 wt.% should prevent the shallow penetration problem.
the sulfur content is higher (>0.005 wt.%), the weld pool flows inward, This penetration problem can be further aggravated when a low-sulfur
producing deep, narrow weld penetration (Figure 8-4B). metal is welded to a high-sulfur metal. The weld pool can be shifted off-
This problem can sometimes be overcome by the methods listed above. center towards the low sulfur side, causing a missed joint—as shown in
However, when the sulfur content is extremely low, changing the sulfur con- Figure 8-5. Shifting the welding electrode off-center towards the high sul-
tent of the base metal or filler metal may be the only acceptable option. This fur side may shift the weld pool back and allow the weld to consume the
joint. Specification limits of 0.005–0.017 wt.% tend to prevent this prob-
lem from occurring.
Figure 8-4—Weld Penetration in Stainless Steels Figure 8-5—Weld Penetration in Mismatched Base Metals
76
Hot Cracking (3) Use high ferrite base metal and/or filler metal.
(4) Fill all craters.
Welding of stainless steels often results in cracking during welding—in (5) Reduce tensile stresses (e.g., stress relieve, change joint design).
the HAZ of the weld metal, or in the root pass of a multi-pass weld. If the (6) Avoid long arc lengths (which allow more air/nitrogen to enter the
weld is made with a fast travel speed, a centerline crack may form. If the arc, since nitrogen increases the austenite content).
crater of the weld is not filled properly, crater or star cracks may form.
All of the above are hot cracks—cracks that occur while the weld is still hot, The grades most susceptible to hot-cracking are the austenitic stainless
before it has cooled to room temperature. The types of hot cracking include: steels, because when compared with ferrite, austenite is the more suscepti-
ble structure. Since contaminants are more easily dissolved into ferrite than
• Microfissuring.
into austenite, a small amount of delta ferrite in an austenitic stainless steel
• Heat-affected zone cracking.
weld helps reduce hot cracking.
• Reheat cracking (cracking in previous weld beads caused by subse-
Several diagrams have been developed to predict the amount of ferrite
quent weld passes).
present, depending on the base metal and filler metal compositions. The
• Crater cracking.
DeLong Diagram (Figure 8-6) shows the structures (austenite—A, fer-
• Solidification cracking.
rite—F, and martensite—M) that should be present in a GTA or GMA
Hot cracking is caused by: weld, based on the chemistry.
(1) Tensile stress. This diagram uses two equations: the chromium equivalent and the nickel
(2) Crack-susceptible microstructure (especially austenite). equivalent. Certain elements tend to act like chromium to produce ferrite,
(3) Contaminants (especially sulfur, phosphorus, titanium, and niobium). while other elements tend to act like nickel to produce austenite. Using the
chemical analysis of the base metal, the chromium and nickel equivalents are
This hot cracking can occur in any of the stainless steels. The free- calculated, and the point on the diagram where they intersect provides the
machining stainless steels that contain high levels of sulfur and phosphorus predicted ferrite number (FN). Typically, a ferrite number exceeding 3 will
(such as Type 303) are especially susceptible. Some of the stabilized grades
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produce a weld that should not be subject to hot cracking.
that contain titanium and niobium (Types 321, 347, 444) are also susceptible, Certain instruments are available that can measure the ferrite number (or
in addition to the precipitation-hardening grades (17-4PH). the percent ferrite, another indicator). These instruments measure the magnetic
Welding conditions can also affect hot cracking. Suggested methods to field produced by the ferromagnetic ferrite in the nonmagnetic austenite. AWS
reduce hot cracking include: A4.2 describes the calibration techniques for these instruments.
(1) Use stringer beads. The Schaeffler Diagram, shown in Figure 8-7, has also been developed
(2) Reduce travel speed. to predict ferrite. The chromium and nickel equivalent equations are

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Note: Calculate the nickel and chromium equivalents from the weld metal analysis. If nitrogen analysis of the weld metal is not
available, assume 0.06% for GTA and covered electrode, or 0.08% for GMA weld metals. If the chemistry is accurate, the
diagram predicts the WRC Ferrite Number within ±3 in approximately 90% of the tests for the 308, 309, 316, and 317 families.
Figure 8-6—DeLong Diagram

