AWS Class ER90S-B3 MIG & TIG
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AWS A5.28 ER90S-B3 TIG Filler Rod & MIG Wire Supplier in India
Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified Mumbai-based importer and supplier of ER90S-B3 chrome-moly welding wire, classified under AWS A5.28 / ASME SFA-5.28.
ER90S-B3 is a low-alloy solid wire made of 2.25Cr-1Mo material, which is intended to attain a minimum tensile strength of 620 MPa, equivalent to 90 ksi, following mandatory post-weld heat treatment, PWHT. The numerical designation “90” refers to its high-strength classification within the CrMo B-series welding fillers. With a molybdenum content of 1.0% and a controlled carbon range of 0.07–0.12%, the weld deposit provides superior creep rupture strength and hydrogen attack resistance at service temperatures up to 595°C (1100°F). Chemistry per AWS A5.28 holds Cr at 2.30–2.70% and Mo at 0.90–1.20%, with Ni capped at 0.20% to control temper embrittlement during long-term elevated-temperature exposure. Yield strength after PWHT reaches a minimum of 470 MPa (68 ksi) with 17% elongation, while typical as-welded Charpy impact values reach 108 J (80 ft-lbs) at +20°C.
This filler wire matches all P-5A (2.25Cr-1Mo) base metals, like SA-335 P22, SA-213 T22, SA-182 F22, and SA-387 Gr.22, and is used in supercritical and subcritical steam piping, boiler headers, superheater tubes, hydrogen reformers, and petrochemical reactors. Nicorex Alloys stocks ER90S-B3 as TIG rods (1.6 to 3.2 mm) and MIG spools (0.9 to 1.6 mm), with every lot shipped against EN 10204/3.1B mill test certificates covering PWHT-condition mechanical data.
ER90S-B3 is a low-alloy solid wire made of 2.25Cr-1Mo material, which is intended to attain a minimum tensile strength of 620 MPa, equivalent to 90 ksi, following mandatory post-weld heat treatment, PWHT. The numerical designation “90” refers to its high-strength classification within the CrMo B-series welding fillers. With a molybdenum content of 1.0% and a controlled carbon range of 0.07–0.12%, the weld deposit provides superior creep rupture strength and hydrogen attack resistance at service temperatures up to 595°C (1100°F). Chemistry per AWS A5.28 holds Cr at 2.30–2.70% and Mo at 0.90–1.20%, with Ni capped at 0.20% to control temper embrittlement during long-term elevated-temperature exposure. Yield strength after PWHT reaches a minimum of 470 MPa (68 ksi) with 17% elongation, while typical as-welded Charpy impact values reach 108 J (80 ft-lbs) at +20°C.
This filler wire matches all P-5A (2.25Cr-1Mo) base metals, like SA-335 P22, SA-213 T22, SA-182 F22, and SA-387 Gr.22, and is used in supercritical and subcritical steam piping, boiler headers, superheater tubes, hydrogen reformers, and petrochemical reactors. Nicorex Alloys stocks ER90S-B3 as TIG rods (1.6 to 3.2 mm) and MIG spools (0.9 to 1.6 mm), with every lot shipped against EN 10204/3.1B mill test certificates covering PWHT-condition mechanical data.
ER90S-B3 Welding Wire Specifications
Refer to the following table for the standard classifications, AWS designations, and available wire dimensions for ER80S-B8 welding wire.
| AWS Classification | A5.28 ER90S-B3 |
|---|---|
| Welding Processes | GTAW, GMAW, SAW |
| Polarity (GTAW / GMAW) | DCEN / DCEP |
| Welding Positions | All positions |
| Shielding Gas | GTAW: 100% Argon | GMAW: CO₂, 75Ar/25CO₂, or 98Ar/2He |
| TIG Rod Diameters | 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm |
| MIG Wire Diameters | 0.9, 1.2, 1.6 mm |
AWS Classification Explained: What Does ER90S-B3 Mean?
