§ WPS template
AWS D1.1:2025 SMAW WPS for ASTM A514
How to draft an AWS D1.1:2025 Welding Procedure Specification for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) on ASTM A514 Quenched & Tempered HSLA. Recommended filler: E11018-M. Below: process notes, base metal properties, prequalification path, typical parameters, and which essential variables to watch.
About SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
Manual stick welding. The most common process for field-welded structural steel because it tolerates wind, contamination, and out-of-position work. Low-hydrogen electrodes (e.g., E7018) are the default for higher-strength bases or thicker sections. Output is constant current (CC); voltage is electrode-controlled.
Process family: manual. Suited to: structural steel field welding, repair and maintenance, 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 SMAW 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 | E11018-M |
| Amperage | 90–160 A (1/8 in electrode) |
| Voltage | not specified — CC output |
| Travel speed | 4–8 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 SMAW-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 classification & low-hydrogen status
- Electrode diameter increase > 1/32 in
- Current type / polarity flip
- Preheat decrease > 25°F (or 100°F for GTAW)
- PWHT addition or deletion
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 SMAW 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 SMAW on ASTM A514?
No. ASTM A514 with SMAW 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 SMAW on ASTM A514?
E11018-M. 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).