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AWS Filler Metal Classification Reference Chart

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.

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Classification	Process	AWS spec	Typical use	Note
E6010	SMAW	A5.1	Root passes on pipe, dirty or rusty steel	High cellulose, DC electrode positive, deep penetration
E6011	SMAW	A5.1	Same as E6010 where only AC is available	Cellulose type that runs on AC and DC
E6013	SMAW	A5.1	Light fabrication, sheet and thin plate	Rutile type, easy arc, shallow penetration
E7014	SMAW	A5.1	General fabrication, higher deposition	Iron powder rutile type
E7018	SMAW	A5.1	Structural steel, pressure parts, thick sections	Low hydrogen; store dry in a rod oven
E7024	SMAW	A5.1	High deposition fillets in flat and horizontal	Heavy iron powder coating
E8018-B2	SMAW	A5.5	1.25Cr-0.5Mo steel such as P11 grade	Low hydrogen; preheat and PWHT usually required
E9018-B3	SMAW	A5.5	2.25Cr-1Mo steel such as P22 grade	Low hydrogen; preheat and PWHT usually required
E308L-16	SMAW	A5.4	304 and 304L stainless	Low carbon to resist sensitization
E309L-16	SMAW	A5.4	Carbon steel to stainless, overlay buffer layer	Higher Cr and Ni than the base metal
E316L-16	SMAW	A5.4	316 and 316L stainless	Molybdenum bearing for pitting resistance
ER70S-3	GMAW, GTAW	A5.18	Clean carbon steel, general purpose	Lower deoxidizer content than S-6
ER70S-6	GMAW, GTAW	A5.18	Carbon steel with some mill scale or rust	Higher Mn and Si, widely stocked
E70C-6M	GMAW (metal cored)	A5.18	High deposition on plate and structural	M means argon-CO2 mix shielding
E71T-1C	FCAW-G	A5.20	All-position gas-shielded flux cored, CO2 gas	Rutile slag, good bead appearance
E71T-1M	FCAW-G	A5.20	All-position flux cored with Ar-CO2 mix	Less spatter than CO2 shielding
E70T-1	FCAW-G	A5.20	Flat and horizontal high deposition	Not an all-position wire
E71T-11	FCAW-S	A5.20	Self-shielded, outdoor or field work	No gas bottle; check toughness needs
ER308L	GMAW, GTAW	A5.9	304 and 304L stainless	Most common austenitic filler
ER309L	GMAW, GTAW	A5.9	Dissimilar carbon to stainless joints	Also used as first overlay layer
ER316L	GMAW, GTAW	A5.9	316 and 316L stainless	Marine and chemical environments
ER347	GMAW, GTAW	A5.9	321 and 347 stabilized stainless	Niobium stabilized
ER4043	GMAW, GTAW	A5.10	Aluminum 6xxx and cast alloys	Al-5Si, fluid, lower crack tendency
ER5356	GMAW, GTAW	A5.10	Aluminum 5xxx alloys	Al-5Mg, higher strength, better color match after anodizing
ERNiCrMo-3	GMAW, GTAW	A5.14	Alloy 625 and dissimilar nickel joints	Nickel alloy filler for corrosion service
ER80S-B2	GTAW, GMAW	A5.28	1.25Cr-0.5Mo steel	Low alloy solid wire for creep-resistant steel

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.

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How to use this chart

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

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

Substituting a filler without checking the WPS is the main compliance risk, but some errors are technical.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does E7018 mean?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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.

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