Overview
EN ISO 17634:2015 - Welding consumables - Tubular cored electrodes for gas shielded metal arc welding of creep‑resisting steels - Classification - is the CEN-endorsed adoption of ISO 17634:2015. It specifies how to classify tubular cored electrodes used for gas‑shielded metal‑arc welding (GMAW) of creep‑resisting and low‑alloy elevated‑temperature steels, particularly in the post‑weld heat‑treated condition. The standard provides a combined classification system based on all‑weld metal chemical composition or on tensile strength plus chemical composition, and notes that a single electrode can be tested and classified with different shielding gases.
Key Topics
- Two classification systems
- System A: classification primarily by chemical composition of all‑weld metal (with optional yield strength and impact energy requirements).
- System B: classification by tensile strength and chemical composition of all‑weld metal (includes usability characteristics).
- Symbols and designation for product/process, chemical composition, mechanical properties, electrode core/type, shielding gas, welding position and hydrogen content.
- Mechanical testing requirements: tensile tests, impact tests, preheat/interpass temperatures, pass sequence and specimen preparation (see ISO 15792 series referenced).
- Chemical analysis and rounding/interpretation procedures for composition data.
- Fillet weld and positional testing to assess root penetration and positional capacity.
- Retest rules and technical delivery conditions for certified consumables.
- Informative annexes describing classification systems, composition designations, core types, usability characteristics and hydrogen notes.
Applications and Who Uses It
EN ISO 17634:2015 is used wherever reliable classification of tubular cored electrodes is required for welding of elevated‑temperature (creep‑resisting) steels:
- Welding engineers and procedure writers specifying filler materials for boilers, steam lines, heat‑resistant pressure vessels and power‑plant components.
- Manufacturers of welding consumables validating and labeling tubular cored electrodes.
- Quality managers, inspectors and procurement teams verifying technical delivery conditions and classification markings.
- Fabricators and maintenance teams working on petrochemical, power generation and high‑temperature industrial equipment where post‑weld heat treatment and long‑term creep properties are critical.
Related Standards
Common normative references cited in EN ISO 17634:2015 include:
- ISO 544 (filler material delivery conditions)
- ISO 3690 (hydrogen determination in arc weld metal)
- ISO 14175 (welding gases)
- ISO 15792 series (all‑weld metal test methods)
These related standards are essential when applying the classification, performing tests, or specifying delivery and marking requirements.
Keywords: EN ISO 17634:2015, tubular cored electrodes, gas shielded metal arc welding, creep‑resisting steels, welding consumables, all‑weld metal, classification, shielding gas, tensile strength, chemical composition.
