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 Key Words- Covered aluminum electrodes, AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999
aluminum welding electrodes, An American National Standard
shielded metal arc welding,
filler metal specifications Approved by
American National Standards Institute
February 11,1999

Specification for
Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
Electrodes for Shielded
Metal Arc Welding
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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 Ameri-
can 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 gov-
ernmental 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 agree-
ment 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 ex-
change, 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 in-
formation 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 stan-
dards 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 opin-
ions or interpretations of AWS. In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as asubstitute for an offi-
cial 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 Committee’s response to the com-
ments. 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: 978-750-
8400; online: http://www.copyright.com

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 M 07842b5 0533323 823

Personnel
AWS Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials
R. A. LaFave,Chair Elliott Company
J. F! Hunt, Ist Mce Chair Consultant
D. A. Fink, 2nd Mce Chair The Lincoln Electric Company
R. K. Gupta, Secretary American Welding Society
*R. L. Bateman Electromanufacturas,S.A.
R. S.Brown Carpenter Technology Corporation
R. A. Bushey ESAB Weldingand CuttingProducts
J . Caprarola,JI: Consultant
*L. J. Christensen Consultant
R. J. Christoffel Consultant
D. D. Crockett The Lincoln Electric Company
R. A. Daemen Consultant
D. A. DefSignore Consultant
R. L. Drury I l l Caterpillar, Incorporated
H. W Ebert ExxonResearchand EngineeringCompany
J. G. Feldstein Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
S.E. Ferree ESAB Weldingand CuttingProducts
L. Flasche Delphi Delco Electronic Systems
R. D.Fuchs Böhler Thyssen Welding USA, Incorporated
C. E. Fuerstenau Alloy Ring Service
G. Hallstrom,Jr. Hallstrom Consultants
J . A. Henning Deltak, Incorporated
R. B. Kadiyala Techailoy Maryland, Incorporated
F? J. Konkol ConcurrentTechnologiesCorporation
D.J. Kotecki The Lincoln Electric Company
D. I:Ku AmericanBureau of Shipping
N. E. Larson Consultant
A. S. Laurenson Consultant
J. S. Lee Chicago BridgeandIronCompany, Incorporated
G. H. MacShane MAC Associates
W A. Marttila DaimlerChrysler
R. Menon Stoody Company
M, i? Merlo Select Arc, Incorporated
A. R. Mertes Ampco Metal, Incorporated
M.D. Morin ABB Power Generation
C. L. Null Department of the Navy
J. J.Payne Consultant
R. L. Peaslee Wall Colmonoy Corporation
E. W Pickering, Jr. Consultant
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M. A. Quintana The Lincoln Electric Company

*H. E Reid Consultant
*S. D. Reynolds, Jr. Consultant
L. E Roberts Canadian Welding Bureau
F? K. Salvesen Det Norske Veritas(DNV)
J . M. Sawhill, Jr. Newport News Shipbuilding
*Advisor

...
III

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 m 0784265 0511324 3bT

AWS Committee onFiller Metals and Allied Materials (Continued)

A. F! Seidler Armco Steel
W S. Severance ESAB Welding and Cutting Products
*W A. Shopp Consultant
M. S. Sierdzinski ESAB Welding and Cutting Products
*R. G. Sim The Lincoln Electric Company (Australia)
E. R. Stevens Consultant
*R. W Straiton Bechtel Corporation
R. A. Sulit Digital Systems Research
R. A . Swain Euroweld, Limited
R. D. Thomas, Jr. R. D. Thomas and Company
K. F! Thornberry J. W. Harris Company, Incorporated

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*R. Timerman Conarco, S.A.
* S . Tsutsumi Kobe Steel, Limited
L. 7: Vernam AlcoTec Wire Corporation
G. J. Vytanovych Mobil Technology Company
7: R. Warren lngalls Shipbuilding, Incorporated
H. D. Wehr Arcos Alloys
* E J . Winsor Consultant
K. G. Wold Siemens Power Corporation

