ISO 17632:2015

Overview

ISO 17632:2015 defines a classification system for tubular cored electrodes used in gas‑shielded and self‑shielded metal arc welding of non‑alloy and fine‑grain steels. The standard covers electrodes for weld metal with minimum yield strength up to 500 MPa or tensile strength up to 570 MPa, in the as‑welded or post‑weld heat‑treated (PWHT) condition. It provides standardized designations that describe mechanical properties, impact performance, chemical composition, core type, shielding gas, welding position and hydrogen content of deposits.

Key topics and requirements

• Two complementary classification systems:
  • System A - based on yield strength and average impact energy 47 J (suffix “A” in applicable clauses/tables).
  • System B - based on tensile strength and average impact energy 27 J (suffix “B”).
• Classification symbols: product type (T), strength/elongation, impact properties, chemical composition, core type/usability, shielding gas, welding position, hydrogen content and PWHT condition.
• Test methods and specimen techniques:
  • Multi‑run and single‑run test procedures for determining all‑weld metal properties (referenced to ISO 15792 series).
  • Pulsed current is explicitly not permitted for determining electrode classification.
• Size basis for classification:
  • Gas‑shielded electrodes: classification based on 1.2 mm diameter (or next larger manufactured).
  • Self‑shielded electrodes: classification based on 2.4 mm diameter (or largest manufactured if < 2.4 mm).
• Flexibility: a single tubular cored electrode can be tested and classified with different shielding gases; optional supplemental designators are available (e.g., “U” for average impact requirements).

Applications and users

ISO 17632:2015 is primarily used by:

• Welding engineers and metallurgists selecting filler materials for structural, pressure‑containing and general fabrication where mechanical and impact performance are critical.
• Manufacturers of welding consumables for classifying and labeling tubular cored electrodes.
• Procurement and quality managers specifying filler metal performance in purchase orders and technical delivery conditions.
• Certification bodies and code writers harmonizing product classification across projects and international supply chains.

Practical benefits include consistent product specification, easier material selection to match parent metal strength or toughness requirements, and clear guidance for classification testing and marking.

Related standards

Key normative references to consult alongside ISO 17632:2015:

• ISO 15792 (test methods for all‑weld metal specimens)
• ISO 14175 (gases and gas mixtures for fusion welding)
• ISO 3690 (determination of hydrogen in weld metal)
• ISO 544 (technical delivery conditions for filler materials)

Keywords: ISO 17632:2015, tubular cored electrodes, welding consumables, gas‑shielded, self‑shielded, classification, yield strength, tensile strength, impact energy, all‑weld metal.