# AWS Filler Metal Classification Reference Chart > Source: https://netray.co/tools/aws-filler-metal-classification-reference > Publisher: Netray (netray.co), AI and integration engineering for ERP and manufacturing systems. > Section: Free Tools ## Short answer Searchable chart of common electrode and wire classifications with the AWS spec, process and typical use. ## Category industry-templates ## Industry Welding & Fabrication ## Audience - Welding engineer - Buyer - Welding inspector - Fabrication shop ## Tool **Kind:** worksheet **Mode:** reference **Columns:** #### Classification **Key:** class **Type:** text #### Process **Key:** process **Type:** text #### AWS spec **Key:** spec **Type:** text #### Typical use **Key:** use **Type:** text #### Note **Key:** note **Type:** text **Rows:** **Class:** E6010 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.1 **Use:** Root passes on pipe, dirty or rusty steel **Note:** High cellulose, DC electrode positive, deep penetration **Class:** E6011 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.1 **Use:** Same as E6010 where only AC is available **Note:** Cellulose type that runs on AC and DC **Class:** E6013 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.1 **Use:** Light fabrication, sheet and thin plate **Note:** Rutile type, easy arc, shallow penetration **Class:** E7014 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.1 **Use:** General fabrication, higher deposition **Note:** Iron powder rutile type **Class:** E7018 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.1 **Use:** Structural steel, pressure parts, thick sections **Note:** Low hydrogen; store dry in a rod oven **Class:** E7024 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.1 **Use:** High deposition fillets in flat and horizontal **Note:** Heavy iron powder coating **Class:** E8018-B2 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.5 **Use:** 1.25Cr-0.5Mo steel such as P11 grade **Note:** Low hydrogen; preheat and PWHT usually required **Class:** E9018-B3 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.5 **Use:** 2.25Cr-1Mo steel such as P22 grade **Note:** Low hydrogen; preheat and PWHT usually required **Class:** E308L-16 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.4 **Use:** 304 and 304L stainless **Note:** Low carbon to resist sensitization **Class:** E309L-16 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.4 **Use:** Carbon steel to stainless, overlay buffer layer **Note:** Higher Cr and Ni than the base metal **Class:** E316L-16 **Process:** SMAW **Spec:** A5.4 **Use:** 316 and 316L stainless **Note:** Molybdenum bearing for pitting resistance **Class:** ER70S-3 **Process:** GMAW, GTAW **Spec:** A5.18 **Use:** Clean carbon steel, general purpose **Note:** Lower deoxidizer content than S-6 **Class:** ER70S-6 **Process:** GMAW, GTAW **Spec:** A5.18 **Use:** Carbon steel with some mill scale or rust **Note:** Higher Mn and Si, widely stocked **Class:** E70C-6M **Process:** GMAW (metal cored) **Spec:** A5.18 **Use:** High deposition on plate and structural **Note:** M means argon-CO2 mix shielding **Class:** E71T-1C **Process:** FCAW-G **Spec:** A5.20 **Use:** All-position gas-shielded flux cored, CO2 gas **Note:** Rutile slag, good bead appearance **Class:** E71T-1M **Process:** FCAW-G **Spec:** A5.20 **Use:** All-position flux cored with Ar-CO2 mix **Note:** Less spatter than CO2 shielding **Class:** E70T-1 **Process:** FCAW-G **Spec:** A5.20 **Use:** Flat and horizontal high deposition **Note:** Not an all-position wire **Class:** E71T-11 **Process:** FCAW-S **Spec:** A5.20 **Use:** Self-shielded, outdoor or field work **Note:** No gas bottle; check toughness needs **Class:** ER308L **Process:** GMAW, GTAW **Spec:** A5.9 **Use:** 304 and 304L stainless **Note:** Most common austenitic filler **Class:** ER309L **Process:** GMAW, GTAW **Spec:** A5.9 **Use:** Dissimilar carbon to stainless joints **Note:** Also used as first overlay layer **Class:** ER316L **Process:** GMAW, GTAW **Spec:** A5.9 **Use:** 316 and 316L stainless **Note:** Marine and chemical environments **Class:** ER347 **Process:** GMAW, GTAW **Spec:** A5.9 **Use:** 321 and 347 stabilized stainless **Note:** Niobium