AWS Subcommittee on Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy

Filler Metals
L. 7: Vernam, Chair AlcoTec Wire Corporation
W N, Dietzen, Vice Chair Gulf Wire Corporation
R. K . Gupta, Secretary American Welding Society
*B. E. Anderson AlcoTec Wire Company
S. A. Collins Maine Maritime Academy
*Fi B. Dickerson Consultant
S. A. Gedeon IntellAction, Incorporated
R. M . Henson J. W. Harris Company, Incorporated
G . Hergenrather United Defense LP-Division of FMC
L. L. Her1 Consultant
J . S. Lee Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Incorporated
G. H. Musselman Dana Corporation
E. R. Pickering Reynolds Metals Company
*R. D. Thomas, Jr. R. D. Thomas and Company
D. A. Wright, Sr. Zephyr Products, Incorporated
*Advisor

iv
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 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 Electrodes
AWS A5.3-62T Tentative
Specification for Aluminum
and
Aluminum-Alloy
Arc-Welding Electrodes
ASTM B184-62T
AWS
A5.3-69
Specification
for Aluminum and
Aluminum-Alloy
Arc-Welding
Electrodes
ANSI W3.3-1973
ANSI/AWS A5.3-80SpecificationforAluminumandAluminum-AlloyCoveredArc-Welding Electrodes
ANSI/AWS A5.3-88Specification for AluminumandAluminum-AlloyElectrodes for ShieldedMetal Arc Welding
ANSI/AWS A5.3-91SpecificationforAluminumandAluminum-AlloyElectrodes for ShieldedMetal Arc Welding
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.

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V
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 0784265 0533326 532 D

Table of Contents
Page No.
...
Personnel .................................................................................................................................................................... I II
Foreword ..................................................................................................................................................................... V
...
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................................ VIII
...
List ofFigures .......................................................................................................................................................... VIII

1. Scope ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Part A"Genera1 Requirements.................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Normative References............................................................................................................................................ 1
3. Classification .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
4. Acceptance ............................................................................................................................................................. 1
5. Certification ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
6 . Units of Measure and Rounding-Off Procedure ..................................................................................................... 2
Part B-Tests, Procedures, and Requirements ............................................................................................................. 2
7. Summary of Tests ................................................................................................................................................... 2
8. Retest ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
9. Weld Test Assembly ............................................................................................................................................... 3
10. Chemical Analysis.................................................................................................................................................. 3
11. Tension Test ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
12. Bend Test................................................................................................................................................................ 5
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 ......................................................................................................................................... 5
16. Exposed Core .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
17. Electrode Identification .......................................................................................................................................... 6
18. Packaging ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
19. Marking of Packages .............................................................................................................................................. 7
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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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
Annex B-Guidelines forPreparation of Technical Inquiries for AWS Technical Committees ................................. 15
B1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
B2. Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
B3. Interpretation of Provisions of the Standard ........................................................................................................ 15
B4. Publication of Interpretations............................................................................................................................... 16
B5. Telephone Inquiries.............................................................................................................................................. 16
B6. The AWS Technical Committee.......................................................................................................................... 16
AWS Filler Metal Specifications by Material and Welding Process .......................................................................... 17

AWS Filler Metal Specifications and Related Documents......................................................................................... 19

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 07842b5 0511328 305

List of Tables
Table Page No.
1 Chemical Composition Requirements for Core Wire ................................................................................... 2
2 Tests ...............................................................................................................................................
Required 3
3 BaseMetal for Test Assemblies ................................................................................................................... 5
4 TensionTestRequirements ........................................................................................................................... 5
5 Standard Sizes ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Al Designation Reference Guide ..................................................................................................................... 10

List of Figures
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Figure Page No.

1 Groove WeldTest Assembly for MechanicalProperties ............................................................................... 4

...
Vlll
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Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
1. Scope
This specification prescribes requirements for the
classification of aluminum and aluminum-alloy elec-
trodes for shielded metal arc welding.
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Part A
General Requirements
2. Normative References
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 Mechan-
ical Testing of Welds.
2.2 The following ASTM standards2 are referenced in
the mandatory sections of this document:
(1) ASTM E 29, Standard Practice for Using Signif-
cant 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 Alumi-
num and Aluminum-Alloy Sheetand Plate.
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 Soci-
ety for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken. PA 19428-2959.
1
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0 7 8 4 Z b 5 05&L329 241 D
AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999
2.3 Thefollowing IS0 standard3 is referenced in the
mandatory sections of this document:
(1) IS0 544, Filler Materials for Manual Welding-
Size Requirements.
3. Classification
3.1 The electrodes covered by the A5.31A5.3M specifi-
cation 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.
3.2 An electrode classified under one classification shall
not be classified under any other classification in this
specification.
4. Acceptance
Acceptance4 of the electrode shall be in accordance
with the provisions of ANSIIAWS A5.01, Filler Metal
Procurement Guidelines.
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 infor-
mation concerning acceptance, testing of the material shipped,
and ANSIIAWS A5.01, Filler Metal ProcurementGuidelines.
Not for Resale
 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 Cu Fe Mn Al Total
Mg Each ZnBe Ti

