AWS A5.9 / A5.9M: The Complete Classification Guide for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods
What Is AWS A5.9 / A5.9M and What Does It Cover?
AWS A5.9/A5.9M is the American Welding Society specification titled "Specification for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods."
It prescribes the requirements for classification of bare stainless steel electrodes—both as wire and strip—for gas metal arc welding (GMAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), and other fusion welding processes.
It also includes wire and rods for use in gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and plasma arc welding (PAW).
Classification is based on the chemical composition of the filler metal, ensuring that the weld deposit meets the required corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
The chromium content of these filler metals is not less than 10.5%, and the iron content exceeds that of any other element.
The current edition is AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2022, the 10th edition, which revises AWS A5.9/A5.9M:2017.
The specification is also adopted as ASME SFA-5.9 and appears in Section II, Part C of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
Always verify specific classification requirements with the latest edition of A5.9/A5.9M.
What is the scope of AWS A5.9/A5.9M?
AWS A5.9/A5.9M covers bare stainless steel filler metals for gas shielded and submerged arc welding processes.
The specification applies to solid wires, composite metal-cored electrodes, and strip electrodes used for welding stainless and heat-resisting steels.
It addresses filler metals for welding austenitic, martensitic, ferritic, duplex, and precipitation-hardening stainless steels.
For covered stainless steel electrodes used with the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process, the applicable standard is AWS A5.4/A5.4M.
For flux cored and metal cored stainless steel electrodes, AWS A5.22/A5.22M is the applicable standard.
AWS A5.9 stainless steel filler metals are classified using an alphanumeric system that begins with the prefix "ER" for electrode or rod.
The prefix is followed by a numerical designation that identifies the nominal chemical composition, such as 308, 316, 347, 2209, or 2594.
Letters may follow the numerical designation to indicate specific compositional variants, such as "L" for low carbon, "H" for high carbon, "Si" for higher silicon, "Mo" for molybdenum-bearing, or "Nb" for niobium-stabilized.
For example, ER308L indicates a low-carbon 308 stainless steel filler metal, and ER316LSi indicates a low-carbon 316 stainless steel filler metal with higher silicon content.
The classification system allows users to quickly identify the alloy family and select a filler metal appropriate for the base metal and service conditions.
What Is the Complete List of AWS A5.9 / A5.9M Types?
The AWS A5.9/A5.9M classification list comprises more than forty-five bare stainless steel filler metals organized by alloy family.
The austenitic classifications include ER209, ER219, ER240, ER307, ER308, ER308L, ER308LSi, ER308H, ER308Mo, ER309, ER309L, ER309LSi, ER309Mo, ER310, ER312, ER316, ER316L, ER316LSi, ER316H, ER316LMn, ER317, ER317L, ER318, ER320, ER320LR, ER330, ER347, ER347Si, ER383, and ER385.
The martensitic and ferritic classifications include ER409Nb, ER410, ER410NiMo, ER420, ER430, ER439, ER446, and ER446LMo.
The duplex and superduplex classifications include ER2209, ER2553, and ER2594.
The precipitation-hardening classification is ER630.
The specialized classifications include ER16-8-2 and ER18SR.
For the complete and authoritative list of classifications in the current edition, always verify with the latest edition of A5.9/A5.9M.
Which austenitic classifications are included?
The austenitic stainless steel classifications in AWS A5.9 are ER209, ER219, ER240, ER307, ER308, ER308L, ER308LSi, ER308H, ER308Mo, ER309, ER309L, ER309LSi, ER309Mo, ER310, ER312, ER316, ER316L, ER316LSi, ER316H, ER316LMn, ER317, ER317L, ER318, ER320, ER320LR, ER330, ER347, ER347Si, ER383, and ER385.
The 200 series classifications (ER209, ER219, ER240) contain manganese and nitrogen as partial substitutes for nickel, providing high strength and corrosion resistance.
The 300 series classifications (ER308 through ER347) are the most widely used, covering the standard austenitic stainless steel grades.
