Welding Consumables: Classification According to EN Standards
Introduction
Welding consumables are the materials that melt during the process and form the deposited metal. Correct selection is essential for ensuring joint mechanical properties and compatibility with the base metal. EN standards define clear classification systems that allow consumables from different manufacturers to be selected and compared.
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Covered Electrodes — EN ISO 2560 (Process 111)
Example: E 46 3 1Ni B 4 2 H5
| Position | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | Covered electrode |
| 2 | 46 | Minimum tensile strength: 460 MPa |
| 3 | 3 | Minimum impact test temperature: –30°C |
| 4 | 1Ni | Deposit chemical composition (1% Ni) |
| 5 | B | Coating type: basic |
| 6 | 4 2 | Welding positions and current |
| 7 | H5 | Diffusible hydrogen ≤ 5 ml/100g |
Coating Types
| Code | Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| A | Acid | Good wetting, not for high-strength steels |
| C | Cellulosic | Penetrating arc, vertical downward (PG), pipelines |
| R | Rutile | Easy to use, easy slag removal |
| B | Basic | Low hydrogen, high toughness, mandatory for high-strength steels |
Hydrogen Classification
| Code | Max. diffusible H |
|---|---|
| H15 | 15 ml/100g |
| H10 | 10 ml/100g |
| H5 | 5 ml/100g |
| H3 | 3 ml/100g |
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MIG/MAG Wires — EN ISO 14341 (Process 135)
Example: G 46 4 M21 4Si1
| Position | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | Solid wire |
| 2 | 46 | Min. Rm: 460 MPa |
| 3 | 4 | Impact test temperature: –40°C |
| 4 | M21 | Shielding gas (Ar+18%CO₂) |
| 5 | 4Si1 | Chemical composition |
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TIG Rods — EN ISO 636 (Process 141)
Example: W 46 3 3Si1 → TIG rod for carbon steel, Rm ≥ 460 MPa, –30°C.
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Stainless Steel Consumables
- Covered electrodes — EN ISO 3581: E 19 9 L R 3 2 → 308L-type deposit
- MIG/MAG wires and TIG rods — EN ISO 14343: G/W 19 9 L → for 304L stainless
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How to Select the Right Consumable
- Identify the base metal → material group (EN ISO 15608)
- Check minimum strength level → Rm and Re of base metal
- Check service temperature → impact test temperature
- Select coating type/gas for the process and position
- Check hydrogen content if CE > 0.40%
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Reference Standards
- EN ISO 2560:2020 — Welding consumables. Covered electrodes for manual metal arc welding of non-alloy and fine grain steels
- EN ISO 14341:2011 — Welding consumables. Wire electrodes and weld deposits for MAG welding
- EN ISO 636:2017 — Welding consumables. Rods, wires and deposits for TIG welding of non-alloy and fine grain steels
- EN ISO 3581:2021 — Welding consumables. Covered electrodes for manual metal arc welding of stainless steels
- EN ISO 14343:2009 — Welding consumables. Wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires and rods for arc welding of stainless steels
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