78
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Figure 8-7—Schaeffler Diagram

slightly different from those shown on the DeLong Diagram, since they do filler metal (A) on a base metal with the amount of base metal melted (B).
not include the strong effects of nitrogen. The Schaeffler Diagram plots The dilution shown is 50%.
typical composition ranges for various stainless steel alloys. If Type 310 base metal had been welded without filler metal, Figure 8-7
Type 310 has such a large nickel content that it produces no ferrite in shows that the ferrite percent would be 0. If this Type 310 base metal had
the weld. Type 316 produces some ferrite, and Type 308 even more. This been welded with Type 308 filler metal, the actual compositions of these
diagram also plots some of the ferritic and martensitic stainless steels. two alloys could be plotted on Figure 8-4. A straight line drawn between
Both the DeLong and Schaeffler Diagrams can be used to predict the the two would show the range of compositions (and ferrite numbers) pro-
amount of ferrite present in austenitic stainless steel welds, even when a duced with different dilutions. Assuming the middle of the compositions
different filler metal composition is used. Figure 8-8 illustrates the dilution for Types 310 and 308, the 50% dilution would still produce a ferrite con-
(amount of base metal in the weld) that occurs when a weld is made with tent of 0%. However, if Type 312 filler metal had been used and a straight
Figure 8-8—Weld Dilution
80
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line drawn between the center of the 310 box and the 312 box, the 50% Cold cracking is caused by:
dilution would produce a ferrite content of approximately 7%—an amount
that should produce a crack-free weld. Type 312 filler metal is often (1) Tensile stress
selected to reduce hot-cracking problems. (2) Crack-susceptible microstructure (martensite)
Ferrite in austenitic stainless steels can be detrimental if the weld is to (3) Hydrogen
be used in cryogenic applications, because the ferrite has significantly
lower toughness than austenite. Ferrite can also be detrimental if its mag- Although martensite is a very strong and hard structure, it has very low
netic properties are the source of further problems. ductility and toughness, and therefore, can easily cause cracking. The
greater the carbon content, the harder and less ductile the martensite. If
hydrogen is present, it can diffuse through the metal (even at room temper-
ature), accumulate at the martensite, and increase pressure until more
Cold Cracking cracking occurs.
Another form of cracking that occurs hours or even days after the weld Methods to avoid cold cracking include:
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has cooled to room temperature and solidified is called:
(1) Preheat—this is the best solution. Preheating slows down the
(1) Cold cracking cooling rate, so that less martensite forms; it also drives off moisture and
(2) Hydrogen cracking hydrogen.
(3) Delayed cracking
(2) Postweld heat treat—A postweld heat treatment tempers the mar-
This type of cracking occurs only in martensitic stainless steels, in some tensite and makes it more ductile (although this is not as effective as pre-
ferritics that form martensite, and in certain martensitic precipitation- heating in preventing the problem).
hardening stainless steels. (3) Reduce the stress.

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Chapter 9—Stainless Steels in Welding Codes and Other Standards
Welding Codes and Other Standards must be performed within ranges of these variables as defined in the
standard.
Most production welding of stainless steels is performed in accordance Several standards allow use of prequalified WPSs. AWS D1.6 code
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with various welding standards including codes. Examples of these publi- applies prequalified status to many austenitic stainless steels, when welded
cations include: with specified joint designs, filler metals, and other variables.
Many standards also allow the use of standard WPSs. AWS standards
• ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII
D1.6 and D18.1 allow the use of standard WPSs without performing proce-
• ASME B31 Codes dure qualification tests. AWS has many standard WPSs available for weld-
• AWS D1.6, Structural Welding Code—Stainless Steel ing of austenitic stainless steel plate, pipe, and sheet metal, which can be
• AWS D18.1, Specification for Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel used in accordance with several welding codes and standards. (Refer to the
Tube and Pipe Systems in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications AWS B2.1 series, listed on page 93.)
• Military Standards Some variables are grouped to reduce the number of procedure and per-
formance qualifications required—stainless steel base metals, filler metals,
Most standards (including codes) require: and heat treatments are variables that will be discussed.
(1) Welding Procedure Qualifications—through Procedure Qualifica-
tion Records (PQRs) and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs).
Base Metals—Typical P/S/M-Numbers in Welding
(2) Performance Qualifications—through Welder or Welding Operator Codes and Standards
Performance Qualification Records (WPQs) or similar forms.
Most codes categorize base metals into groups on the basis of compara-
Procedure qualification typically requires tensile tests and guided bend ble characteristics, such as chemical composition, mechanical properties,
tests. Performance qualification usually requires either guided bend tests or and metallurgical compatibility; however, these category groupings do not
radiography. For stainless steels, corrosion and/or hardness tests may be imply that the base metals may be indiscriminately substituted for others
required by some codes, or by the National Association of Corrosion Engi- within the same category without consideration for weldability and other
neers (NACE) or ASTM standards. issues.
These standards define the essential or qualification variables that In the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX, these cate-
affect the properties of the weldment. Once qualified, production welding gories are designated as P-Numbers; in the ASME B31 codes for Pressure

