What is the scope of AWS A5.36 / A5.36M?
AWS A5.36/A5.36M is the American Welding Society specification that prescribes requirements for the classification of carbon and low-alloy steel flux cored electrodes for flux cored arc welding (FCAW) and metal cored electrodes for gas metal arc welding (GMAW)[reference:0][reference:1].
This specification was developed as a unified classification system that consolidates and supersedes classifications previously covered under AWS A5.20/A5.20M for carbon steel flux cored electrodes, AWS A5.29/A5.29M for low-alloy steel flux cored electrodes, AWS A5.18/A5.18M for carbon steel metal cored electrodes, and AWS A5.28/A5.28M for low-alloy steel metal cored electrodes[reference:2][reference:3].
The requirements addressed include chemical composition and mechanical properties of the weld metal, along with certain usability characteristics of the electrode[reference:4].
Optional supplemental designators are included for diffusible hydrogen and for conformance to special mechanical property requirements when the weld metal is deposited using low heat input, fast cooling rate and high heat input, slow cooling rate procedures[reference:5][reference:6].
Iron is the only element of the undiluted weld metal deposited by electrodes classified under this specification whose content exceeds 10.5%[reference:7][reference:8].
The current edition is AWS A5.36/A5.36M:2016, which is the second edition and revises the 2012 edition[reference:9].
The specification makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI), and each system must be used independently of the other without combining in any way[reference:10].
Verify the current edition number and any superseded designations with the latest edition.
What is the classification system used in AWS A5.36 / A5.36M?
AWS A5.36/A5.36M employs a dual classification approach consisting of an open classification system and a set of fixed classifications with specified requirements.
The open classification system allows an electrode to be classified by selecting a series of designators that describe its tensile strength, impact toughness, position capability, shielding gas requirement, weld deposit chemistry, and diffusible hydrogen level[reference:11].
The fixed classifications provide pre-defined combinations of these designators that correspond to the legacy classifications previously covered under A5.20/A5.20M, A5.29/A5.29M, A5.18/A5.18M, and A5.28/A5.28M[reference:12].
The classification designation begins with the prefix “E” for electrode, followed by a two-digit tensile strength designator indicating the minimum tensile strength of the weld metal in thousands of pounds per square inch (ksi) for A5.36 or in units of 10 MPa for A5.36M.
A letter “T” indicates a tubular (flux cored) electrode, and “C” indicates a composite (metal cored) electrode.
A numeral following the “T” or “C” designates the usability and position characteristics of the electrode.
A hyphen separates the electrode designation from the shielding gas designator, which may be “C” for 100% CO₂, “M” for a CO₂ and argon mixture, or a specific designation from AWS A5.32/A5.32M.
The weld deposit chemistry designator follows, using codes such as CS1, CS2, Ni1, Ni2, K2, or B2.
Optional supplemental designators may be appended, including “HZ” for diffusible hydrogen limits (where Z specifies the maximum hydrogen content in ml/100g) and impact designators for low-temperature toughness[reference:13].
Verify the complete designator rules and any additional classification criteria with the latest edition.
What is the complete list of AWS A5.36 / A5.36M classifications?
The complete list of classifications under AWS A5.36/A5.36M is extensive due to the open classification system, which permits a large number of possible designator combinations.
The classifications fall into two broad categories: fixed classifications with specified requirements, and open classifications that allow the user to select specific designators.
The fixed classifications correspond to the legacy electrode types previously classified under the superseded specifications.
Because AWS standards are periodically revised, and because the open classification system permits manufacturer-specific designations, verify the complete and current list with the latest edition.
Carbon steel flux cored electrode fixed classifications
E70T-1C/9C
E70T-2C
E70T-5CJ
E70T-5MJ
E70T-6
E70T-7
E70T-4
E71T-1C
E71T-1C/9C
E71T-1M
E71T-1M/9M
E71T-1C/9C/12CJ
E71T-5C
E71T-5MJ
E71T-8
E71T-11
E71T-GS
These classifications designate carbon steel flux cored electrodes for FCAW, with variations in position capability, shielding gas requirement, and usability characteristics.