Ell00 A91100 (d) (d) 0.05-0.20 0.05 - 0.10 - 0.0008 0.05 0.15
99.00 mine

E3003
A93003 0.6 0.7 0.05-0.20 1.0-1.5 - 0.10 - 0.0008 0.05 0.15 Remainder
E4043
A94043
4.5-6.0 0.8 0.30 0.05 0.05 0.10 0.20 0.0008 0.05 0.15 Remainder
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 pres-
ence 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.
e. The aluminum content for unalloyed aluminum is the difference between 100.00 percent aud the sum of all other metallic elements presenl in
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.

product, the manufacturer certifies that the product meets Part B

the requirements of this spe~ification.~
Tests, Procedures, and Requirements

6. Units of Measure and Rounding-

Off Procedure
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 desig-
nation A5.3 uses U.S. Customary Units. The specifica-
tion A5.3M uses SI Units. The latter are shown i n
appropriate columns in tables or within brackets [ ] when
used in the text.
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 Signifi-
cant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with
Specifications.
7. Summary of Tests
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 mechani-
cal 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 Sec-
tions 9 through 12.
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 forre-
test may be taken from the original test assembly or sam-
ple, 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.

8.2 If the results of one or both retests fail to meet the re-
5. See SectionA4, Certification (in AnnexA) for further infor- quirement, the material under test shall be considered as
mation concerningcertificationand the testingcalled for to not meeting the requirementsof this specification for that
meet this requirement. classification.

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AWS A5.3iA5.3M A999

Table 2
Required Tests
Electrode Size

AWS Classification
in. mm Chemical Analysisa Tension Testh Bend TestC

3/32 2.4 Required Not Required" Not Requiredd

2.5 Required Not Required" Not Requiredd
1I8 3.2 Required Not Requiredd Not Requiredd
5/32 4.0 Required Requirede Requirede
El 1 0 0 , E3003, and 311 6 4.8 Required Not Required" Not Requiredd
E4043 5 .O Required Not Requiredd Not Requiredd
6.0 Required Requiredf Requiredf
114 6.4 Required Requiredf Required'
5116 8.0 Required Not Requiredd Not Requiredd
318 9.5 Required Not Requiredd Not Requiredd
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.
e. Electrodes 5/32 in. [4.0 mm] and smallershallbeclassifiedonthe basis of theresultsobtained with the 5/32 in. [4.0 mm] size of thesame
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 comple-
tion 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.
tion. The test assembly should be precambered or re-
strained 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.

That test shall be repeated, following the proper pre-
scribed procedures. In this case the requirement for dou-
bling the number of test specimens doesnot apply.
9. Weld Test Assembly
9.1 One weld test assembly is required as specified in
Table 2. It is the groove weld in Figure 1 for mechanical
properties.
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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.
10.2 The sampleshall be analyzed by accepted analytical
methods. The referee method shall be ASTM E 34, Stan-
dard Methodsfor Chemical Analysisof Aluminum and
Aluminum Alloys.

9.2 Preparation of the weld test assembly shall be as pre-
scribed 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.
9.3 The test assembly shall be preheated to a temperature
between 350" and 400°F [175" and 2OO"C], and shielded
metal arc (SMA) welded from one side, in the flat posi-
10.3 The results of the analysis shall meet the require-
ments of Table 1 for the classification of electrode under
test.
11. Tension Test
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.