The specialized classifications (ER383, ER385) are high-alloy austenitic filler metals designed for highly corrosive environments such as sulfuric and phosphoric acid service.
Each classification may be available in solid wire, straight rod, or composite metal-cored forms depending on the manufacturer's product line.
Which martensitic and ferritic classifications are included?
The martensitic and ferritic stainless steel classifications in AWS A5.9 are ER409Nb, ER410, ER410NiMo, ER420, ER430, ER439, ER446, and ER446LMo.
ER410 is a straight chromium martensitic filler metal used for welding martensitic stainless steels and for surfacing carbon steels.
ER410NiMo is a modified 410 grade with nickel and molybdenum additions for improved toughness and corrosion resistance.
ER420 is a higher-carbon martensitic grade for applications requiring higher hardness and wear resistance.
ER430 is a ferritic stainless steel filler metal for welding 430-type alloys.
ER439 is a titanium-stabilized ferritic filler metal for automotive exhaust applications.
ER409Nb is a niobium-stabilized ferritic filler metal for exhaust system components.
ER446 and ER446LMo are high-chromium ferritic filler metals for elevated-temperature service.
Which duplex and superduplex classifications are included?
The duplex and superduplex stainless steel classifications in AWS A5.9 are ER2209, ER2553, and ER2594.
ER2209 is designed for welding 22% chromium duplex stainless steels such as UNS S31803 and S32205, with a nominal composition of approximately 22% Cr, 9% Ni, 3% Mo, and 0.15% N.
ER2553 is a superduplex filler metal with copper additions for welding 25% chromium duplex stainless steels, with a nominal composition of approximately 25.5% Cr, 5.5% Ni, 3.4% Mo, 2% Cu, and 0.2% N.
ER2594 is a superduplex filler metal designed for welding 25% chromium superduplex stainless steels such as UNS S32750 and S32760, with a nominal composition of approximately 25% Cr, 9% Ni, 4% Mo, and 0.25% N.
These classifications provide the high strength and chloride resistance required for demanding marine and chemical environments.
Which specialized classifications are included?
The specialized classifications in AWS A5.9 include ER630 and ER16-8-2.
ER630 is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel filler metal designed for welding ASTM A564 Type 630 (17-4 PH) and similar alloys, containing approximately 16.5% Cr, 4.5% Ni, 3.25% Cu, and 0.3% Nb.
ER16-8-2 is a hybrid alloy between 308H and 316H designed for high-temperature applications, with a nominal composition of approximately 15.5% Cr, 8.5% Ni, and 1.2% Mo.
ER18SR is a specialized filler metal for high-temperature service, with a nominal composition designed for applications where resistance to scaling and creep is required.
These classifications address specific application requirements that are not met by the standard austenitic or ferritic grades.
What Is ER308L and What Are Its Key Properties?
ER308L is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel bare welding wire and rod designed for welding Type 304L and Type 304 stainless steels.
Its typical deposited weld metal chemistry includes carbon at a maximum of 0.03%, chromium at 19.5% to 22.0%, nickel at 9.0% to 11.0%, and molybdenum at a maximum of 0.75%.
Manganese is present at 1.0% to 2.5%, and silicon at 0.30% to 0.65%.
The filler metal delivers a minimum tensile strength of 75,000 psi (520 MPa) and a minimum elongation of 35%.
The low carbon content provides improved resistance to intergranular corrosion by preventing chromium carbide precipitation during welding and elevated-temperature service.
ER308L is the most widely used stainless steel filler metal for general fabrication of 304 and 304L stainless steels in food and beverage equipment, chemical processing, and petrochemical applications.
Common trade names include Lincoln ER308L, ESAB OK Autrod 16.10, Hobart 308L, and Hyundai ST-308L.
What are the typical applications for ER308L?
ER308L is used for welding Type 304 and Type 304L stainless steels in general fabrication, food and beverage equipment, chemical processing, and petrochemical applications.
