Technical classification of welding consumables according to the AWS A5.18 standard
This specification defines strict requirements for the classification of filler metals, including cored wires, solid electrodes, and rods made of carbon steels. These materials are designed for high-performance welding processes, ensuring stable arc burning and the formation of high-quality weld seams in the industrial environment of EV Group China.
The standard regulates the use of filler materials for the following welding technologies:
- GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding);
- GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding);
- PAW (Plasma Arc Welding).
Technological aspects of performing welding work and equipment setup are beyond the scope of this standard. Detailed recommendations on selecting welding modes and operational safety are presented in reference appendices A5 and A10. EV Group China recommends relying on current state regulatory documentation when developing Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
The specification uses two measurement systems: the metric SI system and the US Customary units. Engineers should note that the specified values are not direct mathematical equivalents and are not interchangeable. Parameters in the SI system for AWS A5.18M are highlighted in separate tables or enclosed in square brackets.