0784265 0511320 014

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Key Words-

Covered aluminum electrodes,

aluminum welding electrodes,
shielded metal arc welding,
filler metal specifications

AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999
An American National Standard
Approved by
American National Standards Institute
February 11,1999

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

Supersedes ANSI/AWS A5.3-91

Prepared by
AWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials
Under the Direction of
AWS Technical Activities Committee
Approved by
AWS Board of Directors

Abstract
This specification prescribes requirements for the classification of covered (flux coated) E1100, E3003, and E4043
aluminum-alloy electrodes forshielded metal arc welding. Tests conducted for classification are chemical analysis of the
core wire as well as tensile and bendtests from groove weld test assemblies fabricated with each oftwo sizes of electrode
for each classification. Standard electrode sizes, electrode identification, and chemical composition limits arespecified.
This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units
(SI). Sincethese are
not equivalent, each system must be used independently of the other.

American Welding Society

550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, Florida 33126
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Statement on Use of AWS Standards

All standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices,methods, classifications, and guides) of the American
Welding Society are voluntary consensus standards that have been developed in accordance with the rules of the American National Standards Institute. When AWS standards are either incorporated in, or made part of, documents that are
included in federal or state laws and regulations, or the regulations of other governmental bodies, their provisions carry
the full legal authority of the statute. In such cases, any changes in those AWS standards must be approved by the governmental body having statutory jurisdiction before they can become a part of those laws and regulations. In all cases,
these standards carry the full legal authority of the contract or other document that invokes the AWS standards. Where
this contractual relationship exists,changes in or deviations from requirements of an AWS standard must be by agreement between the contracting parties.

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

American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126
O 1999 by American Welding Society. All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America
Note: The primary purpose of AWS is to serve and benefit its members. To this end, AWS provides a forum for the exchange, consideration, and discussion of ideas and proposals that are relevant to the welding industry and the consensus
of which forms the basis for these standards. By providing such a forum, AWS does not assume any duties to which a
user of these standards may be required to adhere. By publishing this standard, the American Welding Society does not
insure anyone using the information it contains against any liability arising from that use. Publication of a standard by
the American Welding Society does not carry with it any right to make, use, or sell any patented items. Users of the information in this standard should make an independent, substantiating investigation of the validity of that information
for their particular use and the patent statusof any item referred to herein.
Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may be obtained by sending a request, in
writing, to the Managing Director Technical Services, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL
33126 (See Annex B). With regard to technical inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oralopinions on AWS standards may be rendered. However,such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular individuals giving
them. These individuals do not speak on behalf of AWS, nordo these oral opinions constitute official or unofficial opinions or interpretations of AWS. In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as asubstitute for an official interpretation.
This standard is subject to revision at any time by theAWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials. It must be
reviewed every five years and if not revised, it must be either reapproved or withdrawn. Comments (recommendations,
additions, or deletions)and any pertinent data that may beof use in improving this standard are requested and should be
addressed to AWS Headquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS Committee on Filler
Metals and Allied Materials and the author of the comments will be informed of the Committees response to the comments. Guests are invited to attend all meetings of the AWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials to express
their comments verbally. Procedures for appeal ofan adverse decision concerning all such comments are provided in the
Rules of Operation of the Technical Activities Committee. A copy of these Rules can be obtained from the American
Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

Photocopy Rights
Authorization to photocopy items for internal, personal, or educational classroom use only, or the internal, personal, or
educational classroom use only of specific clients, is granted by the American WeldingSociety (AWS) provided that the
appropriate fee is paid to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: 978-7508400; online: http://www.copyright.com

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M 07842b5 0533323 823

Personnel
R. A. LaFave,Chair
J. F! Hunt, Ist Mce Chair
D. A. Fink, 2nd Mce Chair
R. K. Gupta, Secretary
*R. L. Bateman
R. S.Brown
R. A. Bushey
J . Caprarola,JI:
*L. J. Christensen
R. J. Christoffel
D. D. Crockett
R. A. Daemen
D. A. DefSignore
R. L. Drury I l l
H. W Ebert
J. G. Feldstein
S.E. Ferree
L. Flasche
R. D.Fuchs
C. E. Fuerstenau
G. Hallstrom,Jr.
J . A. Henning
R. B. Kadiyala
F? J. Konkol
D.J. Kotecki

Elliott Company
Consultant
The Lincoln Electric Company
American Welding Society
Electromanufacturas,S.A.
Carpenter Technology Corporation
ESAB Weldingand CuttingProducts
Consultant
Consultant
Consultant
The Lincoln Electric Company
Consultant
Consultant
Caterpillar, Incorporated
ExxonResearchand EngineeringCompany
Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
ESAB Weldingand CuttingProducts
Delphi Delco Electronic Systems
Bhler Thyssen Welding USA, Incorporated
Alloy Ring Service
Hallstrom Consultants
Deltak, Incorporated
Techailoy Maryland, Incorporated
ConcurrentTechnologiesCorporation
The Lincoln Electric Company
AmericanBureau of Shipping
Consultant
Consultant
Chicago BridgeandIronCompany,
Incorporated
MAC Associates
DaimlerChrysler
Stoody Company
Select Arc, Incorporated
Ampco Metal, Incorporated
ABB Power Generation
Department of the Navy
Consultant
Wall Colmonoy Corporation
Consultant
The Lincoln Electric Company
Consultant
Consultant
Canadian Welding Bureau
Det Norske Veritas(DNV)
Newport News Shipbuilding

