AWS A5.28/A5.28M:2020

This specification prescribes requirements for the classification of low-alloy steel electrodes (solid, composite stranded, and composite metal cored) for gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and low-alloy steel rods (solid, composite stranded, and composite metal cored) for gas tungsten arc (GTAW) and plasma arc (PAW) welding. With two exceptions (the 20% manganese types “Mn1” and “Mn2”), iron is the only element whose content exceeds 10.5% in undiluted weld metal deposited by these electrodes or rods, as applicable.

This specification 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 values in any way. In selecting rational metric units, AWS A1.1, Metric Practice Guide for the Welding Industry and ISO 544, Welding consumables — Technical delivery conditions for welding filler materials and fluxes — Type of product, dimensions, tolerances and markings, are used where suitable. Tables and figures make use of both U.S. Customary and SI Units which, with the application of the specified tolerances, provide for interchangeability of products in both U.S. Customary and SI Units. The specification with the designation A5.28 uses U.S. Customary Units. The specification A5.28M 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 or packaging or both under the A5.28 or A5.28M specifications.

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 the non-mandatory Annex B, Clauses B5 and B10.

Safety and Health information is available from the following sources:

American Welding Society:

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

AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets

Other safety and health information on AWS website

Material or Equipment Manufacturers:

Safety Data Sheets supplied by material manufacturers

Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers

Applicable Federal and State Regulations

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.