AWS A5.6/A5.

6M:2008
An American National Standard

Specification for
Copper and
Copper-Alloy
Electrodes for
Shielded Metal
Arc Welding
 AWS A5.6/A5.6M:2008
An American National Standard

Approved by the
American National Standards Institute
November 6, 2007

Specification for Copper

and Copper-Alloy Electrodes
for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

9th Edition

Supersedes ANSI/AWS A5.6-84

Prepared by the
American Welding Society (AWS) A5 Committee on Filler Metal and Allied Materials

Under the Direction of the

AWS Technical Activities Committee

Approved by the
AWS Board of Directors

Abstract
This specification prescribes the requirements for classifications of copper and copper-alloy electrodes for shielded
metal arc welding. Classification is based on chemical composition, mechanical properties, and usability of the
electrodes. Additional requirements are included for manufacture, sizes, lengths, and packaging. A guide is appended to
the specification as a source of information concerning the classification system employed and intended use of the
electrodes.
This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). Since these are
not equivalent, each system must be used independently of the other.

550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126

 AWS A5.6/A5.6M:2008

Foreword
This foreword is not part of AWS A5.6/A5.6M:2008, Specification for Copper and Copper-Alloy
Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding, but is included for informational purposes only.

This document is the ninth revision of AWS A5.6, first published in 1948. The revision was prepared by the Subcommittee
on Copper and Copper-Alloy Filler Metals. This specification describes the most common copper and copper-alloy
electrodes for shielded metal arc welding. Since the applications for copper and copper-alloy electrodes are so diverse,
i.e., surfacing and joining, discussion on intended uses and suggested welding parameters are included. The reader will find
the data describing weld deposit hardness particularly useful when selecting an electrode for surfacing a wear-resistant
bearing surface.
This document is the first of the A5.6 specifications which makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International
System of Units (SI). The measurements are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of
the other, without combining in any way. In selecting rational metric units the AWS A1.1, Metric Practice Guide for the
Welding Industry, and ISO 544, Welding consumables — Technical delivery conditions for welding filler materials —
Type of product, dimensions, tolerances and markings, are used as guides. Tables and figures make use of both U.S.
Customary and SI Units, which, with the application of the specified tolerances, provide for interchangeability of products
in both U.S. Customary and SI Units.
This revision makes adjustments in the chemical composition ranges for classifications ECu, ECuAl-A2, ECuAl-B,
ECuNiAl, and ECuMnNiAl to meet with current industry practice. These modified ranges are shown in Italic font in
Table 1. It also eliminates the bend test requirements for ECuAl-B, ECuNiAl, and ECuMnNiAl whose elongation in the
all-weld metal tension test is less than 20%. The nomograph in the previous document intended to allow bend tests of
these classifications has also been removed.
Document Development
ASTM B225-48T Tentative Specifications for Copper and Copper-Alloy Metal-Arc-Welding Electrodes
AWS A5.6-48T
ASTM B225-53T Tentative Specifications for Copper and Copper-Alloy Welding Electrodes
AWS A5.6-53T
ASTM B225-57T Tentative Specifications for Copper and Copper-Alloy Arc-Welding Electrodes
AWS A5.6-57T
AWS A5.6-66T Tentative Specifications for Copper and Copper-Alloy Arc-Welding Electrodes
ASTM B225-66T
AWS A5.6-69 Specifications for Copper and Copper Alloy Arc-Welding Electrodes
ANSI W3.6-73
ANSI/AWS A5.6-74 Specifications for Covered Copper and Copper Alloy Arc-Welding Electrodes
(Addendum)
AWS A5.6-76 Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Covered Electrodes
ANSI/AWS A5.6-84 Specification for Covered Copper and Copper Alloy Arc Welding Electrodes
ANSI/AWS A5.6-84R Reaffirmed March 10, 2000
Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary,
AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami,
FL 33126.

