ASME Sec II-C-Electrode

Just reading your post it seems that you have the SFA 5.1 specification because of the specific details given.

Table 4 as you say, indicates "NR ^b)" for 3.2 mm E6010 electrodes,that mean "Not required" but you have to take into account the Note b) (I think you refer to this when asking about note (2))

This Note says that electrodes not requiring those tests, can be classified if at least 2 other sizes have passed the tests or the specific size to be classified meets specification requirements by having been tested to the requirements of Figures 1, 2 and 3 and Table 6.

So, as you can see, no classification can be made without testing, either 2 other sizes or just your size.

Regarding you comment: And what about manufacturer, even he is also not required to do any testing if he goes by this specification (SFA 5.01-schedule I or J, whatever it is).... Schedule I per SFA 5.01, require for SFA 5.1 SMAW electrodes for carbon steel welding, Tests No's 1 (Chemical analysis), 2 (Tensile test), 3 (Impact), 4 (X-ray) and 5 (moisture). This last test No 5 don't apply to E6010 which is a cellulosic electrode and therefore not a "low hydrogen" type one, but all other apply.

All other schedules from F to K requires some testing and all but F requires some kind of certified test report. Schedule F requires just a statement from the manufacturer that the material complies with thew specification. (Similar to EN certificate type 2.1, sometimes also called "Certificate of compliance")

Best regards

Thank you for detailed reply and clearing some of my doubts.

As you have mentioned about Note (b), just to add further on that:

e.g.

If I am purchasing E6010 electrodes with 3 different sizes having same batch no. or heat no. It is only required to test any 2 sizes and rest of 1 size can be classified along with 2 sizes.

And what if all 3 sizes are of different batch no. or heat no. then how to do testing ?

So, is this Note (b) giving relation to electrode sizes with their batch no. or heat no. for testing requirement ?

How to co-relate different electrode sizes and their required testing with its batch no. or heat no. ?

Hope you can throw some light on this.

Thanks and Regards,

The main question to solve the problem is who is the Customer and which are their requirements.

Why do you want to perform batch tests? Why don't you ask this requirements to your supplier?

Then can be two different situations: You have a customer who imposed some requirements, then you have to comply with. The other situation is that you don't have specific requirements of your client, but are required your quality system or you want to check the supply by your own convenience.

If you look to SFA 5.01, the level of testing is to be specified by customer. In this case you can be customer, supplier or both.

Once established the level of testing, by you or your customer, (for example Level "F" is the standard manufacturer testing level and note that is the defect established if no specific requirement is imposed, or level "J" requires to comply for each lot with the AWS electrode standard)you have to comply with it.

So, answering your examples: If you purchase 3 different sizes of same batch (lot), depending on the testing level, the results are different. For example: If level "F" is set, then you can make your standard tests whatever it be. If selected level is "J", then you must test 2 or the 3 sizes, depending on which are those specific sizes.

I will try to clarify the second case (Level "J"): According to SFA 5.1, you don't need chemical analysis (see Table 7) but you have to perform on all sizes RX and all weld metal tension test in Flat position if the sizes are 4.0, 4.8, 6.4 or 8 mm (for example the sizes are 4.0, 6.0 and 8 mm) But if the three sizes are 3.2, 4.0 and 6.4, is enough to test the two thicker and they qualify the 3.2 one. One third possibility: the sizes are 2.4, 3.2 and 5.6, then you must test at least two of them, the third is qualified then. The same is applicable to impact or fillet weld tests (required in sizes 4.0, 4.8 and 6.4 mm.

The second part of your question: And what if all 3 sizes are of different batch no. or heat no. then how to do testing ?

It depends on the testing level required as in the previous case. If level is I,J or K, each lot must be tested according to Table 1 of SFA 5.01. For level H, your standard requirements are enough.

hope this would clarify some, even when my English is so awful.

Best regards

Thank you Kwetz,

For detailed reply and making me understand the Code requirements better.

Once again, thanks for your help and efforts you have put into it.

Thanks & Regards,