Standard Procedures

for Calibrating
Magnetic Instruments
to Measure the Delta
Ferrite Content of
Austenitic and Duplex
Ferritic-Austenitic
Stainless Steel
Weld Metal

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

An American National Standard

stainless steel weld metal, austenitic

stainless weld metal, duplex stainless
weld metal

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

An American National Standard
Approved by the
American National Standards Institute
July 10, 2006

Standard Procedures for Calibrating

Magnetic Instruments to Measure the
Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic and Duplex
Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal
Supersedes ANSI/AWS A4.2M/A4.2:1997

Prepared by the
American Welding Society (AWS) A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials
Under the Direction of the
AWS Technical Activities Committee
Approved by the
AWS Board of Directors

Abstract
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Calibration procedures are specified for a number of commercial instruments that can then provide reproducible
measurements of the ferrite content of austenitic stainless steel weld metals. Certain of these instruments can be further
calibrated for measurements of the ferrite content of duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless steel weld metals. Calibration
with primary standards (nonmagnetic coating thickness standards from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and
Technology) is the preferred method for appropriate instruments. Alternatively, these and other instruments can be calibrated
with weld-metal-like secondary standards.
Reproducibility of measurement after calibration is specified. Problems associated with accurate determination of ferrite
content are described.

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Key Words Instrument calibration, delta ferrite,

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

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International Standard Book Number: 0-87171-044-7

American Welding Society
550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126
2006 by American Welding Society
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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Statement on the Use of American Welding Society Standards

All standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices, methods, classifications, and guides) of the American
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Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may only be obtained by sending a request,
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AWS American National Standards are developed through a consensus standards development process that brings
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verify the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards.

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Personnel

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D. A. Fink, Chair
J. S. Lee, 1st Vice Chair
H. D. Wehr, 2nd Vice Chair
R. Gupta, Secretary
*R. L. Bateman
J. M. Blackburn
R. S. Brown
J. C. Bundy
R. J. Christoffel
D. D. Crockett
*R. A. Daemen
J. DeLoach
D. A. Del Signore
J. DeVito
H. W. Ebert
D. M. Fedor
J. G. Feldstein
S. E. Ferree
G. L. Franke
R. D. Fuchs
C. E. Fuerstenau
J. A. Henning
R. M. Henson
*J. P. Hunt
*S. Imaoka
M. Q. Johnson
S. D. Kiser
P. J. Konkol
D. J. Kotecki
L. G. Kvidahl
A. S. Laurenson
K. F. Longden
W. A. Marttila
R. Menon
M. T. Merlo
D. R. Miller
B. Mosier
C. L. Null
M. P. Parekh
R. L. Peaslee
*M. A. Quintana
S. D. Reynolds, Jr.
P. K. Salvesen
K. Sampath
W. S. Severance

The Lincoln Electric Company

CB&I
Arcos Industries LLC
American Welding Society
Electromanufacturas, S.A.
Department of the Navy
RSB Alloy Applications LLC
Hobart Brothers Company
Consultant
The Lincoln Electric Company
Consultant
Naval Surface Warfare Center
Consultant
ESAB Welding and Cutting Products
Consultant
The Lincoln Electric Company
Foster Wheeler North America
ESAB Welding and Cutting Products
Naval Surface Warfare Center
Bohler Thyssen Welding USA, Incorporated
Lucas-Milhaupt, Incorporated
Deltak
J. W. Harris Company, Incorporated
Consultant
Kobe Steel Limited
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Special Metals
Concurrent Technologies Corporation
The Lincoln Electric Company
Northrop Grumman Ship Systems
Consultant
Canadian Welding Bureau
Daimler Chrysler Corporation
Stoody Company
Edison Welding Institute
ABS Americas
Polymet Corporation
Consultant
Consultant
Wall Colmonoy Corporation
The Lincoln Electric Company
Consultant
Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
Consultant
ESAB Welding and Cutting Products

*Advisor

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AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

AWS A5 Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials (Continued)

*E. R. Stevens
M. J. Sullivan
*E. S. Surian
R. C. Sutherlin
R. A. Swain
R. D. Thomas, Jr.
K. P. Thornberry
L. T. Vernam
*F. J. Winsor

Stevens Welding Consulting

NASSCONational Steel and Shipbuilding
National University
ATI Wah Chang
Euroweld, Limited
R. D. Thomas and Company
Care Medical, Inc.
AlcoTec Wire Corporation
Consultant

AWS A5D Subcommittee on Stainless Steel Filler Metals

D. A. DelSignore, Chair
D.J. Kotecki, Vice Chair
R. Gupta, Secretary
*F. S. Babish
R. S. Brown
R. E. Cantrell
*R. J. Christoffel
J. G. Feldstein
R. D. Fuchs
*K. K. Gupta
J. A. Henning
*J. P. Hunt
*S. Imaoka
G.A. Kurisky
F. B. Lake
M. T. Merlo
R. A. Swain
*R. D. Thomas, Jr.
J. G. Wallin
H. D. Wehr

