AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2023 (ISO 18273:2015 MOD) Specification for Bare Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods
AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2023 covers classification, chemistry, weld testing, radiography, mechanical tests and packaging of aluminum filler metals.
Wrong edition, wrong file, or a file that won’t open? We replace or refund — contact us within 7 days.
Buy now is for one copy. Buying for a team? Get a quote
About this publication
Product Description
AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2023, Specification for Bare Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods, is the 13th edition of the American Welding Society specification covering classification of bare wrought and cast aluminum-alloy filler metals used in several fusion welding processes.
The specification establishes a standardized system for classifying aluminum and aluminum-alloy electrodes and rods according to chemical composition and, where required, weld testing and mechanical testing. It also establishes supporting requirements for acceptance, certification, test assemblies, radiographic examination, manufacture, standard sizes, finish, packaging and product identification.
Scope
The specification applies to bare wrought and cast aluminum-alloy electrodes and rods intended for gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, oxyfuel gas welding and plasma arc welding.
It provides requirements for filler-metal classification and product conformity rather than serving as a fabrication code or welding procedure specification for a completed welded structure.
Classification System
AWS A5.10/A5.10M provides the classification system used to identify aluminum and aluminum-alloy welding electrodes and rods supplied under the AWS specification. The classification designation links the filler metal to applicable chemical-composition and testing requirements.
The standard includes a dedicated classification-system figure and tables identifying symbols and chemical-composition requirements for the covered electrodes and rods.
Chemical Composition
Chemical composition is a central basis for classification under AWS A5.10/A5.10M. The specification establishes compositional limits for the aluminum and aluminum-alloy filler-metal classifications included within its scope.
Chemical analysis is used to establish whether the supplied filler metal conforms to the composition requirements applicable to the claimed classification.
Acceptance
The specification includes acceptance provisions that establish the framework for determining whether products supplied under AWS A5.10/A5.10M conform to the applicable requirements.
These provisions support consistent treatment of test results and product compliance between manufacturers, suppliers and purchasers.
Certification
AWS A5.10/A5.10M contains certification requirements for filler metals represented as complying with the specification. Certification provides the purchaser with documented assurance that the product has been manufactured and tested in accordance with the requirements applicable to its classification.
Rounding Procedure
The 2023 edition contains a specific rounding procedure for numerical test and analysis results. Consistent rounding is particularly important when measured values are compared with classification limits or acceptance criteria.
AWS identifies revisions to the rounding rules as one of the substantive technical changes introduced in the 2023 edition.
Summary of Required Tests
The specification includes a summary of required tests associated with the covered filler-metal classifications. Testing requirements depend on the particular classification and are used to establish compliance with the AWS classification system.
The required-test table helps manufacturers, testing laboratories and purchasers determine which examinations and mechanical tests apply to a particular filler metal.
Retest Requirements
A dedicated retest clause establishes provisions for situations in which an applicable test must be repeated. Retesting is controlled by the specification rather than left to an informal decision by the manufacturer or purchaser.
Weld Test Assemblies
AWS A5.10/A5.10M includes requirements for weld test assemblies used to perform classification testing. The standard provides information on base metals, welding parameters and test configurations used when soundness, usability or mechanical testing is required.
The specification includes groove-weld test assemblies for radiographic examination and for determining weld-metal tensile properties.
Chemical Analysis Testing
Clause 10 addresses chemical analysis used to verify filler-metal composition. Chemical analysis supports the fundamental classification requirement that the product conform to the alloy limits assigned to its AWS designation.
Radiographic Test
The specification includes radiographic testing provisions for applicable filler-metal classifications and test assemblies. Radiographic examination is used to assess weld soundness under the specified test conditions.
The 2023 edition contains substantive changes to the radiographic provisions in Clause 11.4 and associated acceptance-standard figures. AWS specifically identifies these radiographic revisions in the foreword to the 13th edition.
Radiographic Acceptance Standards
The standard contains radiographic acceptance figures for test assemblies of different thicknesses and welding positions. These figures provide the visual acceptance references used with the radiographic test requirements.