Consult the following table for a detailed breakdown of the alphanumeric AWS classification system specific to ER90S-B3 filler metals.
| Designator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ER | Electrode/Rod (suitable for GTAW and GMAW) |
| 90 | 90 ksi (620 MPa) minimum tensile strength after PWHT |
| S | Solid wire cross-section |
| B3 | 2.25Cr-1Mo chemical composition (A-Number A-4) |
The “90” rating is the highest among standard CrMo B-series fillers. ER80S-B2 (1.25Cr-0.5Mo), ER80S-B6 (5Cr-0.5Mo), and ER80S-B8 (9Cr-1Mo) all carry an 80 ksi minimum.
Chemical Composition of ER90S-B3 Weld Deposit (%)
See the following table for the precise elemental breakdown and chemical concentration limits found within ER90S-B3 alloy weld deposits.
| Specification | Carbon (C) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Nickel (Ni) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulphur (S) | Copper (Cu) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS A5.28 Range (%) | 0.07–0.12 | 0.40–0.70 | 0.40–0.70 | 2.30–2.70 | 0.90–1.20 | 0.20 max | 0.025 max | 0.025 max | 0.35 max |
Carbon is held within a specified range: the 0.07% minimum provides adequate strength and hardenability, while the 0.12% cap limits as-welded hardness to reduce cracking risk. Nickel is restricted to 0.20% max to control temper embrittlement during prolonged high-temperature service.
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties of ER90S-B3
Refer to this table for the typical mechanical performance values, including yield and tensile strength, for ER90S-B3.
| Specification | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2%) | Elongation | Charpy V-Notch (+20°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Min (PWHT) | 620 MPa (90 ksi) | 470 MPa (68 ksi) | 17% | Not specified |
| Typical (As-Welded) | 648 MPa (94 ksi) | 555 MPa (80.5 ksi) | 19% | 108 J (80 ft-lbs) |
PWHT at 690–730°C is mandatory. The as-welded microstructure is bainitic/martensitic; PWHT tempers it to deliver the optimal balance of strength and toughness required for pressure service.
Base Metal Compatibility and ASME Section IX Data for ER90S-B3
Review the table below for ASME Section IX data and a list of base metals compatible with ER90S-B3 electrodes.
| Base Metal Spec | Grade | P-Number |
|---|---|---|
| SA-335 | P22 | P5A Group 1 |
| SA-213 | T22 | P5A Group 1 |
| SA-182 | F22 Class 1/3 | P5A Group 1 |
| SA-217 | WC9 | P5A Group 1 |
| SA-387 | Gr.22 Cl.1/2 | P5A Group 1 |
| SA-336 | F22 | P5A Group 1 |
For dissimilar joints, P-5A to P-4 (1.25Cr) can use ER90S-B3 or ER80S-B2. P-5A to P-1 (carbon steel) typically calls for ER80S-B2 or ERNiCr-3. P-5A to P-8 (austenitic stainless) requires ER309L or ERNiCr-3. ASME Section IX assigns ER90S-B3 as F-6, A-4, SFA-5.28.
Recommended Welding Parameters for ER90S-B3 TIG & MIG Wire
The following table provides the optimised operational settings and parameters for both ER90S-B3 TIG and MIG welding.
GMAW Spray-Transfer Parameters
| Wire Dia. | Amperage / Voltage | Shielding Gas |
|---|---|---|
| 0.9 mm (0.035″) | 165–200 A / 28–32 V | 98Ar/2He |
| 1.2 mm (0.045″) | 180–220 A / 30–34 V | 75Ar/25CO₂ |
| 1.6 mm (1/16″) | 230–260 A / 30–34 V | 100% CO₂ |
Maintain preheat at 150°C (300°F) minimum and interpass between 150–315°C. If PWHT is delayed, perform a hydrogen bake-out at 200–300°C for 2–4 hours. Low-hydrogen practice is mandatory throughout.
