FE044165 ISSN 0335-3931

European standard NF EN 12534

October 1999

French standard Classification index: A 81-326

ICS: 25.160.20

Welding consumable
Wire electrodes, wires, rods and deposits
for gas shielded metal arc welding
of high strength steels
Classification

F : Produits consommables pour le soudage — Fils-électrodes, fils, baguettes

et dépôts en soudage à l'arc sous protection gazeuse des aciers
à haute résistance — Classification
D : Schweißzusätze — Drahtelektroden, Drähte und Stäbe zum
© AFNOR 1999 — All rights reserved

Lichtbogenschweissen von nichtrostenden und hitzebeständigen Stählen —

Einteilung

French standard approved

by decision of the Director General of AFNOR on September 5, 1999 taking effect on
October 5, 1999.

Correspondence The European standard EN 12534:1999 has the status of French standard.

Analysis This document specifies the requirements for the classification of wire electrodes,
wires and rods as well as for the metal deposited at rough welding state or state
mentioned above, for gas shielded arc welding with a consumable electrode and
tungstene electrode of steels with an minimum elastic limit greater than 500 N/mm2.

Descriptors Technical International Thesaurus: arc welding, gas shielded welding, scale:
corrosion, filler metal, classifications, symbols, specifications, elastic limit, tensile
strength, elongation, flexural strength, chemical composition, mechanical tests,
chemical analysis, delivery condition, designation.

Modifications

Corrections

Published and distributed by Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR — French standard institute) — 11, avenue Francis de Pressensé —
93571 Saint-Denis La Plaine Cedex — Tel.: + 33 (0)1 41 62 80 00 — Fax: + 33 (0)1 49 17 90 00 — www.afnor.fr
Distributed by "Comité de Normalisation de la Soudure" (CNS), Z.I. Paris Nord II, 90, rue des Vanesses, 93420 Villepinte —
Tel.: + 33 (0) 1 49 90 36 00 — bp 50362 — 95942 Roissy CdG Cedex

© AFNOR 1999 AFNOR 1999 1st issue 1999-10-P

NF EN 12534:1999 —2—

National foreword

References to French standards

The correspondence between the standards figuring in the clause “Normative references” and the identical French
standards is as follows:
EN 439 : NF EN 439 (classification index: A 81-010)
EN 759 : NF EN 759 (classification index: A 81-301)
EN 1597-1 : NF EN 1597-1 (classification index: A 81-054-1)
EN ISO 13916 : NF EN ISO 13916 (classification index: A 89-253)

The correspondence between the standards figuring in the clause "Normative references" and French standards
having the same scope, but which are not identical, is as follows:
ISO 31-0 : NF X 02-001
NF X 02-003
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 12534
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 1999

ICS 25.160.20

English version

Welding consumables - Wire electrodes, wires, rods and

deposits for gas shielded metal arc welding of high strength
steels - Classification

Produits consommables pour le soudage - Fils-électrodes, Schweißzusätze - Drahtelektroden,Drähte, Stäbe und

fils, baguettes et dépôts en soudage à l'arc sous protection Schweißgut zum Schutzgasschweißen von hochfesten
gazeuse des aciers à haute résistance - Classification Stählen - Einteilung

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 2 July 1999.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 1999 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12534:1999 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 12534
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 1999

ICS 25.160.20

English version

Welding consumables - Wire electrodes, wires, rods and

deposits for gas shielded metal arc welding of high strength
steels - Classification

Produits consommables pour le soudage - Fils-électrodes, Schweißzusätze - Drahtelektroden,Drähte, Stäbe und

fils, baguettes et dépôts en soudage à l'arc sous protection Schweißgut zum Schutzgasschweißen von hochfesten
gazeuse des aciers à haute résistance - Classification Stählen - Einteilung

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 2 July 1999.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 1999 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12534:1999 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Page 2
EN 12534:1999

Contents Page

Foreword 3

Introduction 4

1 Scope 4

2 Normative references 4

3 Classification 4

4 Symbols and requirements 5

4.1 Symbol for the product/process 5
4.2 Symbol for strength and elongation of all-weld metal 5
4.3 Symbol for impact properties of all-weld metal 6
4.4 Symbol for shielding gas 6
4.5 Symbol for the chemical composition of wire electrodes, wires and rods 6
4.6 Symbol for stress relief treatment 8