It is also suitable for welding dissimilar 300 series stainless steels where matching or near-matching chemistry is required.
Typical applications include tanks, piping, vessels, and structural components made from 304 stainless steel.
ER308L is available in solid wire form for GMAW and SAW, and in straight rod form for GTAW.
What shielding gas is used with ER308L?
ER308L is typically welded with a mixture of 98% argon and 2% oxygen (or 98% argon and 2% CO₂) for GMAW applications.
For GTAW, 100% argon is commonly used.
For SAW, a suitable stainless steel flux is required along with the filler metal.
The choice of shielding gas affects arc stability, bead appearance, and the oxygen content of the weld metal, which in turn influences corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
What Is ER316L and What Are Its Key Properties?
ER316L is a low-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel bare welding wire and rod designed for welding Type 316L and Type 316 stainless steels.
Its typical deposited weld metal chemistry includes carbon at a maximum of 0.03%, chromium at 18.0% to 20.0%, nickel at 11.0% to 14.0%, and molybdenum at 2.0% to 3.0%.
Manganese is present at 1.0% to 2.5%, and silicon at 0.30% to 0.65%.
The filler metal delivers a minimum tensile strength of 75,000 psi (520 MPa) and a minimum elongation of 35%.
The molybdenum addition provides improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments, as well as increased creep resistance at elevated temperatures.
The low carbon content prevents sensitization and intergranular corrosion during welding and high-temperature service.
ER316L is widely used in chemical processing, petrochemical, and marine applications where resistance to chlorides and acids is required.
Common trade names include Lincoln ER316L, ESAB OK Autrod 16.30, Hobart 316L, and Hyundai ST-316L.
What are the typical applications for ER316L?
ER316L is used for welding Type 316 and Type 316L stainless steels in chemical processing equipment, petrochemical plants, and marine environments.
It is also used for welding components exposed to chlorides where pitting resistance is important.
Typical applications include piping, tanks, heat exchangers, and valves made from 316 stainless steel.
ER316L is particularly suitable for applications involving acetic acid, sulfuric acid, and other corrosive chemicals where molybdenum-bearing stainless steels are required.
What is the difference between ER316L and ER316LSi?
ER316L and ER316LSi differ primarily in their silicon content and resulting welding characteristics.
ER316L contains silicon at 0.30% to 0.65%, while ER316LSi contains silicon at 0.65% to 1.00%.
The higher silicon content in ER316LSi improves weld pool fluidity, wetting, and bead appearance, making it particularly suitable for GMAW and for welding in the flat and horizontal positions.
However, higher silicon content may reduce corrosion resistance in some environments due to the formation of silicon-rich phases.
ER316L is generally preferred for GTAW and for applications requiring maximum corrosion resistance, while ER316LSi is preferred for GMAW and for applications where weld appearance and productivity are priorities.
What Is ER347 and What Are Its Key Properties?
ER347 is a niobium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel bare welding wire and rod designed for welding Type 321 and Type 347 stainless steels, as well as for high-temperature service.
Its typical deposited weld metal chemistry includes carbon at a maximum of 0.08%, chromium at 19.0% to 21.5%, nickel at 9.0% to 11.0%, and niobium plus tantalum at a minimum of 10 times the carbon content to a maximum of 1.00%.
Manganese is present at 1.0% to 2.5%, and silicon at 0.30% to 0.65%.
The niobium addition stabilizes the deposit against sensitization by forming niobium carbides instead of chromium carbides, preventing intergranular corrosion in high-temperature service.
ER347 delivers a minimum tensile strength of 75,000 psi (520 MPa) and a minimum elongation of 25%.
It is used for welding stabilized stainless steels and for high-temperature applications where resistance to sensitization is required.
Common trade names include Lincoln ER347, ESAB OK Autrod 16.11, Hobart 347, and Hyundai ST-347.
What are the typical applications for ER347?
ER347 is used for welding Type 321 and Type 347 stainless steels in high-temperature service, such as furnace components, heat exchangers, and piping in petrochemical plants.