stabilized **Class:** ER4043 **Process:** GMAW, GTAW **Spec:** A5.10 **Use:** Aluminum 6xxx and cast alloys **Note:** Al-5Si, fluid, lower crack tendency **Class:** ER5356 **Process:** GMAW, GTAW **Spec:** A5.10 **Use:** Aluminum 5xxx alloys **Note:** Al-5Mg, higher strength, better color match after anodizing **Class:** ERNiCrMo-3 **Process:** GMAW, GTAW **Spec:** A5.14 **Use:** Alloy 625 and dissimilar nickel joints **Note:** Nickel alloy filler for corrosion service **Class:** ER80S-B2 **Process:** GTAW, GMAW **Spec:** A5.28 **Use:** 1.25Cr-0.5Mo steel **Note:** Low alloy solid wire for creep-resistant steel **Notes:** Reading the digits: in E70xx and ER70S the 70 is the minimum tensile strength in ksi (about 480 MPa). Always confirm the classification against your WPS essential variables before substituting. ## Content **Intro:** Filler metal designations look like code until you know the pattern. This chart decodes the most common SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and FCAW classifications and shows the AWS specification each belongs to. **Sections:** #### How to use this chart **Body:** Search by classification such as E7018, by process such as FCAW, or by base metal such as 316. The Spec column tells you which AWS A5 document defines the classification, which matters when you write a purchase order or check a certificate of conformance. The Note column flags handling or usage points, like low hydrogen storage, that drive real shop problems. #### Reading a classification **Body:** For covered electrodes, E means electrode, the next two digits give minimum tensile strength in ksi, the third digit gives the permitted positions, and the last digits describe coating and current type. For solid wire, ER means electrode or rod, S means solid, and the suffix such as 6 identifies the chemistry. For flux cored wire, T means tubular and the number after it identifies the flux type and shielding. Stainless fillers use the alloy number plus an L for low carbon. #### Common selection mistakes **Body:** Substituting a filler without checking the WPS is the main compliance risk, but some errors are technical. **Bullets:** - Letting E7018 pick up moisture, which causes hydrogen cracking risk. - Using ER70S-3 on rusty plate where S-6 tolerates more scale. - Using ER4043 on 5xxx alloy where cracking and mismatched strength can follow. - Welding carbon to stainless with 308L instead of a 309L type. - Assuming one gas works for every flux cored wire: check the C or M designation. **Cta:** If you want filler metal lots and certificates traced against work orders in your ERP, Netray can describe how teams set that up without replacing their quality system. **Faq:** #### What does E7018 mean? **Answer:** E means covered electrode, 70 means 70 ksi minimum tensile strength, 1 means usable in all positions, and 8 indicates a low hydrogen iron powder coating that works on AC or DC electrode positive. It must be stored and re-dried according to the manufacturer. #### What is the difference between ER70S-3 and ER70S-6? **Answer:** Both are solid carbon steel wires with 70 ksi tensile strength. ER70S-6 has more manganese and silicon deoxidizers, so it tolerates light mill scale and rust better. ER70S-3 is used on cleaner material. Your WPS may name one specifically. #### Which filler do I use for carbon steel to stainless? **Answer:** A 309 type filler such as ER309L or E309L is the usual choice, because its higher chromium and nickel offset dilution from the carbon steel. The final choice depends on the grades, service temperature and the WPS you qualified. #### Is this table a substitute for the AWS A5 documents? **Answer:** No. It is a quick reference for decoding names and typical use. The A5 specifications define chemistry, mechanical properties and test requirements. Use the actual spec and your qualified WPS when you buy or approve material. ## Search terms AWS filler metal classification chart, E7018 meaning, E6010 vs E6011, ER70S-6 vs ER70S-3, welding electrode classification, AWS A5.1 A5.18 A5.20, ER308L ER309L ER316L, ER4043 vs ER5356 --- Talk to an engineer: https://netray.co/contact?intent=erp_ai | Machine catalog: https://netray.co/agent/catalog.json