§ WPS template
AWS D1.1:2025 GMAW WPS for ASTM A514
How to draft an AWS D1.1:2025 Welding Procedure Specification for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) on ASTM A514 Quenched & Tempered HSLA. Recommended filler: ER100S-1. 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 A514
Quenched and tempered (Q&T) high-strength low-alloy steel. T-1 family. Strict hydrogen control and heat-input limits required to avoid HAZ embrittlement. Matching filler (E11018-M, ER100S-1) and Table 5.7 preheat are non-negotiable.
- AWS D1.1 Group (Table 6.9)
- Group III
- Yield (ksi)
- 100
- Tensile (ksi)
- 110–130
- Weldability
- controlled
Prequalification path
ASTM A514 (Group III) with GMAW is NOT eligible for Clause 5 prequalification because Q&T high-strength steels (A514) are excluded. You must run a PQR test and qualify against Tables 6.6 (PQR essential variables) and, for notch-toughness applications, Table 6.8.
Preheat: High preheat throughout: 50°F minimum below 3/4 in, 150°F from 3/4 to 1-1/2 in, 200°F at 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 in, 300°F above 2-1/2 in (low-hydrogen only, per Table 5.7).
Typical parameters
Starting points only. Verify against electrode manufacturer data and your PQR.
| Filler | ER100S-1 |
| 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
A514 specific: heat-input control matters more than usual. Higher heat input softens the Q&T microstructure in the HAZ. If CVN testing applies, Table 6.8 row 10 makes any heat-input increase over the qualified value an essential variable.
Where GMAW on ASTM A514 fits
- Heavy mobile equipment
- High-stress load-bearing components
- Crane booms
- Earthmoving equipment frames
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FAQ
Does AWS D1.1:2025 prequalify GMAW on ASTM A514?
No. ASTM A514 with GMAW requires PQR qualification per Clause 6. Run the PQR test, then qualify the WPS against Tables 6.6 + (for CVN) 6.8.
What filler is recommended for GMAW on ASTM A514?
ER100S-1. 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 A514 need?
High preheat throughout: 50°F minimum below 3/4 in, 150°F from 3/4 to 1-1/2 in, 200°F at 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 in, 300°F above 2-1/2 in (low-hydrogen only, per Table 5.7).