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What does AWS mean in welding?
Welding codes and certifications start with three letters: AWS.
AWS stands for the American Welding Society, the organization that sets industry standards, procedures, and certifications for welders, materials, and processes worldwide.
Let’s explore what AWS does, how it relates to certifications, and what those extra rod codes like “E7018-B2” actually mean.
What does AWS stand for in welding?
It’s the rulebook behind your welds.
AWS stands for the American Welding Society, a U.S.-based nonprofit that publishes standardized specifications for welding rods, procedures, and professional certifications.
A client in Europe exporting welded pressure vessels to the U.S. needed AWS D1.1-certified welds. We helped them match the right filler metals and procedures to comply with AWS structural codes.
What AWS Does
| Area | Role of AWS |
|---|---|
| Welding codes | Publishes D1.1, D1.2, D1.6, etc. |
| Filler metal classifications | Defines E7018, ER70S-6, etc. |
| Certifications | Provides welder certs (e.g., 3G, 6G) |
| Procedure qualification | Sets WPS/PQR standards |
At Prime, we supply AWS-classified rods and wires and help clients align with global welding quality standards.
What does E7018-B2 mean?
It’s more than just strength—it’s chemistry too.
E7018-B2 is a low-hydrogen welding rod with added alloying elements (like 1.25% Cr and 0.5% Mo), designed for welding high-temperature or pressure-resistant steels.
A refinery client ordered E7018-B2 for welding chrome-moly pressure piping. The B2 variant met both the AWS A5.5 and ASME Section IX requirements.
E7018-B2 Explained
- E = Electrode
- 70 = 70,000 psi tensile strength
- 1 = All-position welding
- 8 = Low hydrogen, iron powder coating
- B2 = Contains Cr-Mo for high-temp service
| Rod Type | Alloy Content | Application |
|---|---|---|
| E7018 | Mild steel | General structural steel |
| E7018-B2 | Cr-Mo (1.25 Cr, 0.5 Mo) | High-temp piping, boilers, refineries |
Prime stocks E7018-B2 and B3 class rods for industries such as petrochemical, power generation, and pressure vessel fabrication.
What is the highest welding certification?
It’s more than a test—it’s elite-level expertise.
The highest welding certification is typically the 6G position (pipe at 45° angle) under AWS or ASME, or advanced inspector credentials like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
One of our clients in the Middle East required welders with 6G certs for a cross-country pipeline project. These welders passed X-ray and bend tests after months of training.
Top Welding Certifications
| Certification Type | Description |
|---|---|
| AWS 6G SMAW | All-position pipe welding |
| ASME IX Performance | Required for boiler/pressure welders |
| AWS CWI (Inspector) | High-level quality control/inspection role |
Prime partners with training centers to provide practice kits and certified filler materials for welders pursuing advanced qualification.
What does FCAW mean in welding?
A powerful process—no gas tank needed.
FCAW stands for Flux-Cored Arc Welding, a semi-automatic process using a tubular wire filled with flux, sometimes requiring no external shielding gas.
We had a client in construction who switched from MIG to FCAW to speed up weld times in windy outdoor conditions—flux-core gave them consistent results.
FCAW Process Breakdown
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FCAW | Flux-Cored Arc Welding |
| FCAW-G | Gas-shielded flux core |
| FCAW-S | Self-shielded (no gas needed) |
When to Use FCAW
- Heavy fabrication
- Outdoor welding in wind
- Thicker steel and structural work
- High-speed weld passes
Prime supplies AWS A5.20 and A5.29 FCAW wires, helping clients weld efficiently in field or factory environments.
Conclusion
AWS sets the standards that keep welds safe, certified, and reliable—from rod labels to inspector credentials.
Need AWS-classified filler rods or help with code-compliant welding procedures? Contact Prime today through our website. We provide ISO-certified welding consumables, WPS support, and global shipping—trusted by industries that weld under pressure.
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