Piping and in many military standards, the categories are designated as is typically qualified for welding all stainless steels. These requirements
P- or S-Numbers; in AWS B2.1, AWS D18.1, and other standards, the vary with each standard: for example, military standards may limit the
categories are designated by M-Numbers. welder qualification to the S-Number tested. It is imperative that the
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Within the ferrous base metals (steels), there are also subcategories appropriate standard be reviewed.
called Group Numbers. These groupings are based on specified impact test There are numerous stainless steel base metals that are not included in
requirements (when low-temperature properties are required). P/S/M-Numbers. Most codes require these unlisted base metals to be quali-
Table 9-1 shows some of the P/S/M-Numbers of stainless steel base fied separately.
metals found in typical welding standards (refer to AWS B2.1 and ASME AWS D1.6 covers structural welding of all five types of stainless steels,
Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX). The table lists typical grades in addition to dissimilar welding between different types of stainless steels,
and types of stainless steels (but not necessarily all grades), and the UNS and between stainless steels and carbon or low-alloy steels. This code pro-
(Unified Numbering System) numbers. The UNS “S” designations are vides prequalified status to some of the austenitic stainless steels only, clas-
stainless steel wrought base metals. sified in AWS D1.6 as Base Metal Groups A through E.
Table 9-1 shows that the P/S/M-Number 6 category includes mainly
martensitic stainless steels; Number 7 includes mainly ferritics; Number 8
includes the austenitics; and the Number 10 category includes some duplex Filler Metals—Typical F-Numbers and A-Numbers
and ferritics. This table also lists some base metals in P/S/M-Number 45. in Welding Codes and Other Standards
Although these are some of the superaustenitic stainless steels, they are
grouped with the P/S/M-Number 45 nickel alloys (thus the UNS “N” desig- Most welding codes and standards categorize filler metals into F-Number
nation), because of their higher nickel content. groupings (for filler metals) according to their usability characteristics.
Cast stainless steels have a UNS “J” designation and are typically These groupings are used to reduce the number of welding procedure and
included in the same P/S/M-Numbers as the wrought equivalents. welder performance qualifications required; however, they do not imply
Depending upon the code, a welding procedure qualified with a base that filler metals within an F-Number group can be indiscriminately substi-
metal from one P/S/M-Number (and Group Number) might qualify all base tuted for others.
metals in that P/S/M-Number (and Group Number). This is because all There are several F-Number groups for stainless steel filler metals,
base metals in that category have similar mechanical and metallurgical depending on the standard. Table 9-2 shows some F-Numbers from AWS
properties (and heat treatments, when required). For welder performance B2.1 and ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX. The filler
qualifications (refer to AWS B2.1 and ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel metal classifications with “XXX” indicate the stainless steel alloy designa-
Code, Section IX), a welder who qualifies on any stainless steel base metal tion. For example, E316-15 is an F-Number 5 SMAW electrode; ER308L
84
Table 9-1—Typical Stainless Steel Base Metal P-Number, S-Number, and M-Number Categoriesa
Typical P/S/M Typical Group Typical Stainless Steel Base Metals UNS (Unified Numbering System) Stainless Steel Numbers
Number Number in P/S/M Numbers (UNS “S” Numbers are Stainless Steels)
6 1 403, 409, 410, 414A S40300, S40900, S41000 (Some), S41400 (Some)
2 405 (Some), 420, 429, 430 S40500 (Some), S42000, S42900, S43000
3 414, CA15 (13Cr) S41000 (Some), S41026, S41400 (Some)
4 415, CA6NM S41500
7 1 405 (Some), 409, 410S, 430Ti S40500 (Some), S40800, S40900, S41008, S43036
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2 430, 439, 444, S43000, S43035, S44400, S44627 (Some)
18Cr-2Mo, XM-27 (Some)
8 1 302, 304, 304L, 305, S16800, S30200, S30215, S30300, S30323, S30400, S03403, S30409, S30451,
316, 316L, 317, 321, S30452, S30453, S30500, S30600 (Some), S31254 (Some), S31600, S31603, S31609,
347, 348, CF3, CF3M, CF8, CF8M S31635, S31640, S31651, S31653, S31700, S31703, S31753,
S32100, S32109, S34700, S34709, S34800, S34809, S38100 (Some)
2 308, 309, 309S, 310, CH8, HK40 S30800, S30815, S30900, S30908, S30909, S30940, S30941, S31000, S31008,
S31009, S31040, S31041, S31050, S31400, S33100
3 201, 202, XM-17, XM-18, XM-19, XM-29 S20100, S20200, S20400, S20910, S21600, S21603,
S21800, S21900, S21903, S21904, S24000, S38100 (Some)
4 F44, F46 S30600 (Some), S31254 (Some), S31725, S31726
10H 1 312, 329 S31200, S31260, S31500, S31803, S32304, S32550, S32750, S32760, S32900, S32950
10I 1 446-1, 446-2, XM-27 (Some), XM-33 S44600, S44626, S44627 (Some), S44635
10J 1 447, 29-4 S44700, S44735
10K 1 Types 26-3-3, 29-4-2 S44660, S44800
45 N/A Superaustenitics N08020, N08026, N08367, N08700, N08904, N08925
Note:
a. From AWS B2.1 and ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX.

