AWS Classification Explained: What Does ER80S-B6 Mean?
The table below explains the meaning of each component in the ER80S-B6 designation, helping identify its welding filler classification and alloy type:
| Designation |
Meaning |
| ER |
Electrode/Rod (bare welding wire) |
| 80 |
Minimum tensile strength 80 ksi (≈550 MPa) after PWHT |
| S |
Solid welding wire |
| B6 |
5Cr–0.5Mo alloy composition (Cr-Mo B-series classification) |
The filler metal was formerly designated ER502 under AWS A5.9-93; after Cr-Mo wires moved to AWS A5.28, ER502 was redesignated as ER80S-B6.
Chemical Composition of ER80S-B6 Weld Deposit (%)
The table below shows the chemical composition of the ER80S-B6 weld deposit and the percentage of each element:
| Specification |
Carbon (C) |
Manganese (Mn) |
Silicon (Si) |
Chromium (Cr) |
Molybdenum (Mo) |
Nickel (Ni) |
Phosphorus (P) |
Sulphur (S) |
Copper (Cu) |
| AWS A5.28 Req. (%) |
0.10 max |
0.40–0.70 |
0.50 max |
4.50–6.00 |
0.45–0.65 |
0.60 max |
0.025 max |
0.025 max |
0.35 max |
Values represent weld deposit analysis per AWS A5.28. Actual weld metal composition varies with dilution, pass count, and parameters.
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties of ER80S-B6
The mechanical properties of ER80S-B6 welding wire, including tensile strength, yield strength and elongation, are listed below:
| Specification |
Tensile Strength |
Yield Strength (0.2%) |
Elongation (%) |
Charpy V-Notch (+20°C) |
| AWS A5.28 Min |
550 MPa (80 ksi) |
470 MPa (68 ksi) |
19% |
Not specified |
As-welded hardness exceeds 350 HV (martensitic). PWHT tempers below 225 HV, restoring ductility and toughness. Placing 5Cr-0.5Mo welds into service without PWHT violates ASME B31.3.
Base Metal Compatibility and ASME Section IX Data for ER80S-B6
ER80S-B6 is air-hardening. Strict preheat, interpass, and PWHT control is critical to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking.
| Base Metal Spec |
Grade |
UNS |
Product Form |
| SA-335 / A335 |
P5, P5b |
K41545 / K51545 |
Seamless pipe |
| SA-213 / A213 |
T5, T5b |
K41545 / K51545 |
Seamless tube |
| SA-182 / A182 |
F5, F5a |
K41545 |
Forgings (flanges, fittings, valves) |
| SA-217 / A217 |
C5 |
J42045 |
Castings |
Recommended Welding Parameters for ER80S-B6 TIG & MIG Wire
ER80S-B6 is air-hardening. Strict preheat, interpass, and PWHT control is critical to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking.
GTAW (TIG) Parameters
| Wire Diameter |
Amperage (A) |
Voltage (V) |
Shielding Gas |
| 1.6 mm (1/16″) |
50–120 |
7–13 |
100% Argon |
| 2.4 mm (3/32″) |
120–200 |
10–16 |
100% Argon |
| 3.2 mm (1/8″) |
150–220 |
12–18 |
100% Argon |
GMAW (MIG) Short-Circuit Parameters
| Wire Diameter |
Amperage (A) |
Voltage (V) |
Shielding Gas |
| 0.9 mm (0.035″) |
90–160 |
14–20 |
CO₂ |
| 1.2 mm (0.045″) |
120–200 |
16–20 |
CO₂ or 75Ar/25CO₂ |
GMAW (MIG) Spray Transfer Parameters
| Wire Diameter |
Amperage (A) |
Voltage (V) |
Shielding Gas |
| 0.9 mm (0.035″) |
180–230 |
25–28 |
98Ar/2O₂ |
| 1.2 mm (0.045″) |
250–350 |
25–30 |
75Ar/25CO₂ |
| 1.6 mm (1/16″) |
280–400 |
26–36 |
75Ar/25CO₂ |
SAW Parameters (EB6 per AWS A5.23):
| Wire Diameter |
Amperage (A) |
Voltage (V) |
Flux Type |
| 2.4 mm (3/32″) |
250–400 |
28–32 |
Basic agglomerated (e.g., Marathon 543) |
| 3.2 mm (1/8″) |
400–600 |
30–34 |
Basic agglomerated |
Use a minimum preheat of 150°C (300°F) and keep the interpass temperature between 150°C and 300°C. After welding, let the joint cool slowly under insulation, then perform mandatory PWHT at 620–680°C.
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Industrial Welding Applications of ER80S-B6 (5Cr-0.5Mo) Filler Wire
ER80S-B6 filler wire is strong, resists corrosion very well, and works reliably in harsh, chloride-rich environments.
Storage and Handling of ER80S-B6 Welding Wire
Store in original sealed packaging at 15–30°C, humidity below 50% RH. Low-hydrogen practice is critical because 5Cr-0.5Mo deposits are martensitic and susceptible to hydrogen cracking. Return partially used MIG spools to sealed packaging or heated cabinets at 40–50°C. Use the open wire within 8 hours.
Available Forms, Diameters and Packaging of ER80S-B6 Filler Wire
Nicorex Alloys stocks ER80S-B6 in the forms, diameters, and packaging mentioned in the table below:
| Form |
Diameters |
Packaging |
| TIG Rod (GTAW) |
1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm |
5 kg tubes; 914 mm (36″) and 1000 mm cut lengths |
| MIG Spool (GMAW) |
0.9, 1.2, 1.6 mm |
D200 spool (12.5 kg), D300 spool (15 kg) |
| SAW Wire (EB6) |
2.4, 3.2 mm |
25 kg coils |
All wire ships with MTC 3.1 per EN 10204. Matching sets (ER80S-B6 wire + E8018-B6 electrode) are available for a complete 5Cr-0.5Mo project supply.
How to Order ER80S-B6 Welding Wire from Nicorex Alloys
To order ER80S-B6 wire, follow these 10 important instructions:
Frequently Asked Questions