D. I:Ku
N. E. Larson
A. S. Laurenson
J. S. Lee
G. H. MacShane
W A. Marttila
R. Menon
M, i? Merlo
A. R. Mertes
M.D. Morin
C. L. Null
J. J.Payne
R. L. Peaslee
E. W Pickering, Jr.
M. A. Quintana
*H. E Reid
*S. D. Reynolds, Jr.
L. E Roberts
F? K. Salvesen
J . M. Sawhill, Jr.
*Advisor

...
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AWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials

0784265 0511324 3bT

A. F! Seidler
W S. Severance
*W A. Shopp
M. S. Sierdzinski
*R. G. Sim
E. R. Stevens
*R. W Straiton
R. A. Sulit
R. A . Swain
R. D. Thomas, Jr.
K. F! Thornberry
*R. Timerman
* S . Tsutsumi
L. 7: Vernam
G. J. Vytanovych
7: R. Warren
H. D. Wehr
* E J . Winsor
K. G. Wold

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

AWS Subcommittee on Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy

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

L. 7: Vernam, Chair
W N, Dietzen, Vice Chair
R. K . Gupta, Secretary
*B. E. Anderson
S. A. Collins
*Fi B. Dickerson
S. A. Gedeon
R. M . Henson
G . Hergenrather
L. L. Her1
J . S. Lee
G. H. Musselman
E. R. Pickering
*R. D. Thomas, Jr.
D. A. Wright, Sr.
*Advisor

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AWS Committee onFiller Metals and Allied Materials (Continued)

07842b5 0533325 bTb

Foreword
(This Foreword is not a part of AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999,Specifcation forAluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes
for Shielded Metal Arc Welding, but is included for information purposes only.)
This document represents the sixth revision of the first aluminum covered electrode specification issued in 1943. The
original document was prepared by ajoint AWS/ASTM Committee and publishedas an ASTM Standard.
During the mid-to-late 1960s, ASTM agreed to accept AWS as the sole agency responsible for the development and
publication of filler metal specifications. In recent years, AWS filler metal specifications have been recognized by the
American National Standards Institute as shown below:
AWS/ASTM B184-43T

Tentative Specifications for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Metal Arc-Welding

AWS A5.3-62T
ASTM B184-62T

Tentative
Specification

AWS
A5.3-69
Specification
for
ANSI W3.3-1973

for Aluminum
and
Aluminum-Alloy
Arc-Welding

Electrodes

Aluminum and
Aluminum-Alloy
Arc-Welding
Electrodes

ANSI/AWS A5.3-80SpecificationforAluminumandAluminum-AlloyCoveredArc-Welding
ANSI/AWS A5.3-88Specification

Electrodes

Electrodes

for AluminumandAluminum-AlloyElectrodes for ShieldedMetal Arc Welding

ANSI/AWS A5.3-91SpecificationforAluminumandAluminum-AlloyElectrodes

for ShieldedMetal Arc Welding

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Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary,
AWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL
33126.
Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may be obtained bysending a request, in
writing, to the Managing Director TechnicalServices Division, American Welding Society.A formal reply will be issued
after it has been reviewed by the appropriate personnel following established procedures.

V
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0784265 0533326 532 D

Table of Contents
Page No.
...

Personnel ....................................................................................................................................................................
Foreword .....................................................................................................................................................................
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................................
List ofFigures ..........................................................................................................................................................

I II
V

...

VIII

...

VIII

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

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

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

3. Classification ..........................................................................................................................................................

4. Acceptance .............................................................................................................................................................

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

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

Part B-Tests, Procedures, and Requirements ............................................................................................................. 2
7. Summary of Tests ...................................................................................................................................................

8. Retest ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
9. Weld Test Assembly ...............................................................................................................................................

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

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

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

Part C d a n u f a c t u r e , identifcation, and Packaging.................................................................................................. 5

13. Method of Manufacture .......................................................................................................................................... 5
14. Standard Sizesand Lengths .................................................................................................................................... 5

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

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

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

18. Packaging ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
19. Marking of Packages ..............................................................................................................................................

Annex A - C u i d e t oAWS Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-AlloyElectrodes for

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

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07842b5 0511327 479

Page No

A6. Welding Considerations .......................................................................................................................................

10
A7 . Description and Intended Use of Electrodes .......................................................................................................
11

A8. Special Tests........................................................................................................................................................

11
A9. Chemical Analysis...............................................................................................................................................
11
A10 . General Safety Considerations .......................................................................................................................... 11
15

B1. Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................

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

15
15
15
16
16
16

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

17

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

19

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Annex B-Guidelines forPreparation of Technical Inquiries for AWS Technical Committees .................................

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07842b5 0511328 305

List of Tables
Page No.

Table
1

2
3
4
5
Al

Chemical Composition Requirements for Core Wire ...................................................................................

Required
Tests ...............................................................................................................................................
BaseMetal for Test Assemblies ...................................................................................................................
TensionTestRequirements
...........................................................................................................................
Standard Sizes ...............................................................................................................................................
Designation Reference Guide .....................................................................................................................

2
3
5
5
6
10

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List of Figures

Figure
1

No.

