AWS Classification Explained: What Does ER630 Mean?
The AWS classification of ER630 and its key identification details are summarised below according to AWS A5.9.
| Designation Element |
Definition and Industry Context |
| ER |
Electrode / Rod: indicates a bare solid welding wire |
| 630 |
Alloy Type: matches AISI Type 630 wrought chemistry |
| (17-4 PH) |
Precipitation hardening stainless steel with approx. 17% Chromium and 4% Nickel |
| (17-4 PH) |
Precipitation hardening stainless steel with approx. 17% Chromium and 4% Nickel |
In the as-welded state, ER630 is a soft martensitic weld metal, about 30-35 HRC. Heating to 1040°C resets the structure. Ageing at 480-620°C forms fine copper particles that block dislocations and increase strength. H900 gives maximum strength, H1025 balances strength and toughness, and H1150 gives the highest ductility. E630-16 is the matching SMAW electrode.
Weld Deposit Chemical Composition of ER630
ER630 weld deposit chemistry, as per AWS A5.9, along with typical values, is mentioned below.
| Material / Element |
Carbon (C) |
Chromium (Cr) |
Nickel (Ni) |
Copper (Cu) |
Nb (Cb) |
Molybdenum (Mo) |
Manganese (Mn) |
Silicon (Si) |
Phosphorus (P) |
Sulphur (S) |
Iron (Fe) |
| AWS A5.9 Range |
0.05% max |
16.0–16.75% |
4.5–5.0% |
3.25–4.00% |
0.15–0.30% |
0.75% max |
0.25–0.75% |
0.75% max |
0.03% max |
0.03% max |
Balance |
| Typical |
0.03% |
16.50% |
4.82% |
3.58% |
0.22% |
— |
0.53% |
0.44% |
<0.01% |
<0.01% |
Balance |
Copper (3.25-4.00%) forms tiny copper particles during ageing at 480-620°C, which increases strength. Niobium (0.15-0.30%) adds extra NbC particle strengthening and helps prevent delta-ferrite networks. Low carbon (max 0.05%) keeps the weld HAZ free from harmful carbide formation.
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties of ER630
This table shows the typical mechanical properties of ER630 weld metal in the as-welded condition, including strength, ductility, and hardness, in both as-welded and post-weld heat-treated conditions.
| Property |
Tensile strength |
Yield strength (0.2%) |
Elongation |
Hardness (as-welded) |
Hardness (after PWHT) |
| Value |
552 MPa (80,000 psi) |
303 MPa (44,000 psi) |
26% |
~35–40 HRC / ~340–390 HV |
~22–28 HRC / ~230–290 HV |
| Condition |
After PWHT |
After PWHT |
After PWHT |
As-welded |
PWHT at 690 °C / 1 hr |
In the H900 condition, ER630 reaches about 1310 MPa (190 ksi), which is higher than any other stainless filler in AWS A5.9. Even without heat treatment, its strength of 860-960 MPa is already higher than most austenitic stainless filler metals.
Base Metal Compatibility for ER630
ER630 is purpose-built for the 17-4PH family. Compatible base metals and dissimilar joint fillers are listed below.
| Base Metal |
ASTM Grades |
| 17-4PH (Type 630) |
A564 Type 630, A705, A693 |
| 15-5PH (Type XM-12) |
A564 Type XM-12 |
| 17-7PH |
A564 Type 631 |
| CB-7Cu Castings |
A747 CB-7Cu-1, CB-7Cu-2 |
| Joint |
Filler |
Notes |
| 17-4PH to Carbon Steel |
ER309L or ER630 |
ER309L eliminates PH complexity |
| 17-4PH to 304/316 |
ER309L or ER308L |
Austenitic filler is preferred at the dissimilar interface |
Recommended Welding Parameters for ER630 Filler Wire
Below are the recommended ER630 welding settings for GTAW and GMAW, including suitable current ranges and voltage levels.
GTAW (TIG): DCEN, 100% Argon:
| DiameterDiameter |
Current (A)Current (A) |
Voltage (V)Voltage (V) |
| 1.6 mm (1/16″)1.6 mm (1/16″) |
60–12060–120 |
11–1511–15 |
| 2.4 mm (3/32″)2.4 mm (3/32″) |
100–170100–170 |
12–1712–17 |
| 3.2 mm (1/8″)3.2 mm (1/8″) |
150–220150–220 |
13–1813–18 |
GMAW (MIG): DCEP, Ar + 1–2% O₂:
| Diameter |
Current (A) |
Voltage (V) |
| 0.9 mm Short Circuit |
60–130 |
17–21 |
| 1.2 mm Spray |
180–260 |
26–31 |
No preheating is needed. For structural parts, heat-treat the weld at 480-620°C to increase strength. After welding, passivate the joint to restore corrosion resistance. On tight-tolerance components, use stringer beads and backpurge the root with argon for best results.
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Industrial Welding Applications of ER630 (17-4 PH) TIG & MIG Wire
ER630 serves industries where stainless corrosion resistance must combine with tensile strengths above 1000 MPa.
Storage and Handling of ER630 Welding Filler Wire
ER630 is a solid bare wire, so moisture absorption is not a concern. The main quality risk is surface contamination.
- Store in original sealed packaging, clean, dry environment, 15-30°C, <60% RH.
- Keep it separate from carbon steel and dirty tools. Mixing them reduces both corrosion resistance and the hardening response.
- Use clean gloves when handling. Use only stainless steel tools and never use carbon steel brushes.
- Keep TIG rods in sealed tubes.
- Protect MIG spools with covers and check the wire for any discolouration before use.
- Clean the base metal and filler with acetone or MEK within 25 mm of the joint.
- After welding, stainless steel passivation is used to restore corrosion resistance on the weld and heat-affected zone (HAZ).
- For matching SMAW electrodes, store them in heated rod ovens at 100-150°C after you open the sealed cans.
Available Forms, Diameters and Packaging of ER630 Wire
Below are the available ER630 wire forms, diameters, and packaging for GTAW, GMAW and SAW welding.
| Form |
Diameters |
Packaging |
| TIG Rod (GTAW) |
1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm |
915/1000 mm tubes, 5 kg packs |
| MIG Wire (GMAW) |
0.9, 1.0, 1.2 mm |
15 kg spools |
| SAW Wire |
1.6, 2.4 mm |
Coils (25 kg) |
| SMAW Electrode (companion) |
E630-16: 2.5, 3.2, 4.0 mm |
Hermetically sealed cans (2.5, 5 kg) |
How to Order ER630 (17-4 PH) Welding Wire from Nicorex Alloys
Include the following details in your RFQ to place an order for ER360 (17-4 PH) welding wire from Nicorex Alloys:
Frequently Asked Questions