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AWS A5.36 American Welding Society (AWS) specifications play an essential role in ensuring the quality, consistency, and performance of welding consumables. While the classifications and designators can sometimes seem complex, these standards help manufacturers produce filler metals that meet strict mechanical and chemical property requirements — giving welders confidence in the products they use every day.
One specification that has generated significant industry interest is AWS A5.36/A5.36M, which was introduced to modernize the classification system for carbon and low-alloy steel flux-cored and metal-cored welding wires.
The A5.36 specification consolidates four previous AWS specifications into one unified standard:
By combining these standards, AWS created a more flexible and comprehensive system for classifying modern welding consumables.
Traditional AWS filler metal classifications use a fixed classification system. Under this structure, a welding wire or electrode can only be classified according to the exact mechanical properties defined within that category — even if the product is capable of delivering better performance under certain conditions.
For example, a wire classified for a specific Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact toughness can only advertise that tested performance level, regardless of whether alternate shielding gases or welding conditions produce superior results.
The A5.36 specification changes that by introducing an open classification system. This allows manufacturers to include additional performance data and usability information directly in the classification, provided those capabilities are verified through testing.
As newer base materials continue to evolve, welding consumables must meet increasingly demanding mechanical requirements such as:
A5.36 gives manufacturers greater flexibility to classify products for these evolving applications, giving fabricators and engineers more options when selecting filler metals.
The open classification system also allows manufacturers to fully showcase a product’s tested capabilities.
For example, a wire previously limited to a toughness rating at -20°F may now also carry tested impact ratings at -50°F under the A5.36 system. This provides end users with more complete performance information when qualifying procedures or selecting consumables for critical applications.
The specification introduces several important enhancements, including:
Importantly, the introduction of A5.36 does not replace the earlier AWS specifications. Standards such as A5.20, A5.29, A5.18, and A5.28 remain widely used and are still referenced in many existing welding procedures.
Comparing a traditional AWS classification with an A5.36 classification helps illustrate how the new system works.
A typical gas-shielded FCAW wire under AWS A5.20 might carry the classification:
This classification identifies several key characteristics:
Under AWS A5.36, that same wire could be classified as:
E71T-1-C1A5-CS2-H4
or
E71T-1-C1P5-CS2-H4
While many of the designators remain familiar, several new indicators provide additional performance information.
For low-alloy products, additional chemistry designators such as Ni1, Ni2, K2, and K3 continue to apply.
Manufacturers must validate all additional classifications through testing before including them on product labels or specification sheets.
One of the biggest advantages of the A5.36 system is the ability to reduce additional qualification testing when working with newer materials or more demanding service conditions. Because the classification provides more detailed mechanical property information, engineers and welding professionals can make more informed filler metal selections.
The standard also aligns more closely with international filler metal classification systems such as ISO and EN standards, helping support global consistency.
However, the increased amount of information included in open classifications can also create confusion for users unfamiliar with the newer format. Understanding the meaning behind the additional designators is important when selecting consumables or reviewing welding procedures.
While the expanded classification system in AWS A5.36 provides greater detail and flexibility, the additional designators can sometimes make specification sheets and product labels more complex to interpret. Understanding the differences between classifications, shielding gas options, impact ratings, and chemistry designators is essential when selecting the right welding consumable for your application.
If you are unsure which welding wire or electrode best suits your requirements, contact Welder’s Choice for expert guidance and technical support. Our team can help you navigate AWS classifications and choose the right solution for your welding procedures and performance needs.