Page
Groove WeldTest Assembly for MechanicalProperties ...............................................................................

...

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0 7 8 4 Z b 5 05&L329 241 D
AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy

Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

1. Scope

2.3 Thefollowing IS0 standard3 is referenced in the

mandatory sections of this document:
(1) IS0 544, Filler Materials for Manual WeldingSize Requirements.

This specification prescribes requirements for the

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

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

Part A
General Requirements

2. Normative References

3.2 An electrode classified under one classification shall

not be classified under any other classification in this

2.1 The following ANSIIAWS standards' are referenced

in the mandatory sections of this document:
(1) ANSIIAWSA5.01,
Filler Metal Procurement
Guidelines.
( 2 ) ANSIJAWS B4.0, Standard Methods for Mechanical Testing of Welds.

specification.

4. Acceptance
Acceptance4 of the electrode shall be in accordance
with the provisions of ANSIIAWS A5.01, Filler Metal
Procurement Guidelines.

2.2 The following ASTM standards2 are referenced in

the mandatory sections of this document:

(1) ASTM E 29, Standard Practice for Using Signifcant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with
Specifications.
(2) ASTM E 34, Standard Methods for Chemical
Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminurn Alloys.
(3) ASTM B 209, Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheetand Plate.

5. Certification
By affixing the AWS specification and classification
designations to the packaging, or the classification to the
3. IS0 Standards can be obtained from the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), 11 West 42nd Street, New York,
NY 10036.
4. See Section A3, Acceptance (in Annex A) for further information concerning acceptance, testing of the material shipped,
and ANSIIAWS A5.01, Filler Metal ProcurementGuidelines.