It is also used for welding stabilized stainless steels where resistance to intergranular corrosion is critical.
Typical applications include high-temperature process equipment, exhaust systems, and components exposed to thermal cycling.
ER347 is particularly suitable for components that cannot be post-weld heat treated and must resist sensitization during elevated-temperature exposure.
What is the difference between ER347 and ER347Si?
ER347 and ER347Si differ primarily in their silicon content and resulting welding characteristics.
ER347 contains silicon at 0.30% to 0.65%, while ER347Si contains silicon at 0.65% to 1.00%.
The higher silicon content in ER347Si improves weld pool fluidity and bead appearance, similar to the difference between ER316L and ER316LSi.
ER347Si is often preferred for GMAW applications where smooth bead appearance and good wetting are important, while ER347 is preferred for GTAW and applications requiring maximum corrosion resistance.
What Is ER2209 and What Are Its Key Properties?
ER2209 is a duplex stainless steel bare welding wire and rod designed for welding 22% chromium duplex stainless steels such as UNS S31803 and S32205.
Its typical deposited weld metal chemistry includes carbon at a maximum of 0.03%, chromium at 22.0% to 24.0%, nickel at 8.5% to 10.5%, molybdenum at 2.5% to 3.5%, and nitrogen at 0.10% to 0.20%.
The duplex microstructure provides high strength combined with excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion.
ER2209 typically delivers a minimum tensile strength of 100,000 psi (690 MPa) or higher, significantly exceeding that of austenitic stainless steel filler metals.
ER2209 is widely used in offshore, shipbuilding, chemical tanker, and petrochemical applications where high strength and chloride resistance are required.
Common trade names include Lincoln ER2209, ESAB OK Autrod 2209, Kobelco TC-S2209, and Hyundai ST-2209.
What are the typical applications for ER2209?
ER2209 is used for welding duplex stainless steel components in offshore oil and gas platforms, chemical tankers, desalination plants, and pulp and paper processing equipment.
It is particularly suitable for applications requiring high strength combined with resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking.
Typical applications include piping, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and structural components made from 2205 duplex stainless steel.
ER2209 is available in solid wire form for GMAW and SAW, and in straight rod form for GTAW.
What shielding gas is used with ER2209?
ER2209 is typically welded with a mixture of 98% argon and 2% oxygen or 98% argon and 2% CO₂ for GMAW applications.
For GTAW, 100% argon is commonly used.
Nitrogen additions to the shielding gas (typically 1% to 2%) may be used to promote austenite formation in the weld metal and improve corrosion resistance.
The choice of shielding gas affects the ferrite-austenite balance in the weld deposit, which in turn influences mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
What Is ER2594 and What Are Its Key Properties?
ER2594 is a superduplex stainless steel bare welding wire and rod designed for welding superduplex stainless steels such as UNS S32750 and S32760.
Its typical deposited weld metal chemistry includes carbon at a maximum of 0.03%, chromium at 24.0% to 27.0%, nickel at 8.0% to 10.5%, molybdenum at 2.5% to 4.5%, and nitrogen at 0.20% to 0.30%.
The higher alloy content provides superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared with standard duplex filler metals, with a pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) exceeding 40.
ER2594 delivers high tensile strength of approximately 116,000 psi (800 MPa) minimum and excellent toughness, making it suitable for the most demanding corrosive environments.
ER2594 is used in offshore, seawater, and chemical processing applications where standard duplex grades are insufficient.
Common trade names include Lincoln ER2594, ESAB OK Autrod 2594, Kobelco TC-S2594, and Böhler Thermanit 25/09 CuT.
What are the typical applications for ER2594?
ER2594 is used for welding superduplex stainless steel components in offshore platforms, subsea equipment, seawater piping, and chemical processing plants.
It is particularly suitable for applications requiring maximum resistance to chloride pitting and stress corrosion cracking.
Typical applications include manifolds, risers, pumps, valves, and heat exchangers made from superduplex stainless steels such as 2507.
