§ WPS template
AWS D1.1:2025 GTAW WPS for ASTM A36
How to draft an AWS D1.1:2025 Welding Procedure Specification for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) on ASTM A36 Carbon Structural Steel. Recommended filler: ER70S-2 or ER70S-6. Below: process notes, base metal properties, prequalification path, typical parameters, and which essential variables to watch.
About GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding)
Non-consumable tungsten electrode with separate filler rod (manual or hot/cold wire feed for mechanized GTAW). Argon or Ar/He shielding. The cleanest, most controllable arc — used for critical root passes and precision work where weld appearance and reliability matter more than deposition rate.
Process family: manual. Suited to: root passes on critical joints (then filled with another process), thin material precision welds, and similar work.
About ASTM A36
The default structural carbon steel for non-critical applications. Carbon content typically 0.25-0.29%, low carbon equivalent, excellent weldability with both low-hydrogen and non-low-hydrogen consumables. Plate, bar, and shapes.
- AWS D1.1 Group (Table 6.9)
- Group I
- Yield (ksi)
- 36
- Tensile (ksi)
- 58–80
- Weldability
- excellent
Prequalification path
ASTM A36 (Group I) with GTAW requires PQR qualification per Clause 6 — GTAW is one of the processes listed in 6.15.1 as always requiring qualification. You must run a PQR test and qualify against Tables 6.6 (PQR essential variables) and, for notch-toughness applications, Table 6.8.
Preheat: No preheat required for thicknesses ≤ 3/4 in at typical heat inputs; 50°F minimum below 3/4 in, 150°F at 1-1/2 in and above per Table 5.7.
Typical parameters
Starting points only. Verify against electrode manufacturer data and your PQR.
| Filler | ER70S-2 or ER70S-6 |
| Amperage | 80–200 A |
| Voltage | 10–18 V |
| Travel speed | 4–10 ipm |
| Position(s) typically qualified | All positions (1G–6G) |
Essential variables to watch (AWS D1.1:2025 Table 6.6)
If your shop is working from a PQR, these are the GTAW-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.
- Filler addition or deletion (autogenous ↔ filler)
- Cold ↔ hot wire feed
- Filler diameter > 1/16 in change
- Amperage > 25% change
- Preheat decrease > 100°F
Where GTAW on ASTM A36 fits
- Light to medium structural framing
- Miscellaneous and ornamental steel
- Base plates and gussets
- Non-load-critical components
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FAQ
Does AWS D1.1:2025 prequalify GTAW on ASTM A36?
No. ASTM A36 with GTAW 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 GTAW on ASTM A36?
ER70S-2 or 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 A36 need?
No preheat required for thicknesses ≤ 3/4 in at typical heat inputs; 50°F minimum below 3/4 in, 150°F at 1-1/2 in and above per Table 5.7.