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Table 9-2—F-Number Groupings of Welding Electrodes and Rods for Qualificationsa
F-Number Welding Process(es) AWS Filler Metal Specification AWS Filler Metal Classification Comments
1 SMAW AWS A5.40 EXXX(X)-25, EXXX(X)-26

4 SMAW AWS A5.40 EXXX(X)-15, EXXX(X)-16, EXXX(X)-17 Other than Austenitic and Duplex
5 SMAW AWS A5.40 EXXX(X)-15, EXXX(X)-16, EXXX(X)-17 Austenitic and Duplex
6 GMAW, GTAW, SAW AWS A5.90 ERXXX(X), ECXXX(X), EQXXX(X)
6 FCAW AWS A5.22 EXXXTX-X, RXXXT1-5 Also includes flux rods for GTAW
6 GTAW AWS A5.30 INXXX Consumable Inserts
Note:
a. From AWS B2.1 and ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX.
is a GMAW or GTAW wire that is in F-Number 6; and E312TX-X is an F- Heat Treatment Requirements for Stainless Steels in
Number 6 FCAW electrode. Welding Codes and Other Standards
For welding procedure qualification of ferrous weld metals, most codes
and other standards also further classify the weld metal by “A” designa-
tions (for analyses). Table 9-3 shows typical A-Number analyses (chemical Preheat
compositions of the as-deposited weld metal).
For most procedure and welder qualifications, the F-Number and A- For the martensitic stainless steels (P/S/M-Number 6), preheating is
Number are essential or qualification variables. Qualification with an elec- used for the same reasons as with high-carbon and low-alloy steels—to
trode or filler metal of one F-Number and A-Number will typically qualify avoid cold cracking (also called hydrogen cracking, or delayed cracking).
only all other filler metals within that same F-Number and A-Number. For Preheating slows down the cooling rate, so that less hard, brittle martensite
welding procedure and welder performance qualifications, refer to the forms, which also drives off any moisture or hydrogen. Both of these
actual code or other standard for the specific essential or welding vari- reduce the chances of cracking. Table 9-4 provides recommended and/or
ables and requirements. required preheat temperatures from the ASME B31.3 and B31.1 codes.
86
Table 9-3—A-Number Classifications of Stainless Steel Ferrous Weld Metal for Procedure Qualifications
Weld Metal Analysis, wt.%a
A-Number b Types of Weld Deposit C Cr Mo Ni Mn Si
6 Chromium-Martensitic 0.15 11.00–15.00 0.70 — 2.00 1.00