vii
 AWS A5.6/A5.6M:2008

Table of Contents
Page No.
Personnel......................................................................................................................................................................v
Foreword ....................................................................................................................................................................vii
List of Figures...............................................................................................................................................................x
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................................x
1. Scope.....................................................................................................................................................................1
2. Normative References .........................................................................................................................................1
3. Classification........................................................................................................................................................2
4. Acceptance ...........................................................................................................................................................2
5. Certification .........................................................................................................................................................2
6. Rounding-Off Procedure ....................................................................................................................................2
7. Summary of Tests................................................................................................................................................2
8. Retest ....................................................................................................................................................................2
9. Weld Test Assemblies..........................................................................................................................................2
10. Chemical Analysis ...............................................................................................................................................7
11. Radiographic Test ...............................................................................................................................................8
12. Tension Test .........................................................................................................................................................8
13. Bend Test..............................................................................................................................................................8
14. Method of Manufacture......................................................................................................................................8
15. Standard Sizes and Lengths .............................................................................................................................13
16. Core Wire and Covering...................................................................................................................................13
17. Exposed Core .....................................................................................................................................................13
18. Electrode Identification ....................................................................................................................................14
19. Packaging ...........................................................................................................................................................14
20. Marking of Packages.........................................................................................................................................14
Annex A (Informative)—Guide to AWS Specification for Copper and Copper-Alloy Electrodes for
Annex A (Informative)—Shielded Metal Arc Welding.............................................................................................15
Annex B (Informative)—Guidelines for the Preparation of Technical Inquiries.......................................................21
AWS Filler Metal Specifications by Materials and Welding Process........................................................................23
AWS Filler Metal Specifications and Related Documents ........................................................................................25

ix
AWS A5.6/A5.6M:2008

List of Tables
Table Page No.
1 Chemical Composition Requirements for Undiluted Weld Metal .................................................................3
2 Required Tests for Classification....................................................................................................................4
3 Base Metals for Test Assemblies....................................................................................................................7
4 Mechanical Property Requirements..............................................................................................................13
5 Standard Sizes and Lengths ..........................................................................................................................13
A.1 Comparison of Specifications.......................................................................................................................16
A.2 Hardness of Copper and Copper-Alloy Weld Metal ....................................................................................18
A.3 Discontinued Classifications ........................................................................................................................19

List of Figures
Figure Page No.
1 Pad for Chemical Analysis of Undiluted Weld Metal ....................................................................................4
2 Test Assembly for Tension and Bend Test.....................................................................................................5
3 Groove Weld for Radiographic Test (ECuNi Only).......................................................................................6
4A Radiographic Acceptance Standard for 1/4 in [6 mm] Test Plate ..................................................................9
4B Radiographic Acceptance Standard for 3/8 in [10 mm] Test Plate ..............................................................10
4C Radiographic Acceptance Standard for 1/2 in [12 mm] Test Plate ..............................................................11
4D Radiographic Acceptance Standard for 3/4 in [20 mm] Test Plate ..............................................................12

x
 AWS A5.6/A5.6M:2008

Specification for Copper and Copper-Alloy

Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

1. Scope AWS A5.01, Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines

AWS B4.0 [AWS B4.0M], Standard Methods for
1.1 This specification prescribes requirements for the
Mechanical Testing of Welds
classification of covered copper and copper-alloy elec-
trodes for shielded metal arc welding. It includes compo- 2.2 The following ANSI standard3 is referenced in the
sitions in which the copper content exceeds that of any mandatory sections of this document:
other element.1
ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied
1.2 Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the Processes
scope of this standard and therefore are not fully
2.3 The following ASTM standards4 are referenced in
addressed herein. Some safety and health information
the mandatory sections of this document:
can be found in the Informative Annex Clauses A5 and
A10. Safety and health information is available from ASTM B 96/B 96M, Standard Specification for
other sources, including, but not limited to, ANSI Z49.1, Copper-Silicon Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, and for General Purposes and Pressure Vessels
applicable federal and state regulations. ASTM B 103/B 103M, Standard Specification for
This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary Phosphor Bronze Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
Units and the International System of Units (SI). The ASTM B 122/B 122M, Standard Specification for
measurements are not exact equivalents; therefore, each Copper-Nickel-Tin Alloy, Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloy
system must be used independently of the other without (Nickel Silver), and Copper-Nickel Alloy Plate, Sheet,
combining in any way when referring to material proper- Strip, and Rolled Bar
ties. The specification with the designation A5.6 uses
ASTM B 148, Standard Specification for Aluminum-
U.S. Customary Units. The specification A5.6M uses SI
Bronze Sand Castings
Units. The latter are shown within brackets [ ] or in
appropriate columns in tables and figures. Standard ASTM B 152/B 152M, Standard Specification for
dimensions based on either system may be used for siz- Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Rolled Bar
ing of filler metal or packaging or both under A5.6 or ASTM B 169/B 169M, Standard Specification for
A5.6M specifications. Aluminum Bronze Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
ASTM E 29, Standard Practice for Using Significant
Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with
2. Normative References Specifications
2.1 The following AWS standards2 are referenced in the ASTM E 75, Standard Test Methods for Chemical
mandatory sections of this document: Analysis of Copper-Nickel and Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloys

1 No attempt has been made to provide for the classification of 3 This ANSI standard is published by the American Welding

all grades of copper and copper-alloy welding electrodes. Only Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
the more commonly used grades have been included. 4 ASTM standards are published by the American Society for
2 AWS standards are published by the American Welding Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Consho-
Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. hocken, PA 19428-2959.