AWS G2.3M/G2.3:2012

This guide presents a description of solid solution austenitic stainless steels and the processes and procedures that can be used for the joining of these materials. This standard discusses the welding processes and welding parameters, qualifications, inspection and repair methods, cleaning, and safety considerations. Practical information has been included in the form of figures, tables, and graphs that should prove useful in determining capabilities and limitations in the joining of austenitic stainless steels.
Scope : 1.1 Scope. This guide presents a description of solid solution austenitic stainless steels and the most commonly used welding processes and procedures for joining these materials. The most commonly used welding processes, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), and flux core arc welding (FCAW), are discussed in detail; laser beam, electron beam, plasma arc, resistance, and braze welding are not covered in great detail. The welding processes discussed in this guide include recommended welding parameters, filler metals, shielding gases, and fluxes. Procedure qualifications, inspection and repair considerations and methods, and cleaning and safety considerations are also discussed. Practical information has been included as figures, tables, and graphs that should prove useful for determining the capabilities and limitations in the joining of austenitic stainless steels. This guide does not address martensitic, ferritic, or duplex stainless steels. 1.2 Units of Measure. This standard uses both the International System of Units (SI) and U.S. Customary Units. The latter are shown with brackets ([ ]) or in appropriate columns in tables and figures. The measurements may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system should be used independently. 1.3 Safety. Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard; some safety and health information is provided, but such issues are not fully addressed herein. Safety and health information is available from the following sources: American Welding Society: (1) ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes (2) AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets(3) Other safety and health information on the AWS website Material or Equipment Manufacturers: (1) Material Safety Data Sheets supplied by materials manufacturers (2) Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers Applicable Regulatory Agencies Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed hazardous, and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to address all safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program to address such risks as well as to meet applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI Z49.1 should be considered when developing the safety program.