7 Chromium-Ferritic 0.15 11.00–30.00 1.00 — 1.00 3.00
8 Chromium-Nickel 0.15 14.50–30.00 4.00 7.50–15.00 2.50 1.00
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9 Chromium-Nickel 0.30 19.00–30.00 6.00 15.00–37.00 2.50 1.00
Weld Metal Analysis, wt.%a
A-Number c Types of Weld Deposit C Cr Mo Ni Mn Si
6 Chromium-Martensitic 0.15 11.00–15.0 0.70 — 2.00 1.00

7 Chromium-Ferritic 0.15 11.00–30.0 1.00 — 1.00 3.00
8 Chromium-Nickel 0.15 14.50–30.0 4.00 7.50–15.0 2.50 1.00
9 Chromium-Nickel 0.35 19.00–30.0 6.00 15.0–37.5 2.50 1.00
Notes:
a. Single values shown above are maximum.
b. From ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX.
c. From AWS B2.1.

Table 9-4—Preheat Requirements in Various Codesa Refer to the applicable code or other standard for actual require-
ments and exceptions. Preheat temperatures are often higher with
Minimum Preheat Temperatures
increased carbon content and greater thicknesses.
P or S-Numberc A-Number Required Recommended
6 6 N/A b 300°F(149°C) b
7 7 N/A 50°F (10°C) Postweld Heat Treatment
8 8, 9 N/A 50°F (10°C)
Most codes and standards specify any postweld heat treatment that may
be required. Table 9-5 shows the recommended postweld heat treatments
P-Numberd Minimum Preheat Temperatures Required from ASME B31.3 and B31.1 for some of the stainless steels. For example,
to temper the alloy, P-Number 6, martensitic stainless steels are heat treated
6 400°F (200°C)
7 50°F (10°C) at between 1350–1450°F (732–788°C) for 1 hour per inch of thickness
8 50 F (10°C) (minimum of 2 hours).
For the ferritics (P-Number 7), no heat treatment is required in ASME
Notes:
a. For all thicknesses. B31.3, but treatment is required for some alloys in ASME B31.1. The
b. Maximum interpass temperature 600°F (316°C). austenitics (P-Number 8) require no postweld heat treatment. For the
c. From ASME B31.3. same reasons that no preheat is used, postweld heat treatment typically is
d. From ASME B31.1.
not performed for metallurgical reasons. PWHT may be employed for
dimensional stabilization and chemical stabilization reasons (e.g., carbide
stabilization in 347-SS), even though codes may not require PWHT.
For austenitic stainless steels and most of the ferritic, duplex, and Certain duplex and precipitation-hardening stainless steels require heat
precipitation-hardening stainless steels, no preheating is required. In the treatment; the codes typically provide the requirements.
austenitics (and most other types), since no martensite forms, there is no Again, refer to the code or other standard for actual requirements.
reason to preheat. In fact, preheating is disadvantageous because it causes For example, there are exceptions to postweld heat treatments for Types
excessive grain growth, which reduces strength. It also causes excessive 410 and 430 in ASME B31.1, if no more than 0.08 wt.% carbon is present
distortion of the weldment, especially for the austenitic stainless steels. and the weld metal is no more than 3/8 in. thick.
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Table 9-5—Postweld Heat Treatment Requirements in Various Codesa
Holding Time
P or
S-Numberb A-Number Alloy Temperature Time (hr/in.) Minimum Time (hr)
6 6 High-Alloy Steels—Martensitic 1350–1450°F (732–788°C) 1 2
7 7 High-Alloy Steels—Ferritic None N/A N/A
8 8, 9 High-Alloy Steels—Austenitic None N/A N/A
Holding Time
Up to 2 in. Thick Over 2 in. Thick
P-Numberc Alloy Temperature Time Minimum Time
6 Group Nos. 1, 2, 3 1400–1475°F (760–800°C) 1 hr/in. 15 min. 2 hr plus 15 min. per in. over 2 in.
7 Group Nos. 1, 2, 0 1350–1425°F (730–775°C) 1 hr/in. 15 min. 2 hr plus 15 min. per in. over 2 in.
8 High-Alloy Steels—Austenitic None N/A N/A N/A
Notes:
a. For all thicknesses.
b. From ASME B31.3.
c. From ASME B31.1.