3
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 0784265 0533332 83b
AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

t
”i
DISCARD
L I
I
I
TENSION SPECIMEN I DIMENSIONS
mm in.
”

A 1.5 38
A I ROOT-BEND SPECIMEN- 2 B 50
45 C, MIN
1.8
L, MIN
300 12
A I FACE-BEND
SPECIMEN R, RADIUS 114 6.5
A II S6.5 114
t TENSION SPECIMEN
I T W8 9.5
V 3116 5
250 W
10, MIN

DISCARD C
t Z, MIN 1 25

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.
shown.
3. Test material blanks shall be removed from the locations

DETAIL A
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Figure 1-Groove Weld Test Assembly for Mechanical Properties

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AWS A5.3lA5.3M:1999

12.2 The specimens shall be tested in the manner de-

Table 3 scribed in the guided bend test section of ANSVAWS
Base Metal for Test Assemblies B4.0 by bending them uniformly through 180 degrees
Base Electrode over a 1-1/4 in. [32 mm] radius in any suitable jig. Typi-
cal bend test jigs as shown in bend test section of AWS
AWS Aluminum ASTM UNS 84.0 shall be used. Positioning of the face-bend speci-
Classification Alloy" Specification Designation men shall be such that the face of the weld is in tension.
Positioning of the root-bend specimen shall be such that
Ell00 1100 B209 A91100 the root of the weld is in tension. For both types of trans-
E3003, E4043 3003 B209 A93003
verse bend specimen, the weld shall be at the center of
Notes: the bend.
a. Aluminum Association, Inc. registration numbers.
b. When welding 3003 with E4043 electrodes, 3003-0(annealed tem- 12.3 Each specimen, after bending, shall conform to the
per) plate is preferred.
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] mea-
sured in any direction on the convex surface, when ex-
The dimensions of the specimens shallbe as specified in amined with the unaided eye. Cracks that occur on the
the tension test section of AWS B4.0, Standard Methods comers of a specimen during testingand which show no
for Mechanical Testing of Welds. All dimensions shall be evidence of inclusions or other fusion-type discontinui-
the same as shown in the AWS B4.0 figure for transverse ties, shall be disregarded.
rectangular tension test specimens (plate) exceptthe re-
duced section radius shallbe 2 in. [50 mm].
11.2 The specimens shall be tested in the manner de- Part C
scribed in the tension test section of ANSI/AWS B4.0, Manu facture,
Identification, and
Standard Methodsfor Mechanical Testing of Welds. Packaging
11.3 The resultsof the tension test shall meet the require-
ments specifiedin Table 4.
13. Method of Manufacture
Theelectrodesclassifiedaccordingto this specifi-
12. Bend Test cation may be manufactured by any method that will
12.1 One transverse face and one transverse root bend produce electrodes that meet the requirements of this
specimen, as required in Table 2, shall be machined from specification.
the groove weld test assembly described in Section 9 and
shown in Figure 1. The dimensions of these bend speci-
mens shall be the same as those shown in the bend test 14. Standard Sizes and Lengths
section of AWS B4.0 in the figure for transverse face and
transverse root-bend specimens (plate). 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 14.2 The diameter of the core wire shall not vary more
Tension Test Requirements than 20.002 in. [+0.05 mm] from the diameter specified.
The length shall not vary more than +1/4 in. [+6 mm]
Tensile Strength, min."
from that specified.
AWS Classification psi M Pa

El 100 12 o00 80 15. Core Wire and Covering

E3003 14 O00 95
E4043 14 O 0 0 95 15.1 The core wire and covering shall be free of defects
Note: t h a t would interfere with uniform deposition of the
a. Fracture may occur in either the base metal or the weld metal. electrode.

--``,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
5
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 0784265 0511334 609
AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999

Table 5
Standard Sizes
of Diameter Core Wire Lengths
Standard

AWS Classification in. mm in. mm

2.4¿ (0.094) 3/32

2.5 (0.098)
3.2
1 /8 125) (0.
4.0 156) (0. 5/32 350 4Aa 14
(0. 3/16 188)

--``,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
El 100, E3003,(0.
and E4043 197) 5.0
(0.236) 6.0
/4 1 6.4a (0.250)
8.0 (0.312) 6 5/1 18 450
318 (0.375) 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-one-
covering 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.
15.3 The coveringsshall be such that they are not readily
damaged by ordinary handling and the coverings shall
not blister when heated to 400°F [200°C]. They shall be
consumed uniformly during welding, and they also shall
not blister or melt back from the core wire. The flux resi-
due they produce shall be readily removable.
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 cover-
ings 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 circum-
ference of the core.
17. Electrode Identification
All electrodes shall be identified as follows:
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. Exposed Core
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.
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 (mea-
sured from the end of thecore wire to the location where
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.
17.4 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