1. AWS Standards can be obtained from the American Welding

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

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9 07842b5 05LL330 Tb3

AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

Table 1
Chemical Composition Requirements for Core Wire
Weight Percentash
~~

~~~

Other
Elements
AWS
UNS
Classification
DesignationC
Si
A91100

Ell00
E3003
A93003
E4043
A94043
4.5-6.0

Cu

Fe

Mn Al Total
Mg Each ZnBe

Ti

(d)

(d)

0.05-0.20

0.05

0.10

0.0008 0.05

0.6

0.7 0.05-0.20

1.0-1.5

0.10

0.0008

0.05

0.15

Remainder

0.05

0.05

0.10

0.20

0.0008

0.05

0.15

Remainder

0.8

0.30

0.15
99.00

mine

Notes:
a. The core wire, or the stock from which it is made, shall be analyzed for the specific elements for which values are shown in this table. If the presence of other elements is indicated i n the course of work, the amount of those elements shall be determined to ensure that they do not exceed the
limits specified for Other Elements.
b. Single values are maximum, except where otherwise specified.
c. SAE/ASTM Unified Numbering System for Metals and Alloys.
d. Silicon plus iron shall not exceed 0.95 percent.
100.00 percent aud the sum of all other metallic elements presenl in
e. The aluminum content for unalloyed aluminum is the difference between
amounts of 0.010 percent or more each, expressed to the second decimal before determining the sum.
f. Refer to Table AI for Proposed IS0 Designations.

Part B
Tests, Procedures, and Requirements

product, the manufacturer certifies that the product meets

the requirements of this spe~ification.~

6. Units of Measure and RoundingOff Procedure

7. Summary of Tests

6.1 This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary

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

The tests required for each classification are specified

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

6.2 For the purpose of determining conformance with

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

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

5. See SectionA4, Certification (in AnnexA) for further information concerningcertificationand the testingcalled for to
meet this requirement.

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

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

Table 2
Required Tests
Electrode Size
AWS Classification
in.

3/32
1I8
5/32

El 1 0 0 , E3003, and
E4043

311 6
114
5116
318

mm

Chemical Analysisa

Tension Testh

Bend TestC

2.4
2.5
3.2
4.0

Required

Not Required"
Not Required"
Not Requiredd
Requirede

Not Requiredd
Not Requiredd
Not Requiredd

4.8
5 .O
6.0
6.4
8.0
9.5

Required
Required
Required

Not Required"
Not Requiredd

Required

Requiredf
Not Requiredd
Not Requiredd

Not Requiredd
Not Requiredd
Requiredf
Required'
Not Requiredd
Not Requiredd

Required

Required
Required

Required
Required

Requiredf

Requirede

Notes:
a. Chemical analysis of the core wireor the stock from which it is made.
b. See Section 11.
c. See Section 12.
d. If the product is not produced in the sizes listed for required tensile tests and bend tests, then the size closest but not greater than the size specified
to be tested, shall be subject to the required tests.
basis of theresultsobtained with the 5/32 in. [4.0 mm] size of thesame
e. Electrodes 5/32 in. [4.0 mm] and smallershallbeclassifiedonthe
classification.
f. Electrodes 3/16 in. [4.8mm] and larger shall be classified on the basis
of the results obtained with the 114 in. (6.0 or 6.4 mm] size of thesame
classification.

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

10. Chemical Analysis

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

9. Weld Test Assembly

10.2 The sampleshall be analyzed by accepted analytical

methods. The referee method shall be ASTM E 34, Standard Methodsfor Chemical Analysisof Aluminum and
Aluminum Alloys.

9.1 One weld test assembly is required as specified in

Table 2. It is the groove weld in Figure 1 for mechanical
properties.

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

9.2 Preparation of the weld test assembly shall be as prescribed in 9.3, Figure 1, and Table 2 (Notes eand f) using

base metal of the appropriate type specified in Table 3.

Testing of the assembly shall be as specified in Sections
11, Tension Test, and 12, Bend Test. The assembly shall
be tested in the as-welded condition.

11. Tension Test

9.3 The test assembly shall be preheated to a temperature

between 350" and 400F [175" and 2OO"C], and shielded
metal arc (SMA) welded from one side, in the flat posi-

11.1 Two transverse rectangular tension test specimens

shall be machined from the groove weld described in
Section 9, Weld Test Assembly, and shown in Figure 1.

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

0784265 0533332 83b

AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

i
L
A

DISCARD

I
I

I
TENSION SPECIMEN I

DIMENSIONS
mm in.

A
2

ROOT-BEND SPECIMEN-

B
45

1.5

38
50

1.8
C, MIN

300 12
L, MIN
FACE-BEND
SPECIMEN

II
I
TENSION SPECIMEN

R, RADIUS

114

S6.5

114

6.5

W8

9.5

3116

25

250 W
10, MIN

Z, MIN

DISCARD C

SEE DETAIL A

General Notes:
1. Root Opening = 1116 in. [1.6 mm].
2. Backing material shallbe the same alloy
as the base metal. It may be rolled or extruded.
3. Test material blanks shall be removed from the locations
shown.

Figure 1-Groove Weld Test Assembly for Mechanical Properties

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DETAIL A

M 07842b5 05LL333 772

AWS A5.3lA5.3M:1999

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

Table 3
Base Metal for Test Assemblies
Base

Electrode
AWS
Classification

Aluminum
Alloy"

ASTM
Specification

Designation

Ell00
E3003, E4043

1100

B209

A91100

3003

B209

A93003

UNS

Notes:

a. Aluminum Association, Inc. registration numbers.

b. When welding 3003 with E4043 electrodes, 3003-0(annealed temper) plate is preferred.

12.3 Each specimen, after bending, shall conform to the

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

The dimensions of the specimens shallbe as specified in

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

Part C
Manu facture,
Identification, and
Packaging

11.2 The specimens shall be tested in the manner described in the tension test section of ANSI/AWS B4.0,
Standard Methodsfor Mechanical Testing of Welds.
11.3 The resultsof the tension test shall meet the requirements specifiedin Table 4.

13. Method of Manufacture

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

12. Bend Test

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

14. Standard Sizes and Lengths

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

Table 4
Tension Test Requirements

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

Tensile Strength, min."

AWS Classification

El 100
E3003
E4043

psi

M Pa

12 o00
14 O00
14 O 0 0

80

15. Core Wire and Covering

95
95

15.1 The core wire and covering shall be free of defects

t h a t would interfere with uniform deposition of the
electrode.

Note:

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

5
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AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

Table 5
Standard Sizes
of Diameter
in.

2.4
4.0

(0.094)
156)

(0.
(0.
El 100, E3003,(0.
and E4043
/4

8.0

(0.312)

3/32
2.5
3.2
1 /8
5/32
3/16
1

5/1
318

125)

mm

mm

(0.098)
(0.
350 4Aa
5.0
6.0

188)
197)

6.4a

in.

(0.236)
(0.250)

14

18

(0.375)

450

9.5"

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

15.2 The core wire and the covering shall be concentric

