ISO 14343:2017

Overview

ISO 14343:2017 - "Welding consumables - Wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires and rods for arc welding of stainless and heat resisting steels - Classification" - defines a global classification system for welding filler metals used with stainless and heat‑resisting steels. The standard covers classification for products used in gas‑shielded metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), plasma arc welding (PAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), electroslag welding and laser beam welding. Classification is based on chemical composition and supports two parallel labeling systems: System A (nominal composition) and System B (alloy type).

Key Topics and Requirements

• Two classification systems
  • System A (ISO 14343‑A): designators based on nominal composition and principal alloying elements.
  • System B (ISO 14343‑B): designators based on alloy type (three‑ or four‑digit numbers), common in Pacific Rim practices.
  • Paragraphs and designations in the standard are marked with suffixes “A” or “B” to indicate applicability.
• Product/process symbols
  • Symbols identify product form and intended processes (e.g., solid wire, strip electrode) and whether the alloy is stainless/heat‑resisting.
• Chemical composition tables
  • Table 1 lists alloy designations and composition limits; includes common grades such as 308, 316, 347 and others used for stainless steel welding consumables.
• Analytical and quality rules
  • Requirements for chemical analysis, rounding procedures, retesting, and properties of all‑weld metal are included.
• Delivery and designation
  • Technical delivery conditions, marking and examples of designation are provided to ensure consistent procurement, traceability and labelling.

Applications - Who Uses ISO 14343:2017

• Welding engineers and metallurgists selecting filler metals for stainless and heat‑resisting steels.
• Manufacturers of welding consumables for product classification, marking and technical data sheets.
• Procurement and quality assurance teams establishing procurement specifications and acceptance criteria.
• Fabricators and inspection bodies ensuring correct filler selection for corrosion resistance, high‑temperature service or mechanical property requirements.
• Standards writers and regulators harmonizing international marking and classification systems.

Using ISO 14343:2017 helps ensure consistent selection, specification and traceability of filler metals across global supply chains for stainless and heat‑resisting steel welding projects.

Related Standards (if applicable)

• ISO 544 - Welding consumables: technical delivery conditions (product types, dimensions, markings)
• ISO 14344 - Procurement of filler materials and fluxes
• EN 12072 - Basis for System A classification (referenced in ISO 14343 introduction)
• ISO 80000‑1 - Quantities and units

Keywords: ISO 14343:2017, welding consumables, wire electrodes, stainless steel welding, classification, wire and rod, arc welding, chemical composition, filler metals.