GMAW Short-Circuit Welding Parameters
| Wire Diameter | Amperage (A) | Voltage (V) | Shielding Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 mm | 100–140 | 22–25 | 100% CO₂ |
| 1.2 mm | 120–150 | 23–26 | 75% Ar / 25% CO₂ |
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Industrial Welding Applications of ER90S-B3 (2.25Cr-1Mo) Filler Wire
The following are the industrial applications for ER90S-B3 (2.25Cr-1Mo) filler wire:
- Power Generation: Used in power plant pipework and steam drums to ensure structural integrity and safety under the extremely high-pressure conditions of supercritical boiler systems.
- Petroleum Refining: Used in hydroprocessing reactors and heat exchangers to prevent hydrogen attack and maintain safety in high-temperature, high-pressure environments defined by the 2.25Cr Nelson curve.
- Petrochemical Processing: Used to build ammonia, ethylene, and methanol reactors and transfer lines. It provides creep resistance for high-stress chemical and thermal pipe systems.
- Maintenance & Repair: One of the highest-volume applications for CrMo welding. It is the main material used to repair P22/T22 pipes and headers on-site during power plant shutdowns and refinery maintenance to restore pressure.
Storage and Handling of ER90S-B3 TIG Welding Rod
Store all ER90S-B3 wire and rods in sealed packaging at relative humidity below 50%. For the matching SMAW electrode E9018-B3, maintain rod ovens at 120–150°C and re-bake at 370°C for 1-2 hours if exposed. Every lot ships with mill test certificates per EN 10204/3.1B.
Available Forms and Packaging of ER90S-B3 Welding Filler Metal
Refer to this table for the various physical forms, diameters, and standard packaging options available for ER90S-B3 welding consumables.
| Form | Diameter | Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| TIG Rod | 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm | 5 kg tubes (914/1000 mm length) |
| MIG Spool | 0.9, 1.2, 1.6 mm | D200 (12.5 kg), D300 (15 kg) |
| SAW Wire (EB3) | 2.4, 3.2 mm | 25 kg coils |
How to Order AWS Class ER90S-B3 MIG & TIG from Nicorex Alloys
To place an order for ER90S-B3 MIG & TIG from Nicorex Alloys, please provide the following 10 details
- AWS Classification — ER90S-B3 per AWS A5.28 / ASME SFA-5.28
- Diameter — GTAW: 1.6 mm / 2.4 mm / 3.2 mm; GMAW: 0.9 mm / 1.2 mm
- Quantity — GTAW: specify kg or packs; GMAW: specify spool count
- Testing / Certification — MTC 3.1/3.2; Hardness Report; PWHT record; TPI
- Base Metal — ASTM A335 P22 / A182 F22 / A213 T22 / A387 Gr.22 — specify
- Material Grade — 2.25Cr-1Mo; UNS K32315; W.Nr. 1.7384; EN ISO 21952-A: W CrMo2Si
- Application — Power piping / pressure vessels / heat exchangers / boilers — specify
- Applicable Code — ASME VIII, IX, B31.1, B31.3; IBR — specify
- Delivery — Domestic / International — specify port or address
- Remarks — Confirm P22 base metal; creep / elevated temperature service — specify project
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ER90S-B3 have a Higher Tensile Minimum (90 ksi) than ER80S-B6 or ER80S-B8?
The 2.25Cr-1Mo alloy system P22 (for pipes) or T22 (for tubes) develops higher strength after PWHT than either 5Cr-0.5Mo (B6) or 9Cr-1Mo (B8), both of which carry 80 ksi minimums. The balanced amounts of chromium, molybdenum, and carbon in ER90S-B3 create a strong microstructure that can handle 620 MPa (90 ksi) while still being tough.
Can ER90S-B3 be used for Dissimilar Joints between P22 and Carbon Steel?
Possible, but ER80S-B2 (1.25Cr-0.5Mo) is typically preferred as a transition filler for P22-to-carbon-steel joints, lowering the chromium mismatch at the carbon-steel interface.
When Should ER90S-B3 NOT Be Used?
Do not use ER90S-B3 for P91, 5Cr, 1.25Cr, or stainless joints. Incorrect use causes weld cracking or creep failure because its chemistry lacks the required corrosion resistance and strength.