to the extent that the maximum core-plus-one-covering
dimension shall not exceed the minimum core-plus-onecovering dimensionby more than the following:
(1) Sevenpercent ofthemeandimension
in sizes
3/32 in. [2.4 and 2.5 mm]
(2) Five percent ofthemean dimension in sizes 1/8
and 5/32 in. [3.2 and 4.0 mm]
(3) Four percent of themeandimension
in sizes
3/16 in. [4.8 mm] and larger
Concentricity may be measured by any suitable means.

the full cross-section of the covering is obtained) shall

not exceed 1/8 in. [3 mm] or the diameter of the core
wire, whichever is less. Electrodes with chipped coverings near the arc end, baring the core wire no more than
the lesser of 1/4 in. [6 mm] or twice the diameter of the
core wire, meet the requirements of this specification,
provided no chip uncovers more than50% of the circumference of the core.

15.3 The coveringsshall be such that they are not readily

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

All electrodes shall be identified as follows:

16. Exposed Core

17.3 The ink used for imprinting shall provide sufficient

contrast with the electrode covering so that, in normal
use, the numbers and letters are legible both before and
after welding.

17. Electrode Identification

17.1 At least one imprint of the electrode classification
shall be applied to theelectrode covering within 2-1/2 in.
[65 mm] of the grip end of the electrode.
17.2 The numbers and letters of the imprint shall be of
bold block type ofa size large enough to be legible.

16.1 The grip end of each electrode shall be bare (free of

covering) for a distance of not less than 1/2 in. [12 mm],
nor more than 1-1/4 in. [30 mm] for electrodes 5/32 in.
[4.0 mm] and smaller, and not less than 3/4 in. [19 mm]
nor more than 1-1/2 in. [38 mm] for electrodes 3/16 in.
[4.8 mm] and larger, to providefor electrical contact with
the electrode holder.

17.4 The prefix letter E in the electrode classification

may be omitted from the imprint.
17.5 In lieu of imprinting, electrodes may be identified
by the following:
(1) Attaching to the bare grip end of each electrode a
pressure sensitive tape bearing the classification number
(2) Embossing the classification number on the bare
grip end of each electrode. In this case, a slight flattening

16.2 The arc end of each electrode shall be sufficiently

bare and the covering sufficiently tapered to permit easy
striking of the arc. The length of the bare portion (measured from the end of thecore wire to the location where

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AWS Classification

Lengths
Standard

Core Wire

= 0784265 0511335 545

AWS A5.3IA5.3M :1999

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

embossing.

WARNING:
PROTECT yourself and others. Read and understandthis
information.

18. Packaging

FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous to your health.

18.1 Electrodes shall be suitably packaged to protect

them from damage during shipment and storage under
normal conditions.
I

ARC RAYS can injure eyes and burn skin.

ELECTRIC SHOCK can KILL.
Before use, read and understand the manufacturers instructions, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), and
your employers safety practices.

18.2 Standard package net weights shall be 1 Ib [0.5 kg],

5 Ib [2.5 kg], and 10 lb [5 kg]. Other package weights
meet the requirements of this specification when agreed
by the purchaser and supplier.

Keep your head out of the fumes.

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

19. Marking of Packages

19.1 The following product information (as a minimum)
shall be legibly marked on the outside of each unit
package:
(1) AWS specification and classification designations
(year of issue may be excluded)
(2) Suppliers name and trade designation
(3) Size and net weight
(4) Lot, control, or heat number

Wear correct eye, ear, and body protection.

Do not touch live electrical parts.

See American National Standard ANSI 249.1, Safety

in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, published
by the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune
Road, Miami, FL33126; and OSHA Safety and Health
Standards, available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Phone: (202) 512-1800.

19.2 The following precautionary information

(as a minimum) shall be prominently displayed in legible print on
all packages of electrodes, including individual unit
packages enclosedwithin a larger package.

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DO NOT REMOVE THIS INFORMATION

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AWS A5.31A5.3M :1999

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

Al. Introduction

A3.Acceptance

The purpose of this guide is to correlate the electrode

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

Acceptance of all welding materials classified under

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

A2. Classification System

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

A4. Certification
The act of placing the AWS specification and classification designations on the packaging enclosing the product, or the classification on the product itself, constitutes
the suppliers (manufacturers) certification that the product meets all of the requirements of the specification.
The only testing requirement implicit in this certification is that the manufacturer has actually conducted the
tests required by the specification on material that is representative of that being shipped and that material met
the requirements of the specification. Representativematerial, in this case, is any production run of that classification using the same formulation. Certificationis not

A2.2 An international system for designating welding

filler metals is under development by the International
Institute of Welding (IIW) for use in future specifications
to be issued by the International Standards Organization
(ISO). Table A l shows the proposed designations for
aluminum filler metals. In that system the initial E designates a covered electrode,the letter A the alloy system, followed by a four-digit number. For wrought
aluminum alloys, the four-digit number is the same as
that commonly recognized worldwide.
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Table A l
Designation Reference Guide
A W S Composition Designationa
A91

1100
3003
4043

UNS Number

Proposed IS0 Designationh

A W S Classification NumberC

EA1100
EA3003
EA4043

El 1 0 0

1 00

E3003
E4043

Notes:
a. AWS chemical composition designation is that of the core wire and is the same as the Aluminum Association designation number.
b. The proposed IS0 designation number (IIW doc. XII-1232-91) contains the last four digits of the UNSnumberforwrought alloys, preceded by
"EA," " E to signify a covered electrode and "A" to signify an aluminum base alloy.
c. The AWS classification number is the AWS chemical composition designation preceded by an "E" to signify an electrode which carries the electrical
current.

ment of the gas shielded arc welding processes and the

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

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

A5. Ventilation During Welding

A5.1 Five major factors govern the quantity of fumes in
the atmosphere to which welders and welding operators
are exposed duringwelding:
(1) Dimensions of the space in which welding is done
(with special regard to the height of the ceiling)
(2) Number of welders and welding operators working in that space