The “1” in E71T-1 indicates all-position capability, while the “0” in E70T-1 indicates flat and horizontal position only.
The suffix “C” designates CO₂ shielding, “M” designates a CO₂ and argon mixture, and “GS” designates a self-shielded electrode requiring no external gas.
Additional carbon steel fixed classifications may exist within the specification; verify with the latest edition.
Low-alloy steel flux cored electrode fixed classifications
E80T1-Ni1C
E80T1-Ni1M
E80T1-Ni2
E80T1-Ni2C
E80T1-Ni2M
E80T5-Ni1
E80T5-Ni2
E80T5-Ni3
E81T1-Ni1
E81T1-Ni1C
E81T1-Ni1M
E81T1-Ni2
E81T1-Ni2C
E81T1-Ni2M
E80T1-B2
E80T1-B2H
E81T1-B2
E81T1-B2C
E80T5-B2
E80T5-B2L
E90T1-B3
E91T1-B3
E91T1-B3C
E91T1-B3M
E90T5-B3M
E91T1-B6C
E91T1-B6M
E91T1-B9M
E90T5-D2
E91T5-D2
E80T1-K2
E80T5-K1
E80T5-K2
E81T1-K2
E81T1-K2C
E81T1-K2M
E90T5-K2
E91T1-K3
E91T1-K3C
E91T1-K3M
E100T5-K3
E100T5-K4
E101T1-K3
E110T5-K3
E110T5-K4
E111T1-K3
E110T5-KAM
E80T1-W
E81T1-W2C
E61T8-K6
E70T4-K2
E71T8-K2
E71T8-K6
E71T8-Ni1
E71T8-Ni2
E70T4-A1
E70T5-A1
E71T1-A1
E80T1-A1
E81T1-A1
E81T1-A1C
E70T4-G
E71T1-GC
E71T1-GM
E80T1-GC
E80T5-GM
E81T1-GC
E81T1-GM
E91T1-GC
E100T5-G
E101T1-G
E110T1-G
E110T1-K3C
E111T1-G
E111T1-GM
E120T1-G
E121T1-G
These classifications designate low-alloy steel flux cored electrodes for FCAW, with alloy systems including nickel steels, chromium-molybdenum steels, manganese-molybdenum steels, and other alloy steels.
The “G” designator indicates a general classification for which the chemical composition is established by agreement between supplier and purchaser.
Additional low-alloy steel fixed classifications may exist within the specification; verify with the latest edition.
E70C-3X
E70C-6X
E80C-Ni1
E80C-Ni2
E80C-Ni3
E70C-B2L
E80C-B2
E80C-B2L
E80C-B3L
E90C-D2
E90C-K3
E110C-G
E120C-G
E100C-G
These classifications designate carbon and low-alloy steel metal cored electrodes for GMAW.
The “C” in the classification indicates a composite (metal cored) electrode.
The “X” suffix in E70C-3X and E70C-6X represents a variable shielding gas designator.
These classifications have equivalent open classifications under A5.36, such as E7XT15-C1A0-CS1 or E7XT15-M21A0-CS1 for E70C-3X and E7XT15-C1A2-CS1 or E7XT15-M21A2-CS1 for E70C-6X[reference:14].
Additional metal cored fixed classifications may exist within the specification; verify with the latest edition.
Equivalent open classifications for legacy electrode types
The open classification system allows legacy classifications from superseded specifications to be expressed using the A5.36 designator format.
For example, the legacy classification E80C-Ni1 has equivalent open classifications E8XT15-M13A5-Ni1 or E8XT15-M22A5-Ni1[reference:15].
The legacy classification E80C-Ni2 has equivalent open classifications E8XT15-M13P8-Ni2 or E8XT15-M22P8-Ni2[reference:16].
