Overview
ISO 15792-1:2020 specifies how to prepare all-weld metal test pieces and specimens for arc welding of steel, nickel and nickel alloys. It defines test-piece geometry, specimen positions and sizes, welding conditions, heat treatment and general requirements needed to determine the mechanical properties of all-weld metal for consumable classification or other testing purposes. This part applies to multi-run butt welds prepared as a single V‑groove with a backing strip and is not applicable to single- or two‑run welding or fillet welding (see ISO 15792‑2 and ISO 15792‑3).
Key topics and requirements
- Test-piece form: Single V‑groove on a backing strip, with the backing tack‑welded on the reverse side. Plates must be pre-set or restrained to produce a flat welded test piece; welded test pieces shall not be straightened.
- Test-piece types: Several types (e.g., 1.0–1.7) are specified with defined plate thicknesses and dimensions; the type for classification is given in the relevant consumable standard.
- Welding position and conditions: Welding is normally carried out in the flat position unless the consumable is intended exclusively for other positions. Preheat, interpass temperatures and welding parameters (current, voltage, travel speed, run sequence, bead size) must follow the consumable classification standard.
- Preheat/interpass measurement: Temperatures may be measured using temperature indicator crayons, surface thermometers or thermocouples (reference ISO 13916).
- Heat treatment: Required heat treatments for weld metal (except hydrogen removal) are applied to the test piece or sections with machining allowance. Hydrogen removal treatment may be carried out at temperatures up to 250 °C for up to 16 hours.
- Specimen locations and dimensions:
- Tensile specimens per ISO 5178: diameter 8 mm for types 1.0 and 1.1, otherwise 10 mm in gauge length.
- Notched impact specimens per ISO 9016:2012 (designation VWT 0/b): size 10 mm × 10 mm, positioned at midline of plate thickness.
- Cutting/machining allowances: If thermal cutting is used, provide at least 10 mm machining allowance on either side for subsequent specimen machining.
Applications and users
ISO 15792-1 is intended for:
- Manufacturers of welding consumables and electrodes for classification testing.
- Welding engineers, QA/QC teams and metallurgical laboratories performing mechanical testing of weld metal.
- Certification bodies and test houses that assess consumable performance and conformity to classification standards.
Benefits include consistent preparation of all-weld metal test pieces, repeatable measurement of tensile and impact properties, and alignment with consumable classification requirements.
Related standards
- ISO 5178 - Longitudinal tensile test on weld metal in fusion welded joints
- ISO 9016:2012 - Impact tests: specimen location and notch orientation (VWT 0/b)
- ISO 13916 - Measurement of preheating and interpass temperatures
- ISO 15792-2 and ISO 15792-3 - Preparation for single/two-run and fillet welding (respectively)
Open preview (PDF)Welding consumables — Test methods — Part 1: Preparation of all-weld metal test pieces and specimens in steel, nickel and nickel alloys