(3) Rate of evolution of fumes, gases, or dust, according to the materials and processes used
(4) The proximity of the welders or welding operators to the fumes as the fumes issue from the welding
zone, and to the gases and dusts in the space in which
they are working
(5) The ventilation provided to the space in which the
welding is done.

A6.2 The presence of moisture in the electrode covering

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

A5.2 American National StandardANSI 249.1, Safety in

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

A6.3 The minimum base metal thickness recommended

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

A6. Welding Considerations

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

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A root opening of 1/32 to 1/16 in. [0.8 to 1.6 mm] is de-

the 5XXX series aluminum alloys (up to 2.5-percent Mg

content), and aluminum-silicon casting alloys, aswell as
aluminum base metals 1100, 1350(EC), and 3003.

sirable for all groove welds.

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

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

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A6.5 Single-pass SMA welds should be made whenever

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

AS. Special Tests

It is recognized that supplementary tests may be required for certain applications. In such cases, teststo determine specific propertiessuch as corrosion resistance,
electrical conductivity, mechanical properties at elevated
or cryogenic temperatures, and suitability for welding
different combinations of aluminum base alloys may be
required.

A9. Chemical Analysis

A6.6 Interruption of the arc when shielded metal arc

welding aluminum can cause the formation of a fused
flux coating overthe end of the electrode. Reestablishing
a satisfactory arc is impossible unless this formation is
removed.

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

A7. Description and Intended Useof

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

Alo. General Safety Considerations

A7.2 Electrodes of the E3003 classification produce

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

A1O.l Burn Protection. Molten metal, sparks, slag, and

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

A7.3 The E4043 classification contains approximately

five-percent silicon, which provides superior fluidity at
welding temperatures,and for this reason is preferred for
general purpose welding. The E4043 classification produces weld metal with fair ductility and a minimum tensile strength of 14 O00 psi [95 MPa]. E4043 electrodes
can be used to weld the 6XXX series aluminum alloys,
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to protect the head should be used. In addition, appropriate eye protection should be used.
When welding overhead or in confined spaces,ear
plugs to prevent weld spatter from entering the ear canal
should be worn. Goggles or equivalent should also be
worn to protect eyes. Clothing should be kept free of
grease and oil. Combustible materials should not be carried in pockets. If any combustible substance has been
spilled on clothing, a change to clean,fire-resistant clothing should be made before working with open arcs or
flame. Aprons, cape-sleeves, leggings, and shoulder covers with bibs designed for welding service should be
used.
Where welding orcutting of unusually thick base
metal is involved, sheet metal shields should be used for
extra protection. Mechanization of highly hazardous processes or jobs should beconsidered. Other personnel in
the work area should be protected by the use of noncombustible screens or by the use of appropriate protection as
described in the previous paragraph. Before leaving a
work area, hot work pieces should be marked to alert
other persons of this hazard. No attempt should be made
to repair or disconnect electrical equipment when it is
under load. Disconnection under load produces arcing of
the contacts and may cause burns or shock, or both.
(Note: Burns can be caused by touching hot equipment
such as electrode holders, tips, and nozzles. Therefore,
insulated gloves should be worn when these items are
handled, unless an adequate cooling periodhas been allowed before touching.)
The following sources are for more detailed information on personal protection:
(1) ANSI 249.1, Safely in Welding, Cutting, and Allied
Processes, published by the American Welding Society,
550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
(2) Code of FederalRegulations, Title 29 Labor,
Chapter XVII, Part 1910, OSHA General Industry Standards available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
(3) ANSIIASC 287.1, Practice for Occupational and
Educational Eye and Face Protection, American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New
York, NY 10036-8002.
(4) ANSI 241, American National Standard for Personal ProtectionDrotective Footwear, American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New
York, NY 10036-8002.

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

All electrical equipment and the workpieces should be

grounded. The workpiece lead is not a ground lead. It is
used only to completethe welding circuit. A separateconnection is required to ground the workpiece. The workpiece should not be mistaken for a ground connection.
The correct cable size should be used, since sustained
overloading will cause cable failure and result in possible
electrical shock or fire hazard. All electrical connections
should be tight, clean, and dry. Poor connections can
overheat and even melt. Further, they can produce dangerous arcs and sparks. Water, grease, or dirt should not
be allowed to accumulate on plugs, sockets, or electrical
units. Moisture can conductelectricity. To prevent shock,
the work area, equipment, and clothing should bekept
dry at all times. Weldersshould wear dry gloves and rubber soled shoes, or stand on a dry boardor insulated platform. Cables and connections should be kept in good
condition. Improper or worn electrical connections may
create conditions that could cause electrical shock or
short circuits. Worn, damaged, or bare cables should not
be used. Open-circuit voltage should be avoided. When
several welders are working with arcs of different polarities, or when a number of alternating-current machines
are being used, the open-circuit voltages can be additive.
The added voltages increase the severity of the shock
hazard.
In case of electric shock, the power should be turned
off. If the rescuer must resort to pulling the victim from
the live contact, nonconducting materials should be used.
If the victim is not breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be administered as soon as contact
with the electrical source is broken. A physician should
be called and CPR continued until breathing has been restored, or until a physician has arrived. Electrical burns
are treated as thermal burns; that is, clean, cold (iced)
compresses should be applied. Contamination should be
avoided; the area should be covered with a clean, dry
dressing; and the patient should be transported to medical assistance.
Recognizedsafety standards such as ANSI 249.1,
Safely in Welding, Cutting, andAllied Processes;the National Electrical Code;and NFPA No. 70, available from
National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269, should be followed.
A103 Fumes andGases. Many welding, cutting, and allied processes produce fumes and gases which may be