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Chapter 10—Safety and Health Considerations in Welding of Stainless Steels
Selection displace oxygen necessary for breathing. Therefore, the appropriate venti-
lation measures as described in ANSI Z49.1 must be addressed.
All welding equipment (such as arc, resistance, electron beam, laser
beam, etc.) shall be selected for safe applications to the work intended. Ventilation—Chromium in Stainless Steels
ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, should be
referenced for appropriate safety measures for all welding equipment. During welding, chromium oxides (such as chromium pentoxide) form
and mix with the welding fumes. Breathing of these fumes should be
avoided. ANSI Z49.1 addresses welding, brazing, or cutting of steels that
Ventilation—Inert and Other Purge Gases
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contain hazardous materials. One of the materials listed is chromium,
Adequate ventilation shall be provided for all welding, cutting, brazing which is present in all stainless steels. ANSI Z49.1 addresses safety con-
and related operations. Adequate ventilation shall be enough ventilation cerns when welding as follows:
such that personnel exposures to hazardous concentrations of airborne con- (1) Confined spaces—When welding, brazing, or cutting operations are
taminants are maintained below the allowable limits specified by the performed on stainless steels in confined spaces, local exhaust ventilation,
authority having jurisdiction. and respiratory protection (when required) shall be used.
Stainless steels are often welded using gas purging to protect the back- (2) Adjacent persons—All persons in the immediate vicinity of the
side of the weld. These gases are typically inert, but all of these purge gases welding or cutting operations should be similarly protected.

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References and Other Publications Available from AWS
Order No. Title Order No. Title
A3.0 Standard Welding Terms and Definitions B2.1.006 Standard Welding Procedure Specification for Gas Metal Arc
Welding of Carbon Steel to Austenitic Stainless Steel, (M-1 to
A4.2 Standard Procedures for Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to
M-8 or P-8), 10 through 18 Gage, in the As-Welded Condi-
Measure the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic and Duplex
tion, With or Without Backing
Austenitic-Ferritic Stainless Steel Weld Metal
B2.1.009 Standard Welding Procedure Specification for Gas Tungsten
A5.4 Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Arc Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel (M-8/P-8), 10
Metal Arc Welding through 18 Gage, in the As-Welded Condition, With or With-
A5.9 Specification for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and out Backing
Rods B2.1.010 Standard Welding Procedure Specification for Gas Tungsten
Arc Welding of Carbon Steel to Austenitic Stainless Steel,
A5.22 Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored
(M-1 to M-8 or P-8), 10 through 18 Gage, in the As-Welded
Arc Welding and Stainless Steel Flux Cored Rods for Gas
Condition, With or Without Backing
Tungsten Arc Welding
B2.1.013 Standard Welding Procedure Specification for Shielded Metal
A5.30 Specification for Consumable Inserts
Arc Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel (M-8 or P-8) 10
B1.10 Guide for the Nondestructive Inspection of Welds through 18 Gage, in the As-Welded Condition, With or With-
out Backing
B1.11 Guide for the Visual Inspection of Welds
B2.1.014 Standard Welding Procedure Specification for Shielded Metal
B2.1 Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Arc Welding of Carbon Steel to Austenitic Stainless Steel,
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Qualification (M-1 to M-8 or P-8), 10 through 18 Gage, in the As-Welded
Condition, With or Without Backing
B2.1.005 Standard Welding Procedure Specification for Gas Metal Arc
Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel, (M-8 or P-8), 10 B2.1-8-023 Standard Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Shielded
through 18 Gage, in the As-Welded Condition, With or With- Metal Arc Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel (M-8/P-8/S-8,
out Backing Group 1) 1/8 through 1-1/2 inch Thick, As-Welded Condition

