§ WPS template
AWS D1.1:2025 GMAW WPS for ASTM A572 Grade 50
How to draft an AWS D1.1:2025 Welding Procedure Specification for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) on ASTM A572 Grade 50 HSLA Structural Steel. 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 A572 Grade 50
High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) columbium-vanadium steel. The workhorse of modern AISC structural fabrication. Higher yield than A36 with similar weldability when low-hydrogen practice is followed.
- AWS D1.1 Group (Table 6.9)
- Group I
- Yield (ksi)
- 50
- Tensile (ksi)
- 65
- Weldability
- good
Prequalification path
ASTM A572 Grade 50 (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; 150°F from 3/4 in to 1-1/2 in; 225°F above 1-1/2 in (low-hydrogen consumables, per Table 5.7).
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 A572 Grade 50 fits
- AISC building structures (columns, beams, girders)
- Wide-flange and HSS sections
- Bridge girders
- Crane runways
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FAQ
Does AWS D1.1:2025 prequalify GMAW on ASTM A572 Grade 50?
Yes — ASTM A572 Grade 50 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 A572 Grade 50?
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 A572 Grade 50 need?
50°F up to 3/4 in; 150°F from 3/4 in to 1-1/2 in; 225°F above 1-1/2 in (low-hydrogen consumables, per Table 5.7).