6
Copyright American Welding Society
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 = 0784265 0511335 545
of the grip end will be permitted in the area of the
embossing.
18. Packaging
18.1 Electrodes shall be suitably packaged to protect
them from damage during shipment and storage under
normal conditions.
I
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.
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) Supplier’s name and trade designation
(3) Size and net weight
(4) Lot, control, or heat number
19.2 The following precautionary information(as a mini-
mum) shall be prominently displayed in legible print on
all packages of electrodes, including individual unit
packages enclosedwithin a larger package.
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AWS A5.3IA5.3M :1999
WARNING:
PROTECT yourself and others. Read and understandthis
information.
FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous to your health.
ARC RAYS can injure eyes and burn skin.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can KILL.
Before use, read and understand the manufacturer’s in-
structions, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), and
your employer’s safety practices.
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.
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 Doc-
uments, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washing-
ton, DC 20402. Phone: (202) 512-1800.
DO NOT REMOVE THIS INFORMATION
--``,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Not for Resale

--``,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Annex A
Guide to Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-
Alloy 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
The purpose of this guide is to correlate the electrode
classifications with their intended applications so the
specification can be used effectively. Reference to appro-
priate base metal specifications is made whenever that
can be done and when it would be helpful. Such refer-
ences areintended only as examplesrather than complete
listings of the materials for which each filler metal is
suitable.
A2. Classification System
A2.1 The system for identifying the electrode classifica-
tions 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 desig-
nation in this specification conforms to the Aluminum
Association registration for the composition of the core
wire used in the electrode.
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 des-
ignates a covered electrode,the letter “A” the alloy sys-
tem, 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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07842b5 051133b 4BL
AWS A5.31A5.3M :1999
A3.Acceptance
Acceptance of all welding materials classified under
this specification is i n accordance with ANSIIAWS
A5.01, Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines, as the spec-
ification 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 or-
der, 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.
A4. Certification
The act of placing the AWS specification and classifi-
cation designations on the packaging enclosing the prod-
uct, or the classification on the product itself, constitutes
the supplier’s (manufacturer’s) certification that the prod-
uct meets all of the requirements of the specification.
The only testing requirement implicit in this certifica-
tion is that the manufacturer has actually conducted the
tests required by the specification on material that is rep-
resentative of that being shipped and that material met
the requirements of the specification. Representativema-
terial, in this case, is any production run of that classifi-
cation using the same formulation. “Certification”is not
9
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AWS A5.31A5.3M:1999
A W S Composition Designationa
A91 1100
3003 E3003
4043 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.
to be construed to mean that tests of any kind were nec-
essarily 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 "represen-
tative 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 work-
ing in that space
(3) Rate of evolution of fumes, gases, or dust, accord-
ing to the materials and processes used
(4) The proximity of the welders or welding opera-
tors 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.
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. Welding Considerations
A6.1 Welding aluminum by the shielded metal arc pro-
cess is a well established practice. However, develop-
--``,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
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W 0764265 0511337 316
Table A l
Designation Reference Guide
UNS Number Proposed IS0 Designationh A W S Classification NumberC
1 00 EA1100 El 1 0 0
EA3003
EA4043
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 di-
rect current, electrode positive (DCEP). Important fac-
tors 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 sta-
bility and weld fusion. Complete removal of the residual
flux after welding is necessary to avoid corrosive attack
in service.
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 po-
rosity. 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 rea-
son, the electrodes should be stored in a dry, clean loca-
tion. Electrodes taken from previously opened packages
or those exposed to moisture should be "conditioned" by
holding them at 350" to 400°F [175" to 2OO"C] for an
hour before welding. After conditioning, they should be
stored in a heated cabinet at 150" to 200°F 165" to 95"CJ
until used.
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 in-
cluded angle. On very thick material, U-grooves may be
used. Depending upon base metalgauge, root-face thick-
nesses range between 1/16 and 1/4 in. [1.6 and 6.4 mm].
10
Not for Resale