Tension Test
AWS A5.10/A5.10M includes tension testing where required for classification. The specification provides weld test assembly information and mechanical-testing requirements used to evaluate tensile properties of deposited weld metal.
The associated tables identify base-metal and welding parameters used for groove-weld mechanical testing and the applicable mechanical-testing requirements.
Bead-on-Plate Test
The specification contains a bead-on-plate test used for applicable filler-metal classifications. This test forms part of the classification-testing framework and provides an additional means of evaluating filler-metal performance under prescribed conditions.
Method of Manufacture
Requirements addressing the method of manufacture support production of electrodes and rods having the composition, form and consistency required for classification and practical welding use.
These provisions work together with dimensional, finish and packaging requirements to define the physical product supplied under the AWS designation.
Standard Sizes
AWS A5.10/A5.10M establishes standard sizes for covered welding electrodes and rods. Standardized dimensions assist users in specifying filler metal suitable for welding equipment, procedures and applications.
The specification uses both U.S. Customary and SI values, with the two measurement systems applied independently rather than combined.
Finish and Uniformity
The standard contains requirements for finish and uniformity of aluminum and aluminum-alloy filler metals. These characteristics affect handling, feeding and practical use of the welding consumable.
Uniformity requirements help ensure that products represented by a given classification are supplied in a consistent physical form appropriate for their intended process.
Standard Package Forms
AWS A5.10/A5.10M addresses standard package forms used for covered filler metals. Package requirements help establish consistent handling, storage and ordering practices for electrodes and rods supplied under the specification.
Winding Requirements
Filler metals supplied in wound form are subject to winding requirements intended to support reliable feeding and handling during welding operations.
These provisions are particularly relevant to continuously fed electrodes used with gas metal arc welding and other mechanized or semiautomatic processes.
Filler Metal Identification
The specification establishes identification requirements that help maintain the relationship between the physical filler metal and its AWS classification.
Proper identification is important in fabrication facilities where multiple aluminum-alloy filler-metal classifications may be stored and used and where incorrect substitution can affect weld metallurgy or service performance.
Packaging
AWS A5.10/A5.10M includes requirements for packaging covered electrodes and rods. Packaging requirements complement the standard's provisions for filler-metal identification and package marking.
Marking of Packages
Package-marking requirements provide information necessary to identify the welding consumable and its classification throughout purchasing, receiving, storage and fabrication activities.
Marking and identification requirements help support filler-metal traceability and consumable-control programs.
Modified Adoption of ISO 18273:2015
AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2023 is identified as a modified adoption of ISO 18273:2015. AWS states that classification under A5.10/A5.10M requires prescribed weld testing that is not required solely for classification under ISO 18273.
Consequently, classification to ISO 18273 alone does not automatically establish classification to AWS A5.10/A5.10M. Annex C identifies the deviations between the two documents.
Annex A — Guide to the Specification
Informative Annex A provides additional guidance for understanding and applying the specification. The annex supplements the mandatory clauses with information about the classification system, filler-metal characteristics and practical selection considerations.
Weld Metal Properties
The informative annex contains weld-metal property information intended for use with the aluminum filler-metal selection material. These values assist users in comparing filler-metal characteristics but should be distinguished from mandatory classification requirements unless explicitly referenced by the normative provisions.
Aluminum Filler Metal Selection Chart
The annex includes an aluminum filler-metal selection chart that provides application guidance for comparing filler-metal options with aluminum base materials and welding requirements.
Discontinued Classifications
AWS also provides a table of discontinued bare aluminum and aluminum-alloy electrode and rod classifications. This information can help users interpret legacy drawings, specifications, welding procedures and purchasing records that reference older designations.
Annex B — Official Interpretations
Informative Annex B describes the procedure for requesting an official interpretation of an AWS standard. Formal technical interpretations are handled through the responsible AWS technical committee.
Annex C — Deviations From ISO 18273:2015
Annex C lists the deviations between AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2023 and ISO 18273:2015. This annex is particularly important for organizations working with both AWS and ISO filler-metal classifications because it identifies where the modified AWS adoption differs from the international document.