ER2594 is also used for welding duplex stainless steels when higher corrosion resistance is required than ER2209 can provide.
What is the difference between ER2553 and ER2594?
ER2553 and ER2594 are both superduplex filler metals, but they differ in their alloy composition and intended base metals.
ER2553 contains copper (approximately 2%) and has lower nickel content (approximately 5.5%), making it suitable for welding 25% chromium duplex stainless steels with copper additions.
ER2594 contains no deliberate copper addition and has higher nickel content (approximately 9%), making it suitable for welding 25% chromium superduplex stainless steels without copper.
Both classifications provide high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, but the choice between them depends on the specific base metal composition and the required corrosion performance.
What Is ER630 and What Are Its Key Properties?
ER630 is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel bare welding wire and rod designed for welding ASTM A564 Type 630 (17-4 PH) and similar precipitation-hardening stainless steels.
Its typical deposited weld metal chemistry includes carbon at a maximum of 0.05%, chromium at 16.0% to 16.75%, nickel at 4.5% to 5.0%, copper at 3.25% to 4.00%, and niobium at 0.15% to 0.30%.
The filler metal delivers high strength through precipitation hardening heat treatment, with tensile strength typically in the range of 130,000 to 190,000 psi depending on the heat treatment condition.
ER630 is used for welding 17-4 PH components in aerospace, petrochemical, and nuclear applications where high strength and moderate corrosion resistance are required.
Common trade names include Lincoln ER630, Harris ER630 (17-4PH), and Central Wire GEN 630.
What are the typical applications for ER630?
ER630 is used for welding ASTM A564 Type 630 (17-4 PH) and similar precipitation-hardening stainless steels in aerospace, petrochemical, and nuclear applications.
Typical applications include turbine blades, valve components, pump shafts, and structural components requiring high strength and moderate corrosion resistance.
The filler metal is suitable for both solution-annealed and aged conditions, and post-weld heat treatment may be required to achieve the desired mechanical properties.
What heat treatment is required after welding with ER630?
Post-weld heat treatment for ER630 typically involves solution annealing at approximately 1040°C (1900°F) followed by rapid cooling, then aging at approximately 480°C to 620°C (900°F to 1150°F) for 1 to 4 hours depending on the desired strength and toughness combination.
The aging treatment precipitates copper-rich phases that provide the strengthening effect.
The exact heat treatment parameters should be verified with the manufacturer's datasheet and the applicable material specification, as they depend on the specific base metal and service requirements.
AWS A5.9 specifies chemical composition requirements for each classification of bare stainless steel filler metal.
The composition requirements control carbon, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, nitrogen, copper, niobium, titanium, and other elements within specified maximum or range limits.
These requirements ensure that the weld deposit achieves the intended corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and microstructural characteristics.
The exact composition limits for each classification are provided in the standard and should be verified with the latest edition of A5.9/A5.9M.
What are the typical carbon and chromium ranges?
Carbon content varies by classification, with low-carbon (L) grades such as ER308L and ER316L limited to a maximum of 0.03%, standard grades such as ER308 and ER316 limited to a maximum of 0.08%, and high-carbon (H) grades such as ER308H having controlled minimum carbon levels for elevated-temperature strength.
Chromium content ranges from approximately 18.0% to 20.0% for ER316L, 19.5% to 22.0% for ER308L, 19.0% to 21.5% for ER347, 22.0% to 24.0% for ER2209, and 24.0% to 27.0% for ER2594.
The chromium content is the primary determinant of corrosion resistance and is always maintained above 10.5% to ensure stainless properties.
Higher chromium grades provide improved resistance to oxidation and high-temperature corrosion.
What are the typical nickel and molybdenum ranges?
Nickel content varies by classification, with ER308L containing approximately 9.0% to 11.0%, ER316L containing 11.0% to 14.0%, ER347 containing 9.0% to 11.0%, ER2209 containing 8.5% to 10.5%, and ER2594 containing 8.0% to 10.5%.