harmful to health. Fumes are solid particles which originate from welding filler metals and fluxes, the base
metal, and any coatings present on the base metal. Gases
are produced during the welding process or may be produced by the effectsof process radiation on the surrounding environment. Management, personnel and welders
alike should be aware of the effects of these fumes and
gases. The amount and composition of these fumes and
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A10.4 Radiation.Welding, cutting, and allied operations

may produce radiant energy (radiation) harmful to
health. One should become acquainted with the effects of
this radiant energy.
Radiant energy may be ionizing (such as x-rays), or
nonionizing (such as ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared). Radiation can produce a variety of effects such as
skin burns and eye damage, dependingon the radiant energys wavelength and intensity, if excessive exposure
occurs.

gases depend upon the composition of the filler metal

and base metal, welding process, flux, current level, arc
length, and other factors. Fluxes, used for oxyfuel gas
welding of aluminum alloys, are composed primarily of
chlorides plus small fluoride additions. The coatings
used in covered electrodes of the types shown in this
specification A5.3IA5.3M contain both chlorides and
fluorides.
The possible effects of overexposure range from irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory system to more severe complications. Effects may occur immediately or at
some later time. Fumes can cause symptoms suchas nausea, headaches, dizziness, and metal fume fever. The
possibility of more serious health effects exists when especially toxic materials are involved. In confined spaces,
the fumes mightdisplace breathing air and cause asphyxiation. Ones head should always be kept out of the
fumes. Sufficient ventilation, exhaust at the arc or flame,
or both, should be used to keep fumes and gases from
your breathing zoneand the general area.
In some cases, natural air movementwillprovide
enough ventilation. Where ventilation may be questionable, air sampling should be used to determine if corrective measures shouldbe applied.
All aluminum electrodes possessacompositional
control of 0.0008 percent maximum beryllium content.
This provides a checkby the manufacturer that the filler
metal is essentially free of this element and thus avoids
the presence of concentrations of this highly toxic metallic particulate during the filler metal transfer across the
arc. Since the electrode core wire is fabricated as drawn,
wrought aluminum wire, the same beryllium control has
been applied to all filler metals covered by this ANSI/
AWS A5.3IA5.3M specification. Thus all electrodes possess a 0.0008 percentberyllium maximum limit.
More detailed information on fumes and gases produced by the various welding processesmay be found in
the following:
(1)Thepermissibleexposure
limits required by
OSHA can be found in CFR Title 29, Chapter XVII Part
1910. The OSHAGeneral Industry Standards are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
(2) Therecommended
threshold limit values for
these fumes and gases may be found in Threshold Limit
Values for ChemicalSubstances and Physical Agents in
the Workroom Environment, published by the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
(ACGIH), 1330 Kemper Meadow Drive, Suite 600, Cincinnati, OH 45240-1643.
(3) The results of an AWS-funded study are available
in a report entitled, Fumes and Gases in the Welding
Environment, available from the American Welding
Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

A10.4.1IonizingRadiation.
Ionizing radiation is
produced by the electron beam welding process. It is ordinarily controlled within acceptance limits by use of
suitable shielding enclosing the welding area.
A10.4.2NonionizingRadiation. The intensity and
wavelengths of nonionizing radiant energy produced depend on many factors, such as the process, welding parameters, electrode and base metal composition, fluxes,
and any coating or plating on the base metal. Some processes such as resistance welding and cold pressure
welding ordinarily produce negligible quantities of radiant energy. However, most arc welding and cutting processes (except submerged arc when used properly), laser
beam welding and torch welding, cutting, brazing, or soldering can produce quantities of nonionizing radiation
such that precautionary measures are necessary.
Protectionfrompossibleharmful
effects caused by
nonionizing radiant energy from welding include the following measures:
(1) One should not look at welding arcs except
through welding filter plates which meet the requirements of ANSVASC 287.1, Practice for Occupational
and Education Eye and Face Protection, published by
American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd
Street, New York, NY 10036-8002. It should be noted
that transparent welding curtains are not intended as
welding filter plates, but rather are intended to protect
passersby from incidental exposure.
(2) Exposed skin should be protected with adequate
gloves and clothing as specified in ANSI 249.1, Safety in
Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, published by
American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road,
Miami, FL 33126.
(3) Reflections from welding arcs should be avoided,
and all personnel should be protected from intense reflections. (Note: Paintsusing pigments of substantially
zinc oxide or titanium dioxide have a lower reflectance
for ultraviolet radiation.)
(4) Screens, curtains, or adequatedistance
from
aisles, walkways, etc., should be used to avoid exposing
passersby to welding operations.
13

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AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

Hazards from Optical Radiation Generatedby Electric

Welding and Cutting Arcs, available from the National
Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161,
ADA-043023.
(4) Moss, C. E., and Murray, W. E. Optical Radiation
Levels Produced in Gas Welding, Torch Brazing, and
Oxygen Cutting. Welding Journal, September 1979.
(5) Optical
Radiation
Levels
Produced
by AirCarbon Arc Cutting Processes, Welding Journal, March
1980.
(6) ANSI/ASC 2136.1,Safe Use of Lasers, published
by American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd
Street, New York, NY 10036-8002.
(7) ANSI 249.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied
Processes, published by the American Welding Society,
550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
(8) ANSI/ASC 287.1,Practice for Occupational and
Educational Eye and Face Protection, published by
American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd
Street, New York, NY 10036-8002.
(9) Moss, C. E. Optical Radiation Transmission Levels through Transparent Welding Curtains, WeldingJournal, March 1979.

( 5 ) Safety glasses with UV-protective side shields

have been shown to provide some beneficial protection
from ultraviolet radiation produced by welding arcs.

A10.4.3 Ionizing radiation information sources

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

A10.4.4 Nonionizing radiation information sources

include:
(1) Hinrichs, J. F., Project Committee on Radiationsummary report. Welding Journal, January 1978.
(2) Nonionizing Radiation Protection Special Study
No. 42-0053-77, Evaluation of the Potential Hazards
from Actinic Ultraviolet Radiation Generated
by Electric
Welding and Cutting Arcs, available from the National
Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161,