2023 Edition Changes
AWS identifies the 2023 publication as the 13th edition and as the fourth edition of A5.10/A5.10M using a modified adoption of ISO 18273.
Substantive changes from the 2021 edition include revised rounding rules and changes to radiographic testing requirements in Clause 11.4 and Figures 4A, 4B and 5.
Relationship to the 2021 Edition
AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2023 revises and replaces AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2021 (ISO 18273:2015 MOD). Organizations maintaining filler-metal specifications, welding procedures or approved consumable lists should therefore reference the 2023 designation when the current AWS edition is required.
U.S. Customary and SI Units
The specification uses both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units. AWS states that these values are not exact equivalents and that each measurement system must be used independently.
The dual designation A5.10/A5.10M reflects this structure while allowing the specification to support welding organizations working in either measurement system.
American National Standard
AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2023 is an American National Standard. The American National Standards Institute approved the 13th edition on May 19, 2023.
Technical Committee
The specification was prepared by the AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials under the direction of the AWS Technical Activities Committee. The publication also identifies the AWS A5C Subcommittee on Aluminum Alloy Filler Metals as the specialist subcommittee responsible for aluminum filler-metal subject matter.
Who Should Use AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2023
- welding engineers and welding coordinators;
- aluminum fabrication companies;
- materials and metallurgical engineers;
- welding procedure developers;
- quality assurance and quality control personnel;
- Certified Welding Inspectors;
- filler-metal manufacturers and distributors;
- procurement organizations specifying aluminum welding consumables;
- testing laboratories performing filler-metal classification tests;
- organizations maintaining approved aluminum filler-metal lists.
Why This Specification Matters
Aluminum and aluminum-alloy filler metals can have substantially different chemical compositions and welding characteristics. A standardized classification system allows engineers, manufacturers and purchasers to specify consumables according to recognized technical requirements rather than relying solely on proprietary product names.
AWS A5.10/A5.10M goes beyond chemical identification by incorporating prescribed weld testing and product requirements. This provides a consistent basis for classification, testing, identification and supply of bare aluminum electrodes and rods used across multiple fusion welding processes.
Product Features
- 13th edition of AWS A5.10/A5.10M
- American National Standard
- Modified adoption of ISO 18273:2015
- Classifies bare wrought and cast aluminum-alloy electrodes and rods
- Covers gas metal arc welding
- Covers gas tungsten arc welding
- Covers oxyfuel gas welding
- Covers plasma arc welding
- Includes chemical-composition requirements
- Includes acceptance and certification provisions
- Includes revised rounding requirements
- Includes required-test and retest provisions
- Includes weld test assemblies
- Includes radiographic examination requirements
- Includes tension and bead-on-plate testing
- Covers manufacture, sizes and finish
- Covers package forms and winding requirements
- Includes filler-metal identification and package marking
- Provides aluminum filler-metal selection guidance
- Lists discontinued classifications
- Identifies deviations from ISO 18273:2015
Product Details
- Standard: AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2023 (ISO 18273:2015 MOD)
- Title: Specification for Bare Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods
- Publisher: American Welding Society
- Edition: 13th Edition
- Publication Year: 2023
- Print ISBN: 978-1-64322-268-4
- Page Count: 56
- ANSI Status: American National Standard
- ANSI Approval Date: May 19, 2023
- Technical Committee: AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials
- Specialist Subcommittee: AWS A5C Subcommittee on Aluminum Alloy Filler Metals
- Previous Edition: AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2021 (ISO 18273:2015 MOD)
- International Relationship: ISO 18273:2015, modified adoption
- Language: English
- Publication Type: Specification
Edition Status Note
AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2023 remains the current edition listed by the American Welding Society. AWS's current publications catalog continues to offer the 2023 edition in printed and PDF formats. ANSI also identifies it as the most recent edition and currently lists no amendments or corrections. It supersedes AWS A5.10/A5.10M:2021.