5 Mechanical tests 8
5.1 Preheating and interpass temperatures 8
5.2 Welding conditions and pass sequence 8

6 Chemical analysis 9

7 Technical delivery conditions 9

8 Designation 9

Annex A (informative) Bibliography 10

 Page 3
EN 12534:1999

Foreword

This European Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 121 "Welding", the secre-
tariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an iden-
tical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2000, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by February 2000.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the fol-
lowing countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Page 4
EN 12534:1999

Introduction

This standard proposes a classification in order to designate wire electrodes, wires and rods in terms of their
chemistry and, where required, in terms of the yield strength, tensile strength and elongation of the all-weld
metal. The ratio of yield to tensile strength of weld metal is generally higher than that of parent metal. Users
should note that matching weld metal yield strength to parent metal yield strength will not necessarily ensure
that the weld metal tensile strength matches that of the parent material. Where the application requires
matching tensile strength, selection of the consumable should be based on column 3 of table 1. When selecting
the consumables, it should be noted that with increasing thickness of the parent metal, the requirements of
tensile strength and proof strength can decrease.

It should be noted that the mechanical properties of all-weld metal test specimens used to classify the wire
electrodes, wires and rods will vary from those obtained in production joints because of differences in welding
procedure such as wire electrode diameter, width of weave, gas shield used, welding position and material
composition.

1 Scope

This standard specifies requirements for classification of wire electrodes, wires, rods and weld deposits in the
as-welded or stress relieved condition for gas shielded metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding of steels
with a minimum yield strength higher than 500 N/mm². The classification of the wire electrodes, wires and
rods is based on their chemical composition.

The classification of a weld deposit is based on tests of the all-weld metal in the as-welded or stress relieved
condition. One wire electrode, wire and rod can be tested and classified with different gases.

2 Normative references

This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of
the publication referred to applies.

EN 439 Welding consumables – Shielding gases for arc welding and cutting

EN 759 Welding consumables - Technical delivery conditions for welding filler metals –
Type of product, dimensions, tolerances and marking

EN ISO 13916 Welding - Guidance on the measurement of preheating temperature, interpass

temperature and preheat maintenance temperature (ISO 13916:1996)

EN 1597-1 Welding consumables - Test methods for classification - Part 1: Test piece for all-
weld metal test specimens in steel, nickel and nickel alloys

ISO 31-0:1992 Quantities and units - Part 0: General principles

 Page 5
EN 12534:1999

3 Classification

A wire electrode, wire and rod shall be classified according to its chemical composition in table 3. A weld
deposit shall be classified with additional symbols according to the mechanical properties of its all-weld
metal.

The classification of a weld deposit is divided into six parts:

1) The first part gives a symbol indicating the product/process to be identified;

2) The second part gives a symbol indicating the strength and elongation of all-weld metal;

3) The third part gives a symbol indicating the impact properties of all-weld metal;

4) The fourth part gives a symbol indicating the type of shielding gas used;

5) The fifth part gives a symbol indicating the chemical composition of the wire electrode used.

6) The sixth part gives a symbol indicating the stress relief treatment in case this is applied.

4 Symbols and requirements

4.1 Symbol for the product/process

The symbol for the wire electrode, wire or rod used in the arc welding process shall be the letter G (gas
shielded metal arc welding) and/or W (gas tungsten arc welding).

4.2 Symbol for strength and elongation of all-weld metal

The symbol in table 1 indicates yield strength, tensile strength and elongation of the all-weld metal in the as-
welded condition determined in accordance with clause 5.

NOTE: Stress relief treatment can alter the strength of the weld metal from that obtained in the as-welded
condition.

