ISO 14341:2020

Overview - ISO 14341:2020 (Welding consumables)

ISO 14341:2020 specifies classification rules for wire electrodes and weld deposits used in gas‑shielded metal arc welding (GMAW) of non‑alloy and fine‑grain steels (minimum yield strength up to 500 MPa or tensile strength up to 570 MPa). It defines how consumables are designated by chemical composition, mechanical properties of the all‑weld metal, shielding gas used, and whether the material is as‑welded or post‑weld heat‑treated (PWHT).

Key topics and requirements

• Two permitted classification systems:
  • Yield‑strength based system with an average impact energy requirement of 47 J (suffix “A” clauses/tables).
  • Tensile‑strength based system with an average impact energy requirement of 27 J (suffix “B” clauses/tables).
• Designation structure includes: product/process symbol (G for GMAW), strength/elongation symbol, impact‑property symbol (temperature at which required impact energy is met), shielding gas symbol, and chemical composition symbol.
• Impact testing rules:
  • 47 J system: three specimens, limits on individual values as defined in the standard.
  • 27 J system: five specimens, discard highest and lowest; average of remaining must meet 27 J with one permitted down to 20 J.
  • Optional “U” symbol indicates supplemental 47 J achievement at the normal 27 J test temperature.
• Shielding gas designation follows ISO 14175 (e.g., M12, M13) - one electrode may be classified with different gases.
• Mechanical test conditions: preheat/interpass temperatures, welding conditions, pass sequence and PWHT requirements are specified to ensure consistent all‑weld metal test results.
• Chemical composition classification tables define allowable element limits for wire electrodes.
• Rounding, retest, and technical delivery conditions are included for procurement and conformity.

Applications and users

ISO 14341:2020 is used by:

• Welding consumable manufacturers for product classification and labelling.
• Welding engineers and QA/QC teams to select filler metals matching required mechanical and impact properties.
• Fabricators and structural steel manufacturers requiring documented weld metal performance for design and code compliance.
• Procurement/specification writers to reference a consistent, internationally recognized consumable designation in contracts and drawings.

Practical benefits include clearer product selection for toughness and strength requirements, consistent testing protocols for weld deposits, and improved interchangeability across suppliers and markets.

Related standards

• ISO 14175 - Gases and gas mixtures for fusion welding
• ISO 14344 - Procurement of filler materials and fluxes
• ISO 544 - Technical delivery conditions for filler materials
• ISO 15792‑1 - Test methods for all‑weld metal specimens

Keywords: ISO 14341:2020, welding consumables, wire electrodes, GMAW, non‑alloy steels, fine‑grain steels, classification, all‑weld metal, impact energy, shielding gas.