ADA-033768.
(3) Nonionizing Radiation Protection Special Study
No. 42-0312-77, Evaluation of the Potential Retina

14
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Not for Resale

= 07842b5 0533342 785

AWS A5.31A5.3M:1999

Annex B
Guidelines for Preparation of Technical Inquiries for
AWS Technical Committees
(This Annex is not a part of ANSIJAWS A5.3JA5.3M:1999, Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding, but is included for informationpurposes only).

B1. Introduction

the edition of the standard that contains the provisions or

that the Inquirer isaddressing.

The AWSBoardof Directors has adopted a policy

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

B2.2 Purpose of the Inquiry. The purpose of the inquiry

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

B2.3 Content of the Inquiry. The inquiry should be

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

B2. Procedure

B3. Interpretation of Provisions of

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

B2.1 Scope. Each inquiry must address one single provision of the Standard, unless the point of the inquiry involves two or more interrelated provisions. That provision
must be identified in the Scope of the inquiry, along with
15
Copyright American Welding Society
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B2.4 Proposed Reply. The inquirer should, as a proposed reply, state an interpretation of the provision that is
the point of the inquiry, or the wording for a proposed revision, if that is what inquirer seeks.

All inquiries must be directed to: Managing Director,

Technical Services, American Welding Society, 550
N.W. Ldeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
All inquiries must contain the name, address, and affiliation of the inquirer, and they must provide enough
information for the committee to fully understand the
point of concern in the inquiry. Where that point is not
clearly defined, the inquiry will be returned for clarification. For efficient handling, all inquiries should be typewritten and should also be in the format used here.

AWS A5.3fA5.3M:1999

an official interpretation of any A W S Standard with the

information that such an interpretation can be obtained
onlythrougha written request. TheHeadquarters Staff
cannotprovide consulting services. The staff can, however, refer a caller to any of those consultants whose
names are on file at A W S Headquarters.

Following the subcommittees development of the response, the inquiry and the response arepresentedtothe
entire committee for review and approval. Upon approval by the committee, the interpretation willbean official interpretation of the Society, andthe secretary will
transmit the response to the inquirer andtothe Welding
Journal for publication.

B6. The AWS Technical Committee

B4. Publication of Interpretations

The activities of A W S Technical Committees in regard

to interpretations, are limited strictly to the Interpretation
of provisions of Standards prepared by the Committee or
to consideration of revisions to existing provisions on the
basis of new data or technology. Neitherthe committee
nor the Staff is in a position to offer interpretive or consulting services on: (1) specific engineering problems,or
(2) requirements of Standards applied to fabrications outside the scope of the document or points not specifically
covered by the Standard. In such cases, the inquirer
should seek assistance froma competent engineer experienced in the particular fieldof interest.

All official interpretations will appear in the Welding

Journal.

B5. Telephone Inquiries

Telephone inquiries to A W S Headquarters concerning
A W S Standards should be limited to questions of a general nature or to matters directly related to the use of the
Standard. TheBoard of Directors Policy requires that all
AWS Staff members respond to a telephone request for

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No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

16
Not for Resale

AWS Filler Metal Specifications by Material and Welding Process

17
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07842b5 0511345 494

AWS A5.31A5.3M :1999

AWS Filler Metal Specifications and Related Documents

Title

AWS Designation
IFS

International Index of Welding Filler Metal Classifications

FMC

Filler Metal Comparison Charts

~

~~

~~

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UGFM

Users Guide to Filler Metals

A4.2MlA4.2

Standard Procedures for Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic and
Duplex Austenitic-Ferritic Stainless Steel Weld Metal

A4.3

Standard Methods for Determination of the Diffusible Hydrogen Content of Martensitic, Bainitic, and Ferritic
Steel Weld Metal Produced by Arc Welding

A5.01

Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines

A5.1

Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

~~

~~

A5.2

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

A5.31A5.3M

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

A5.4

Specification for Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.5

Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.6

Specification for Covered Copper and Copper Alloy Arc Welding Electrodes

A5.7

Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Bare Welding Rods and Electrodes

A5.8

Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding

A5.9

SDecification for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.10

Specification for Bare Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.11/A5.11M

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

A5.12/A5.12M

Specification for Tungsten and Tungsten Alloy Electrodes for Arc Welding and Cutting

A5.13

Specification for Solid Surfacing Welding Rods and Electrodes

A5.141A5.14M

SDecification for Nickel and Nickel-Allov Bare Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.15

SDecification for Welding Electrodes and Rods for Cast Iron

,4516

SDecification for Titanium and Titanium Allov Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.17/A5.17M

Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding

A5.18

Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding

A5.19

Specification for Magnesium Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.20

Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding

A5.21

Specification for Composite Surfacing Welding Rods and Electrodes

A5.22

Specification forStainless Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding and Stainless Steel Flux Cored Rods for
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

A5.23/A5.23M

Suecification for Low-Allov Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding

A5.24

Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Allov Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.251A5.25M

SDecification for Carbon and Low-Allov Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Electroslae Welding

A5.26/A5.26M

Specification for Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Electrogas Welding

A5.28

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

A5.29

Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding

A5.30

Specification for Consumable Inserts

A5.31

Specification for Fluxes for Brazing and Braze Welding

A5.32/A5.32M

Specification for Welding Shielding Gases

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

19
Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

Not for Resale

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