Table 1: Symbol for strength and elongation of all-weld metal

Symbol Minimum1) Tensile Minimum elongation2)

yield strength strength %
N/mm2 N/mm2
55 550 640 to 820 18
62 620 700 to 890 18
69 690 770 to 940 17
79 790 880 to 1080 16
89 890 940 to 1180 15
1) For yield strength the lower yield (ReL) shall be used when yielding occurs, otherwise the 0,2 % proof
strength (RpO,2) shall be used.
2) Gauge length is equal to five times the test specimen diameter.
Page 6
EN 12534:1999

4.3 Symbol for impact properties of all-weld metal

The symbol in table 2 indicates the temperature at which an average impact energy of 47 J is achieved under
conditions given in clause 5. Three specimens shall be tested. Only one individual value may be lower than 47
J but shall not be lower than 32 J. When an all-weld metal has been classified for a certain temperature, it
automatically covers any higher temperature in table 2.

Table 2: Symbol for impact properties of all-weld metal

Temperature for minimum average impact energy
Symbol 47 J
°C
Z No requirements
A + 20
0 0
2 - 20
3 - 30
4 - 40
5 - 50
6 - 60

NOTE: Stress relief treatment can alter the impact properties of the all-weld metal from that obtained in
the as-welded condition.

4.4 Symbol for shielding gas

The symbols M and C indicate shielding gas as described in accordance with EN 439. No symbol shall be used
for TIG welding when argon shield EN 439-I1 is used.

The symbol M, for mixed gases, shall be used when the classification has been performed with the shielding
gas EN 439 – M2, but without helium.

The symbol C shall be used when the classification has been performed with the shielding gas EN 439 – C1,
carbon dioxide.

4.5 Symbol for the chemical composition of wire electrodes, wires and rods

The symbol in table 3 indicates the chemical composition of the wire electrode, wire and rod and includes an
indication of characteristic alloying elements.
 Page 7
EN 12534:1999

Table 3: Symbol for chemical composition of wire electrodes, wires and rods

Chemical composition in % 1) 2)3)

Symbol
C Si Mn P S Cr Ni Mo Cu Total other
elements

Z Any other agreed composition

Mn3NiCrMo 0,14 0,60 to 0,80 1,30 to 1,80 0,015 0,018 0,40 to 0,65 0,50 to 0,65 0,15 to 0,30 0,30 0,25

Mn3Ni1CrMo 0,12 0,40 to 0,70 1,30 to 1,80 0,015 0,018 0,20 to 0,40 1,20 to 1,60 0,20 to 0,30 0,35 0,25
V = 0,05 to 0,13

Mn3Ni1Mo 0,12 0,40 to 0,80 1,30 to 1,90 0,015 0,018 0,15 0,80 to 1,30 0,25 to 0,65 0,30 0,25

Mn3Ni1,5Mo 0,08 0,20 to 0,60 1,30 to 1,80 0,015 0,018 0,15 1,40 to 2,10 0,25 to 0,55 0,30 0,25

Mn3Ni1Cu 0,12 0,20 to 0,60 1,20 to 1,80 0,015 0,018 0,15 0,80 to 1,25 0,20 0,30 to 0,65 0,25

Mn3Ni1MoCu 0,12 0,20 to 0,60 1,20 to 1,80 0,015 0,018 0,15 0,80 to 1,25 0,20 to 0,55 0,30 to 0,65 0,25

Mn3Ni2,5CrMo 0,12 0,40 to 0,70 1,30 to 1,80 0,015 0,018 0,20 to 0,60 2,30 to 2,80 0,30 to 0,65 0,30 0,25

Mn4Ni1Mo 0,12 0,50 to 0,80 1,60 to 2,10 0,015 0,018 0,15 0,80 to 1,25 0,20 to 0,55 0,30 0,25

Mn4Ni2Mo 0,12 0,25 to 0,60 1,60 to 2,10 0,015 0,018 0,15 2,00 to 2,60 0,30 to 0,65 0,30 0,25

Mn4Ni1,5CrMo 0,12 0,50 to 0,80 1,60 to 2,10 0,015 0,018 0,15 to 0,40 1,30 to 1,90 0,30 to 0,65 0,30 0,25

Mn4Ni2CrMo 0,12 0,60 to 0,90 1,60 to 2,10 0,015 0,018 0,20 to 0,45 1,80 to 2,30 0,45 to 0,70 0,30 0,25

Mn4Ni2,5CrMo 0,13 0,50 to 0,80 1,60 to 2,10 0,015 0,018 0,20 to 0,60 2,30 to 2,80 0,30 to 0,65 0,30 0,25

