BS EN ISO 14341:2008 recognizes that there are two somewhat different approaches in the global market to classifying a given wire electrode, and allows for either or both to be used, to suit a particular market need. Application of either type of classification designation (or both where suitable) identifies a product as classified according to this Standard.
BS EN ISO 14341:2008 specifies requirements for classification of wire electrodes in the as-welded condition and in the post weld heat-treated condition for gas shielded metal arc welding of non alloy and fine grain steels with a minimum yield strength of up to 500 N/mm2 or a minimum tensile strength of up to 570 N/mm2. One wire electrode can be tested and classified with different shielding gases.
This document constitutes a combined specification providing classification utilizing a system based upon the yield strength and the average impact energy of 47 J of all-weld metal, or utilizing a system based upon the tensile strength and the average impact energy of 27 J of all-weld metal.
It should be noted that the mechanical properties of all-weld metal test specimens used to classify the electrodes will vary from those obtained in production joints because of differences in welding procedure such as electrode size, width of weave, welding position and material composition.