The legacy classification E80C-Ni3 has equivalent open classifications E8XT15-M13P10-Ni3 or E8XT15-M22P10-Ni3[reference:17].
The legacy classification E70C-B2L has equivalent open classifications E7XT15-M13PZ-B2L or E7XT15-M22PZ-B2L[reference:18].
The legacy classification E80C-B2 has equivalent open classifications E8XT15-M13PZ-B2 or E8XT15-M22PZ-B2[reference:19].
The legacy classification E90C-D2 has equivalent open classifications E9XT15-M13A2-D2 or E9XT15-M22A2-D2[reference:20].
The legacy classification E90C-K3 has equivalent open classifications E9XT15-M20A6-K3 or E9XT15-M20A5-K3[reference:21].
These equivalent classifications demonstrate how the A5.36 open system accommodates the full range of legacy electrode types while providing a more flexible and precise classification framework.
For a complete mapping of all legacy classifications to their A5.36 equivalents, consult the annex tables in the latest edition of AWS A5.36/A5.36M.
What do the designators in AWS A5.36 / A5.36M classifications signify?
Each element of an AWS A5.36 classification conveys specific technical information about the electrode and its performance characteristics.
The prefix “E” denotes an electrode.
The tensile strength designator indicates the minimum tensile strength of the deposited weld metal.
For A5.36, the number multiplied by 1,000 psi gives the minimum tensile strength; for A5.36M, the number multiplied by 10 MPa gives the equivalent value in SI units[reference:22].
The letter “T” designates a tubular (flux cored) electrode, and “C” designates a composite (metal cored) electrode.
The numeral following the “T” or “C” specifies the usability and position characteristics: the numeral “1” indicates all-position capability, “0” indicates flat and horizontal position only, and other numerals designate specific coating types and welding characteristics.
The shielding gas designator following the hyphen specifies the required gas: “C” for 100% CO₂, “M” for a CO₂ and argon mixture (typically 75–80% Ar with balance CO₂), and specific designators from AWS A5.32/A5.32M for other mixtures.
The weld deposit chemistry designator indicates the alloy content of the weld metal: “CS1” and “CS2” designate carbon steel chemistries with different manganese levels, “Ni1” through “Ni3” designate nickel steel chemistries, “B2” through “B9” designate chromium-molybdenum steel chemistries, “D2” designates manganese-molybdenum steel, “K2” through “K4” designate other low-alloy steel chemistries, and “G” indicates a general classification for which the chemistry is established by agreement.
The optional supplemental designator “HZ” indicates the maximum diffusible hydrogen content in ml/100g of weld metal, such as H4 for 4 ml/100g or H8 for 8 ml/100g.
This systematic designation enables welding engineers to specify electrodes with precise control over strength, toughness, chemistry, and hydrogen content.
Verify the complete designator rules and any additional classification criteria with the latest edition.
What are the mechanical property requirements?
The mechanical property requirements for AWS A5.36 filler metals include minimum tensile strength, minimum yield strength, minimum elongation, and Charpy V-notch impact toughness.
The tensile strength designator in the classification directly correlates to the minimum specified tensile strength.
For a “70” designator, the minimum tensile strength is 70,000 psi (490 MPa), with a minimum yield strength of 58,000 psi (400 MPa) and a minimum elongation of 22%, as illustrated by the PREMIUM 71T classification which specifies a tensile strength of 490 MPa (70 ksi), yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi), and elongation of 22%[reference:23].
Impact toughness requirements vary by classification and are specified using the impact designator, which indicates the temperature at or above which the weld metal meets or exceeds the required Charpy V-notch energy of 20 ft·lbf (27 J)[reference:24].
For A5.36, the impact designator indicates the test temperature in degrees Fahrenheit; for A5.36M, the designator indicates the test temperature in degrees Celsius[reference:25].