Molybdenum is a key alloying element in ER316L (2.0% to 3.0%), ER317L (3.0% to 4.0%), ER2209 (2.5% to 3.5%), and ER2594 (2.5% to 4.5%), providing improved pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.
Higher molybdenum content increases resistance to chloride-induced corrosion but also increases cost and may reduce toughness if not balanced with nickel and nitrogen.
The nickel-to-chromium ratio is carefully controlled to ensure the correct balance of austenite and ferrite in the weld deposit.
The mechanical properties of AWS A5.9 filler metals are determined through tensile tests of the all-weld metal.
The tensile strength requirements vary by classification, reflecting the different alloy systems and their intended applications.
Elongation requirements ensure adequate ductility for the intended service conditions.
For duplex and superduplex classifications, impact toughness requirements are also specified, typically at temperatures ranging from −20°C to −50°C.
The exact mechanical property requirements for each classification should be verified with the latest edition of A5.9/A5.9M.
What tensile strength is required for austenitic classifications?
The tensile strength requirements for austenitic classifications are generally in the range of 75,000 psi (520 MPa) minimum for the standard 300 series filler metals such as ER308L, ER316L, and ER347.
The 200 series classifications such as ER209 and ER240 have higher tensile strength requirements, typically in the range of 100,000 psi (690 MPa) minimum, due to the strengthening effects of manganese and nitrogen.
ER310 has a tensile strength requirement of approximately 80,000 psi (550 MPa) minimum.
The specialized high-alloy classifications such as ER383 and ER385 typically have tensile strength requirements in the range of 75,000 to 85,000 psi (520 to 590 MPa).
These values should be verified with the manufacturer's datasheet and the latest edition of A5.9/A5.9M.
What tensile strength is required for duplex classifications?
The duplex stainless steel classifications in AWS A5.9 have significantly higher tensile strength requirements than the austenitic classifications.
ER2209 typically requires a minimum tensile strength of 100,000 psi (690 MPa).
ER2553 typically requires a minimum tensile strength of 110,000 psi (760 MPa).
ER2594 typically requires a minimum tensile strength of 116,000 psi (800 MPa).
These high strength levels reflect the dual-phase microstructure of duplex stainless steels, which combines the strength of ferrite with the corrosion resistance and toughness of austenite.
The exact requirements should be verified with the manufacturer's datasheet and the latest edition of A5.9/A5.9M.
Selecting the right AWS A5.9 filler metal depends on the base metal composition, the required corrosion resistance, the mechanical properties, the service temperature, and the welding process.
The first step is to identify the base metal stainless steel grade and select a matching or near-matching filler metal classification.
For Type 304 and 304L, ER308 or ER308L is appropriate; for Type 316 and 316L, ER316 or ER316L is appropriate; for Type 321 and 347, ER347 is appropriate.
The second step is to consider the carbon content requirement: low-carbon (L) grades for corrosion resistance, standard grades for general use, and high-carbon (H) grades for elevated-temperature strength.
The third step is to consider the welding process: solid wire and straight rod forms are used for GMAW, GTAW, and SAW, while composite metal-cored forms are used for GMAW and SAW.
For duplex and superduplex base metals, matching duplex or superduplex filler metals such as ER2209 or ER2594 are required.
Always verify the filler metal selection with the applicable code requirements and the manufacturer's recommendations.
The first step is to identify the base metal composition and select the matching filler metal family: 200 series for high-manganese austenitic, 300 series for standard austenitic, 400 series for martensitic and ferritic, and 2209/2594 for duplex and superduplex.
The second step is to determine the carbon content: choose an "L" grade for maximum corrosion resistance and resistance to sensitization, a standard grade for general purpose, or an "H" grade for elevated-temperature strength.
The third step is to select the product form based on the welding process: solid wire for GMAW and SAW, straight rod for GTAW, and composite metal-cored wire for GMAW and SAW.
