This specification prescribes requirements for the classification of bare stainless steel wire electrodes (including stranded wire in which all wires in the strand are from one heat), strip electrodes, wires, and rods for gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, plasma arc welding, submerged arc welding, electroslag welding, and laser beam welding of stainless and heat resisting steels. The classification of the wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires, and rods is based upon their chemical composition. The chromium content of these filler metals is not less than 10.5% and the iron content exceeds that of any other element. For purposes of classification, the iron content shall be derived as the balance element when all other elements are considered to be at their minimum specified values.

This standard makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). The measurements are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other without combining in any way. The specification with the designation A5.9 uses U.S. Customary Units. The specification A5.9M uses SI Units. The latter are shown within brackets [ ] or in appropriate columns in tables and figures. Standard dimensions based on either system may be used for sizing of electrodes, rods, and strips or packaging or both under A5.9 or A5.9M specifications. This specification’s Annex A makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). The measurements are not exact equivalents. The specification designated A5.9 uses U.S. customary units in its Annex A and the specification designated A5.9M uses SI units in its Annex A. The latter units are shown within brackets [ ] or in appropriate columns in tables and figures.

Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard; some safety and health information is provided, but such issues are not fully addressed herein. Some safety and health information can be found in Annex Clauses A6 and A12.

Safety and health information is available from the following sources:

American Welding Society:

(1) ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes

(2) AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets

(3) Other safety and health information on the AWS website

Material or Equipment Manufacturers:

(1) Safety Data Sheets supplied by materials manufacturers

(2) Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers

Applicable Regulatory Agencies

Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed hazardous and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to address all safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program to address such risks as well as to meet applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI Z49.1 should be considered when developing the safety program.