The precise mechanical property tables are contained within the standard and should be consulted directly for design and qualification purposes.
Verify all mechanical property requirements with the latest edition.
What are the chemical composition requirements?
The chemical composition requirements for AWS A5.36 filler metals apply to the weld metal produced by the electrode.
The weld deposit chemistry designators specify the alloy content and impurity limits for each classification.
Carbon steel chemistries designated as “CS1” and “CS2” differ primarily in their manganese content, with “CS2” meeting the lower manganese requirements of the ASME A-No. 1 Analysis Group[reference:26].
Low-alloy chemistries follow the same designator conventions as the fixed classifications: “Ni1” through “Ni3” specify nickel contents of approximately 1%, 2.5%, and 3.5% respectively; “B2” specifies approximately 1.25% Cr and 0.5% Mo; “B3” specifies approximately 2.25% Cr and 1% Mo; “D2” specifies approximately 1.75% Mn and 0.5% Mo; and “K2” through “K4” specify proprietary low-alloy compositions[reference:27].
The “G” designator indicates a general classification for which the chemical composition is not specified by the standard and is instead established by agreement between the supplier and the purchaser.
The precise chemical composition tables are contained within the standard and should be consulted directly for design and qualification purposes.
Verify all compositional requirements with the latest edition of AWS A5.36/A5.36M.
AWS A5.36/A5.36M does not exist in isolation; several companion specifications provide complementary or overlapping coverage for carbon and low-alloy steel filler metals.
AWS A5.20/A5.20M was the previous specification for carbon steel flux cored electrodes for FCAW and has been superseded by A5.36 but remains referenced in older welding procedure specifications and procurement documents.
AWS A5.29/A5.29M was the previous specification for low-alloy steel flux cored electrodes for FCAW and has similarly been superseded by A5.36.
AWS A5.18/A5.18M specifies carbon steel electrodes and rods for gas shielded arc welding and provided the composition references for carbon steel metal cored electrodes prior to the adoption of A5.36.
AWS A5.28/A5.28M specifies low-alloy steel electrodes and rods for gas shielded arc welding and provided the composition references for low-alloy steel metal cored electrodes prior to the adoption of A5.36.
AWS A5.32/A5.32M specifies shielding gases and gas mixtures for fusion welding and provides the shielding gas designators and composition ranges referenced in the A5.36 classification system.
AWS A5.01M/A5.01 (ISO 14344 MOD) provides procurement guidelines for welding consumables and is referenced for the procurement of electrodes classified under A5.36.
The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section II, Part C, adopts AWS filler metal specifications as SFA specifications, and SFA-5.36/SFA-5.36M is the corresponding ASME designation for this specification.
Consulting these specifications together provides a comprehensive framework for filler metal selection, qualification, and quality assurance.
The AWS filler metal classification system is organized by welding process and base metal type, with each specification (A5.x) addressing a distinct process or product form.
AWS A5.36 is part of this hierarchical system and addresses carbon and low-alloy steel flux cored and metal cored electrodes specifically.
The specification represents a significant evolution in the AWS classification philosophy, replacing the separate, process-specific specifications (A5.18, A5.20, A5.28, and A5.29) with a unified open classification system that provides greater flexibility and precision in electrode specification.
The “A5” series covers filler metals for arc welding, brazing, and braze welding, and the numbering sequence roughly corresponds to the chronological development of the specifications.
The “/A5.36M” suffix indicates that the specification includes both U.S. Customary Units and SI units, a convention applied to AWS standards that have been harmonized with ISO practices.
The 2016 edition represents the second edition of the specification and revises the 2012 edition, reflecting ongoing updates to the open classification system and the fixed classification tables.
Users should always confirm that they are working from the most current edition of any AWS specification, as classifications and requirements may be added, revised, or withdrawn between editions.
Verify the current edition number and the complete classification list with the latest edition of AWS A5.36/A5.36M.
