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AUGUST 6, 2022 MATERIAL

ASME A-NUMBERS
A-NUMBER GROUPINGS PER ASME SECTION IX

WHAT IS AN A-NUMBER?
An A-Number is a deposited weld metal composition grouping defined in ASME Section IX
Table QW-442 & Paragraph 404.5. The grouping of A-numbers is based on the measured
values of six elements, namely Carbon (C), Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni),
Manganese (Mn), and Silicon (Si). 

It is important to emphasize that the A-Number is the chemical composition of the weld metal
in the “as-welded” state, not of the filler metal product in its raw form. This is an essential
difference as dilution with the base metal, shielding gas, or flux will influence the as-welded
chemical composition.

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FERROUS & NON-FERROUS
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A-Numbers only apply to ferrous weld metals and it is incorrect to apply the governing
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requirements to non-ferrous materials. SERVICES
This can sometimes BLOG
cause confusion forCONTACT
those creating
or reviewing PQR & WPS documentation, as it is sometimes assumed all weld metal
compositions have a corresponding A-Number.

Ferrous metals or alloys are those which contain iron (ferrite), such as carbon steel, chromium
steel, and stainless steel. On the periodic table of elements, iron is represented with the
abbreviation of “Fe” derived from the term Ferrous. The term ferrous is derived from the Latin
word “Ferrum”, which is defined as “iron” or “containing iron.” Ferrous materials are those
represented by a specification that begins with “SA”, such as SA-516, SA-335, and SA-240.

Non-Ferrous metals are metals or alloys that do not contain iron (ferrite) in appreciable
amounts, such as aluminum, Inconel, Hastelloy, and titanium. Non-ferrous metals are those
represented by a specification that begins with “SB”, such as SB-209, SB-444, SB-622, and
SB-338.

WHERE A-NUMBERS APPLY

A-Numbers do not apply to performance documentation such as WPQ (Welder Performance
Qualification) or WOPQ (Welder Operator Performance Qualification) welder qualifications. This
can be a stumbling block for some, but reference ASME Section IX paragraph QW-350 to
reference the essential variables for welders. Remember that for welders or performance, the
F-Number and P-Numbers are used as essential variables, not A-numbers. 

A-Numbers apply to procedure documentation such as PQR and WPS, where the mechanical
properties are being controlled. Reference ASME Section IX paragraph QW-250 and associated
tables to determine the essential, non-essential, and supplementary essential variables of
each welding process for application on welding procedures.

DETERMINATION OF THE A-NUMBER

If applicable the filler metal specification is used to determine the A-Number. When that does
not apply a chemical analysis is performed on the actual weld metal, those results are then
compared against Table QW-442 and the A-Number is selected that way. In lieu of an A-
Number designation, the nominal chemical composition of the weld deposit shall be indicated
on the WPS and on the PQR. 

Authors of PQR and WPS documentation shall always reference the code for official
information, (see ASME Section IX paragraph QW-404.5 (a) thru (d)) but the following
summary is provided for the typical methods or options in determining the A-Number of the
ferrous weld metal composition.

1.This
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weldinguses
processes:
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2.Learn
SMAW,more
GTAW, LBW, & PAW processes: one of the following

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-by chemical analysis of a sample (other than the PQR) per SFA 5.XX, or
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-by chemistry reported in the filler metal specification, or

-Supplier Certificate of Compliance (CofC)

3. GMAW/FCAW & EGW processes: one of the following

-by chemical analysis of a sample (other than the PQR) per SFA 5.XX, or

-by supplier CofC when the shielding gas is the same for the CofC and PQR/WPS

4. SAW: one of the following

-by chemical analysis of a sample (other than the PQR) per SFA 5.XX, or

-by supplier CofC when the flux is the same for the CofC and PQR/WPS

A-NUMBER TABLE

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