The fourth step is to verify the mechanical property requirements, particularly for duplex and superduplex filler metals where high strength is a key requirement.
The fifth step is to confirm that the filler metal meets any applicable code or specification requirements, such as ASME Section IX F-Number and A-Number designations.
The ASME F-Number is a grouping of filler metals based on their welding characteristics and usability, used in welding procedure qualification under ASME Section IX.
Most stainless steel filler metals in AWS A5.9 are grouped under F-Number 6, which covers austenitic and duplex stainless steels, including ER308L, ER316L, ER347, and ER2209.
Some specialized classifications may be grouped under F-Number 5 or F-Number 6 depending on their composition and welding characteristics.
The A-Number is a grouping based on the chemical composition of the deposited weld metal, used for procedure qualification of ferrous materials.
For stainless steel filler metals, the A-Number corresponds to the alloy type, such as A-8 for austenitic stainless steels, A-9 for duplex stainless steels, and A-10 for superduplex stainless steels.
The exact F-Number and A-Number assignments should be verified with the latest edition of ASME Section IX.
AWS A5.9 is part of a broader family of AWS filler metal specifications for stainless steel and other materials.
Understanding these related standards helps ensure that the correct specification is applied for each welding process and base metal.
The main related standards are A5.4, A5.22, A5.30, and A5.28.
Each covers different product forms, alloy systems, or welding processes.
What is AWS A5.4/A5.4M?
AWS A5.4/A5.4M covers stainless steel covered electrodes for shielded metal arc welding.
The specification includes classifications such as E308L-16, E316L-17, E347-16, and E2209-15, which correspond to many of the bare filler metal classifications in A5.9.
These covered electrodes are used for manual stick welding of stainless steels, while A5.9 bare wires and rods are used for gas shielded and submerged arc processes.
Verify with the latest edition for current classifications.
What is AWS A5.22/A5.22M?
AWS A5.22/A5.22M covers stainless steel flux cored and metal cored electrodes and rods for arc welding.
The specification includes classifications such as E308LT1-1, E316LT1-1, and E2209T1-1, which are used with flux cored arc welding (FCAW) and metal cored arc welding processes.
New classifications in the 2024 edition also include all of the metal cored electrodes that are currently in A5.9/A5.9M; in the next revision of A5.9/A5.9M these metal cored electrodes will be deleted from that specification.
Verify with the latest edition for current classifications.
What is AWS A5.30/A5.30M?
AWS A5.30/A5.30M covers consumable inserts used in root pass welding of pipe and tube.
The specification includes classifications for stainless steel, nickel alloy, and carbon steel inserts.
These inserts are used with gas tungsten arc welding to provide consistent root pass chemistry and geometry.
Verify with the latest edition for current classifications.
What is ISO 14343 and how does it relate to AWS A5.9?
ISO 14343 is the international standard for wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires, and rods for arc welding of stainless and heat-resisting steels.
The ISO 14343 classification system uses a different designation structure than AWS A5.9, but many products carry dual classifications under both systems.
For example, ER308L under AWS A5.9 corresponds to ISO 14343-A G 19 9 L or W 19 9 L.
ER316L corresponds to ISO 14343-A G 19 12 3 L or W 19 12 3 L.
The correspondence is product-specific and should be verified with the manufacturer's datasheet and the latest editions of both standards.
Where Can I Find the Official Complete List of AWS A5.9 / A5.9M Types?
The authoritative source for the complete list of AWS A5.9/A5.9M classifications is the latest edition of the specification itself, available from the American Welding Society at pubs.aws.org or through authorized standards distributors such as ANSI.
The specification includes detailed tables covering chemical composition requirements, mechanical property minimums, product forms, and packaging requirements for every classification.
Manufacturer technical datasheets and welding consumable catalogs also list AWS A5.9 classifications, but these should be cross-referenced against the official specification for accuracy.
Because classifications may be added or revised with each edition, always verify with the latest A5.9/A5.9M edition to ensure your filler metal selection aligns with the current classification list.