Order No. Title Order No. Title
B2.1-8-024 Standard Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Gas Tung- B2.1-8-216 Standard Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) for Gas
sten Arc Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel (M-8/P-8/S-8, Tungsten Arc Welding with Consumable Insert Followed by
Group 1) 1/8 through 1-1/2 inch Thick, As-Welded Condition Shielded Metal Arc Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel
B2.1-8-025 Standard Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Gas Tung- (M-8/P-8/S-8, Group 1), 1/8 through 1-1/2 inch Thick, IN3XX,
sten Arc Welding followed by Shielded Metal Arc Welding of ER3XXX, and E3XX-XX, As-Welded Condition
Austenitic Stainless Steel (M-8/P-8/S-8, Group 1) 1/8 through D1.6 Structural Welding Code—Stainless Steel
1-1/2 inch Thick, As-Welded Condition
D10.4 Recommended Practices for Welding Austenitic Chromium-
B2.1-8-212 Standard Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Gas Tung- Nickel Stainless Steel Piping and Tubing
sten Arc Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel (M-8/P-8/S-8,
Group 1) 1/8 through 1-1/2 inch Thick, ER3XX As-Welded D18.1 Specification for Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel Tube
Condition, Primary Pipe Applications and Pipe Systems in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications
B2.1-8-213 Standard Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Shielded PHB-2 The Everyday Pocket Handbook for Visual Inspection and
Metal Arc Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel (M-8/P-8/ Weld Discontinuities—Causes and Remedies
S-8, Group 1) 1/8 through 1-1/2 inch Thick, E3XX-XX As- PRGC The Practical Reference Guide for Corrosion of Welds:
Welded Condition, Primary Pipe Applications Causes and Cures
B2.1-8-214 Standard Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Gas Tung-
WHB-1.8 Welding Technology, Welding Handbook, 8th Ed., Vol. 1
sten Arc Welding Followed by Shielded Metal Arc Welding
WHB-2.8 Welding Processes, Welding Handbook, 8th Ed., Vol. 2
of Austenitic Stainless Steel (M-8/P-8/S-8, Group 1) 1/8
WHB-3.8 Materials and Applications—Part 1, Welding Handbook, 8th
through 1-1/2 inch Thick, ER3XX, E3XX-XX As-Welded
Ed., Vol. 3
Condition, Primary Pipe Applications
WHB-4.8 Materials and Applications—Part 2, Welding Handbook, 8th
B2.1-8-215 Standard Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) for Ed., Vol. 4
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding with Consumable Insert of Auste-
WI Welding Inspection
nitic Stainless Steel (M-8/P-8/S-8, Group 1), 1/8 through 1-1/2
inch Thick, IN3XX and ER3XX, As-Welded Condition ANSI Z49.1 Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes
To order these, or any AWS publication, call Customer Service at: (800) 334-9353
94
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550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, Florida 33126


Welding of Stainless Steel

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Copyright American Welding Society i

© 1999 by American Welding Society. All rights reserved

Chapter 8—Weld Discontinuities and Defects in Stainless Steels ....................................71

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2-1 Chemical Compositions of Typical Wrought Austenitic Stainless Steels ................................................................................................ 30

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and sometimes from a supplemental source (such as the flux).

What are Stainless Steels? Classification AISI Series

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CE-30 J93423 312 0.30 2.0 26–30 8–11 — —

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Nominal Composition, wt.%b

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Type UNS Number C Mn Si Cr Ni P S Others

405 S40500 0.080 1.00 1.00 11.5–14.5 — 0.040 0.030 0.10–0.30 Al

CB-30 J91803 0.30 1.50 1.00 18.0–21.0 2.0 0.04 0.04 —

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Nominal Composition, wt.%b

Alloya UNS Number C Cr Mo Ni N Mn Other Elements

E-BRITE® S44726 0.010 25–27 0.75–1.50 0.30 0.015 0.40 0.05–0.20 Nb

Type UNS Number C Mn Si Cr Ni P S Other

403 S40300 0.15 1.00 0.50 11.5–13.0 — 0.040 0.030 —

Copyright American Welding Society 13

Composition, wt.% a,b,c

Alloy UNS Number C Cr Ni Mo N Other Elements

329 S32900 0.080 23.0–28.0 2.5–5.0 1.0–2.0 — —

U50d S32404 0.040 20.5–22.5 5.5–8.5 2.0–3.0 0.20 1.0–2.0 Cu

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Nominal Composition, wt.%

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Brazing Filler Metals

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Type of Stainless Steel Recommended Filler Metals

Wrought Casta SMAWb GMAW, GTAW, PAW, SAWc FCAWd

201, 202 — eE209,E219, E308 e ER209, E219, E308 e E308TX-X e

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Covered Electrodes Bare Welding Wires

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AWS UNS Total, Other

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AWS UNS Total, Other

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BAg-36 1195 646 1251 677 1251–1495 677–813 — —

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Solidus Temperaturea Liquidus Temperaturea Brazing Temperature Range

Nickel Filler Metals

BNi-1 1790 977 1900 1038 1950–2200 1066-1204

BNi-7 1630 888 1630 888 1700–2000 927–1093

Cobalt Filler Metal