A root opening of 1/32 to 1/16 in. [0.8 to 1.6 mm] is de-
sirable for all groove welds.
A6.4 Because of the high thermal conductivity of alumi-
num, preheating to 250" to 400°F [120" to 200°C] 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, pre-
heating is useful in avoiding distortion. Preheating may be
done by torch using oxygen and acetylene or other suit-
able fuel gas, or by electrical resistance heating. Mechani-
cal properties of 6XXX seriesaluminum-alloy weldments
can be reduced significantly if the higher preheating tem-
peratures, 350°F [175"C] or higher, are applied.
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 re-
moval of residual f l u x is to swab a solution of five-
percent silver nitrate on the weld areas. Foaming will
occur if residual flux is present.
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.
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.
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.
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 pro-
duces weld metal with fair ductility and a minimum ten-
sile strength of 14 O00 psi [95 MPa]. E4043 electrodes
can be used to weld the 6XXX series aluminum alloys,
Copyright American Welding Society
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AWS A5.31A5.3M:1999
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.
A7.4 For many aluminum applications, corrosion resis-
tance of the weld is of prime importance. In such cases, it
is advantageous to choose an electrode with a composi-
tion 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 spe-
cially ordered. For applications where corrosion resis-
tance 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.
AS. Special Tests
It is recognized that supplementary tests may be re-
quired for certain applications. In such cases, teststo de-
termine 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
The accepted and most widely used method for chem-
ical analysis is found in ASTM E 227, Optical Emission
Spectrometric Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum
Alloy by the Point-to-Plane Technique. This method ana-
lyzes a bulk sample and all elements simultaneously. The
ASTM E 34, Test Method for Chemical Analysis of Alu-
minum 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.
Alo. General Safety Considerations
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 re-
tain 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 pro-
tection for the face, neck, and ears, and a head covering
11
Not for Resale
 AWS A5.3/A5.3M:1999
to protect the head should be used. In addition, appropri-
ate 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 car-
ried in pockets. If any combustible substance has been
spilled on clothing, a change to clean,fire-resistant cloth-
ing should be made before working with open arcs or
flame. Aprons, cape-sleeves, leggings, and shoulder cov-
ers 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 pro-
cesses or jobs should beconsidered. Other personnel in
the work area should be protected by the use of noncom-
bustible 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 al-
lowed before touching.)
The following sources are for more detailed informa-
tion 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 Stan-
dards available from the U.S. Government Printing Of-
fice, Washington, DC 20402.
(3) ANSIIASC 287.1, Practice for Occupational and
Educational Eye and Face Protection, American Na-
tional Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New
York, NY 10036-8002.
(4) ANSI 241, American National Standard for Per-
sonal ProtectionDrotective Footwear, American Na-
tional Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New
York, NY 10036-8002.
A10.2 Electrical Hazards. Electric shock can kill. How-
ever, it can be avoided. Live electrical parts should not
be touched. The manufacturer’s instructions and recom-
mended safe practices should be read and understood.
Faulty installation, improper grounding, and incorrect
operation and maintenance of electrical equipment are all
sources of danger.
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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 separatecon-
nection is required to ground the workpiece. The work-
piece 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 dan-
gerous 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 rub-
ber soled shoes, or stand on a dry boardor insulated plat-
form. 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 polari-
ties, 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 resuscita-
tion (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 re-
stored, 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 medi-
cal assistance.
Recognizedsafety standards such as ANSI 249.1,
Safely in Welding, Cutting, andAllied Processes;the Na-
tional 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 al-
lied processes produce fumes and gases which may be
harmful to health. Fumes are solid particles which origi-
nate 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 pro-
duced by the effectsof process radiation on the surround-
ing 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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Not for Resale