1) If not specified: Ti
0,10%, Zr
0,10%, Al
0,12%, and V
0,03%. Residual copper content in the steel including any coating shall comply with stated value.
2) Single values shown in the table are maximum values.
3) The results shall be rounded to the same number of significant figures as in the specified value using the rules in accordance with annex B, Rule A of ISO 31-0:1992.
Page 8
EN 12534:1999

4.6 Symbol for stress relief treatment

The letter T indicates that strength, elongation and impact properties in the classification of deposited
metal are obtained after a stress relief treatment at 560 ºC to 600 ºC for 1 h. The test piece shall be left in
the furnace for cooling down to 300 ºC.

5 Mechanical tests

Tensile and impact tests and any required retests shall be carried out in the as-welded condition or stress
relieved condition using an all-weld metal test assembly prepared in accordance with EN 1597-1, as
described below in 5.1 and 5.2.

5.1 Preheating and interpass temperatures

Welding of the all-weld metal test piece shall be executed in a temperature range from 120 ºC to 180 ºC
with the exception of the first layer in the test assembly, which may be welded without preheat.

The interpass temperature shall be measured using temperature indicator crayons, surface thermometers
or thermocouples in accordance with EN ISO 13916.

5.2 Welding conditions and pass sequence

The pass sequence shall be as indicated in table 4 and welding conditions as given in table 5.

The direction of welding to complete a layer consisting of two passes shall not vary, but the direction of
welding of layers shall be alternated.

Table 4: Pass sequence

Process Type of test Diameter Passes per layer Number of layers

assembly mm
EN 1597-1
G 3 1,2 2 1) 6 to 10
2)
W 1 2,4 2 8 to 11
1) The top layer can be completed with three passes
2) The top layer can be completed with three or four passes

Table 5: Welding conditions

Process Diameter Welding Welding Contact Travel speed

current Voltage tube
distance
mm A V mm mm/min
G 1,2 280 ± 10 1) 20 ± 3 450 ± 50
W 2,4 200 ± 20 2) - 150 ± 15

1) The welding voltage will depend on the choice of shielding gas

2) It is not possible to set the voltage on a TIG equipment.
 Page 9
EN 12534:1999

6 Chemical analysis

Chemical analysis is performed on specimens of the product. Any analytical technique can be used, but
in case of dispute reference shall be made to established published methods.

NOTE: See annex A.

7 Technical delivery conditions

Technical delivery conditions shall meet the requirements in EN 759.

8 Designation

The designation of wire electrodes, wires and rods shall follow the principle given in the examples
below:

EXAMPLE 1:

A wire electrode producing a weld deposit by gas-shielded metal arc welding (G) having a minimum
yield strength of 620 N/mm² (62) and a minimum average impact energy of 47 J at - 60°C (6) under
mixed gas (M) using the wire Mn4Ni1Mo in the as welded condition is designated:

Wire electrode EN 12534 - G 62 6 Mn4Ni1Mo

where:

EN 12534 is the standard number;

G is the wire electrode and/or deposit/gas-shielded metal arc welding (see 4.1);

62 are the strength and elongation (see table 1);

6 are the impact properties (see table 2);

M is the shielding gas (see 4.4);

Mn4Ni1Mo is the chemical composition of the wire electrode (see table 3).

EXAMPLE 2:

A rod producing a weld deposit by TIG welding (W) having a minimum yield strength of 550 N/mm²
(55) and a minimum average impact energy of 47 J at - 60°C (6) under argon shield EN 439-I1 using the
rod Mn4Ni1Mo in the stress relieved condition (T) is designated:

Rod EN 12534 - W 55 6 Mn4Ni1Mo T

EXAMPLE 3:

A rod complying with the chemical requirement of Mn4Ni1Mo in table 3 is designated:

Rod EN 12534 - W Mn4Ni1Mo

Page 10
EN 12534:1999

Annex A (informative)

Bibliography

Handbuch für Eisenhüttenlaboratorium, VdEh, Düsseldorf

BS 6200-3 Sampling and analysis of iron, steel and other ferrous metals - Part 3: Methods of analy-
sis

CEN/CR 10261 ECISS Information Circular 11 - Iron and Steel - Review of available methods of
chemical analysis.