§ WPS template
AWS D1.1:2025 GMAW WPS for ASTM A500 Grade B
How to draft an AWS D1.1:2025 Welding Procedure Specification for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) on ASTM A500 Grade B Cold-Formed Tubular. Recommended filler: ER70S-6. Below: process notes, base metal properties, prequalification path, typical parameters, and which essential variables to watch.
About GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding)
Solid-wire continuous-feed process with external shielding gas (typically 75/25 Ar/CO₂ or 90/10 Ar/CO₂). Constant voltage (CV) output and a fixed wire feed speed give a stable arc. Transfer mode (short-circuit, globular, spray, pulsed) is selected by voltage + current combination. Note: A5.36 was dropped from the AWS D1.1:2025 Table 6.6 allowed-spec list for GMAW.
Process family: semi-auto. Suited to: shop fabrication of structural members, high-deposition shop welds, and similar work.
About ASTM A500 Grade B
Cold-formed welded carbon-steel structural tubing — HSS (Hollow Structural Sections). Round, square, and rectangular cross-sections. The standard for architecturally-exposed structural steel and tube braces.
- AWS D1.1 Group (Table 6.9)
- Group I
- Yield (ksi)
- 42 (round), 46 (shaped)
- Tensile (ksi)
- 58
- Weldability
- good
Prequalification path
ASTM A500 Grade B (Group I) is on the prequalified base metals list for GMAW per AWS D1.1:2025 Clause 5. A written WPS is still mandatory but no PQR test is required as long as every Clause 5 essential variable (joint geometry, filler, preheat, current/polarity, etc.) is met.
Preheat: 50°F up to 3/4 in wall; rarely thicker than 5/8 in. Match to AWS D1.1 Table 5.7 for the corresponding base group.
Typical parameters
Starting points only. Verify against electrode manufacturer data and your PQR.
| Filler | ER70S-6 |
| Amperage | 150–280 A (0.045 in wire) |
| Voltage | 22–28 V (spray transfer) |
| Travel speed | 10–25 ipm |
| Position(s) typically qualified | All positions (1G–4G); 5G/6G for pipe per Clause 10 |
Essential variables to watch (AWS D1.1:2025 Table 6.6)
If your shop is working from a PQR, these are the GMAW-specific changes that require requalification per Table 6.6. The rule engine flags every one of them with the row number, clause reference, and the actual delta.
- Shielding gas composition (any change)
- Voltage > 7% change
- Amperage > 10% change
- Wire diameter increase
- Transfer mode change (short-circuit ↔ spray ↔ pulsed)
- CV ↔ CC output change
Where GMAW on ASTM A500 Grade B fits
- HSS columns and braces
- Architecturally exposed structural steel
- Truss chords and webs
- Stair stringers, handrails, lintels
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FAQ
Does AWS D1.1:2025 prequalify GMAW on ASTM A500 Grade B?
Yes — ASTM A500 Grade B is on the Clause 5 prequalified base metals list and GMAW is a Clause 5 prequalified process. You still need a written WPS but no PQR.
What filler is recommended for GMAW on ASTM A500 Grade B?
ER70S-6. Verify against your project specification and the consumable manufacturer's data sheet. Filler classification change is a Table 6.6 essential variable.
What preheat does ASTM A500 Grade B need?
50°F up to 3/4 in wall; rarely thicker than 5/8 in. Match to AWS D1.1 Table 5.7 for the corresponding base group.