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 irri-
tation of eyes, skin, and respiratory system to more se-
vere complications. Effects may occur immediately or at
some later time. Fumes can cause symptoms suchas nau-
sea, headaches, dizziness, and metal fume fever. The
possibility of more serious health effects exists when es-
pecially toxic materials are involved. In confined spaces,
the fumes mightdisplace breathing air and cause asphyx-
iation. One’s 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 question-
able, air sampling should be used to determine if correc-
tive 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 metal-
lic 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 pos-
sess a 0.0008 percentberyllium maximum limit.
More detailed information on fumes and gases pro-
duced 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 avail-
able from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Gov-
ernment 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, Cin-
cinnati, 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.
--``,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
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D 07842b5 05LL340 902
AWS A5.3lA5.3M :1999
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 infra-
red). Radiation can produce a variety of effects such as
skin burns and eye damage, dependingon the radiant en-
ergy’s wavelength and intensity, if excessive exposure
occurs.
A10.4.1IonizingRadiation. Ionizing radiation is
produced by the electron beam welding process. It is or-
dinarily 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 de-
pend on many factors, such as the process, welding pa-
rameters, electrode and base metal composition, fluxes,
and any coating or plating on the base metal. Some pro-
cesses such as resistance welding and cold pressure
welding ordinarily produce negligible quantities of radi-
ant energy. However, most arc welding and cutting pro-
cesses (except submerged arc when used properly), laser
beam welding and torch welding, cutting, brazing, or sol-
dering can produce quantities of nonionizing radiation
such that precautionary measures are necessary.
Protectionfrompossibleharmful effects caused by
nonionizing radiant energy from welding include the fol-
lowing measures:
(1) One should not look at welding arcs except
through welding filter plates which meet the require-
ments 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 re-
flections. (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
( 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) Manufacturer’s product information literature.
A10.4.4 Nonionizing radiation information sources
include:
(1) Hinrichs, J. F., Project Committee on Radiation-
summary 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
Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS
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 Air-
Carbon 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 Lev-
els through Transparent Welding Curtains, WeldingJour-
nal, March 1979.
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Not for Resale

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 Elec-
trodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding, but is included for informationpurposes only).
B1. Introduction
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 respon-
sible for the standard. Official communication concern-
ing 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 possi-
ble but due to the complexity of the work and the proce-
dures that must be followed, some interpretations may
require considerabletime.
B2. Procedure
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 af-
filiation 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 clarifica-
tion. For efficient handling, all inquiries should be type-
written and should also be in the format used here.
B2.1 Scope. Each inquiry must address one single provi-
sion of the Standard, unless the point of the inquiry in-
volves two or more interrelated provisions. That provision
must be identified in the Scope of the inquiry, along with
Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS
= 07842b5 0533342 785 AWS A5.31A5.3M:1999
the edition of the standard that contains the provisions or
that the Inquirer isaddressing.
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 re-
quirement, or to request the revision of a particular pro-
vision 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, fig-
ures, and tables (or the Annex), which bear on the in-
quiry must be cited. If the point of the inquiry is to obtain
a revision of the Standard, the inquiry must provide tech-
nical justification for that revision.
B2.4 Proposed Reply. The inquirer should, as a pro-
posed reply, state an interpretation of the provision that is
the point of the inquiry, or the wording for a proposed re-
vision, if that is what inquirer seeks.
B3. Interpretation of Provisions of
--``,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
the Standard
lnterpretations of provisions of the Standard aremade
by the relevant AWS Technical Committee. The secre-
tary 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.
15
Not for Resale
 AWS A5.3fA5.3M:1999
Following the subcommittee’s development of the re-
sponse, the inquiry and the response arepresentedtothe
entire committee for review and approval. Upon ap-
proval by the committee, the interpretation willbean of-
ficial interpretation of the Society, andthe secretary will
transmit the response to the inquirer andtothe Welding
Journal for publication.
B4. Publication of Interpretations
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 gen-
eral 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
--``,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS
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, how-
ever, refer a caller to any of those consultants whose
names are on file at A W S Headquarters.
B6. The AWS Technical Committee
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 con-
sulting services on: (1) specific engineering problems,or
(2) requirements of Standards applied to fabrications out-
side the scope of the document or points not specifically
covered by the Standard. In such cases, the inquirer
should seek assistance froma competent engineer experi-
enced in the particular fieldof interest.
16
Not for Resale
 AWS Filler Metal Specifications by Material and Welding Process

17
--``,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright American Welding Society

Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 07842b5 0511345 494
AWS A5.31A5.3M :1999

AWS Filler Metal Specifications and Related Documents

AWS Designation Title
IFS International Index of Welding Filler Metal Classifications
FMC Filler Metal Comparison Charts
~ ~~ ~~ ~~

UGFM User’s 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