Consultant
The Lincoln Electric Company
American Welding Society
Sandvik Steel Company
RSB Alloy Applications LLC
Constellation Energy Group
Consultant
Foster Wheeler North America
Bhler Thyssen Welding USA, Incorporated
Westinghouse Electric Corporation
Deltak
Consultant
Kobe Steel Limited
Consultant
ESAB Welding and Cutting Products
Edison Welding Institute
Euroweld, Limited
R. D. Thomas and Company
Stoody Company
Arcos Industries LLC

*Advisor

vi

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Foreword
This foreword is not a part of AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD), Standard Procedures for
Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic and Duplex
Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal, but is included for informational purposes only.
This document is an adoption of ISO 8249:2000, Welding Determination of Ferrite Number (FN) in austenitic and
duplex ferritic-austenitic Cr-Ni stainless steel weld metals, with additional normative and informative annexes, to replace
AWS A4.2M/A4.2:1997, Standard Procedures for Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content
of Austenitic and Duplex Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal, first published in 1974 and revised in 1986 and
again in 1991. These specifications were prepared by the Subcommittee on Welding Stainless Steel of the Welding
Research Council and by the AWS Committee on Filler Metals. Then it was revised again in 1997 by AWS A5 Committee
on Filler Metals and Allied Materials. The current revision is the second to use the SI system of measurement as the primary
system, and updates the standard in the light of new information.
The current revision is a modified adoption of ISO 8249:2000 due to the inclusion of Annex C (normative). While
everything acceptable to ISO 8249:2000 is acceptable to AWS A4.2M:2006, calibration of instruments according to
Annex C is not acceptable according to ISO 8249:2000. A listing of changes from ISO 8249:2000 is shown in Annex F.
Also note that ISO uses commas (,) and AWS uses periods (.) for decimals. The ISO decimal commas have been
replaced by periods in this document for consistency.
A certain minimum ferrite content in most austenitic stainless steel weld metals is useful in assuring freedom from
microfissures and hot cracks. Upper limits on ferrite content in austenitic stainless steel weld metals can be imposed to
limit corrosion in certain media or to limit embrittlement due to transformation of ferrite to sigma phase during heat
treatment or elevated temperature service. Upper limits on ferrite content in duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless steel weld
metals can be imposed to help assure ductility, toughness, and corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition.
Reproducible quantitative ferrite measurements in stainless steel weld metals are therefore of interest to filler metal
producers, fabricators of weldments, weldment end users, regulatory authorities, and insurance companies.
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Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this standard may be the subject of patent rights. AWS
and ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
At present, there is no universal opinion concerning the best experimental method that gives an absolute measurement of
the amount of ferrite in a weld metal, either destructively or non-destructively. This situation has led to the development
and use, internationally, of the concept of a Ferrite Number or FN. A Ferrite Number is a description of the ferrite
content of a weld metal determined using a standardized procedure. Such procedures are described in this standard. The
Ferrite Number of a weld metal has been considered approximately equivalent to the percent ferrite content, particularly at
low FN values. More recent information suggests that the FN may overstate the volume percent ferrite at higher FN by a
factor in the order of 1.3 to 1.5, which depends to a certain extent upon the actual composition of the alloy in question.
Although other methods are available for determining the Ferrite Number, the standardized measuring procedure,
described in this standard, is based on assessing the tear-off force needed to pull the weld metal sample from a magnet of
defined strength and size. The relationship between tear-off force and FN is obtained using primary standards consisting
of a non-magnetic coating of specified thickness on a magnetic base. Each non-magnetic coating thickness is assigned
an FN value.
The ferrite content determined by this method is arbitrary and is not necessarily the true or absolute ferrite content. In
recognition of this fact, the term Ferrite Number (FN) shall be used instead of ferrite percent when quoting a ferrite
content determined by this method. To help convey the message that this standardized calibration procedure has been
used, the terms Ferrite Number and FN are capitalized as proper nouns.

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may only be obtained by sending a request,
in writing, to the Managing Director, Technical Services Division, American Welding Society. A formal reply will be
issued after it has been reviewed by the appropriate personnel following established procedures.

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Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary, AWS A5
Committee on Filler Metals and Allied Materials, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Table of Contents
Page No.
Personnel......................................................................................................................................................................v
Foreword ....................................................................................................................................................................vii
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................................x
List of Figures...............................................................................................................................................................x
1.

Scope.....................................................................................................................................................................1

2.

Normative reference............................................................................................................................................1

3.

Principle ...............................................................................................................................................................1

4.

Calibration ...........................................................................................................................................................2
4.1 Coating thickness standards.........................................................................................................................2
4.2 Magnet .........................................................................................................................................................2
4.3 Instruments ..................................................................................................................................................2
4.4 Calibration curve .........................................................................................................................................2
4.5 Calibration of other instruments with primary standards ............................................................................3

5.

Standard method for shielded metal arc covered electrode test pads............................................................4
5.1 Dimensions of weld metal test specimens ...................................................................................................4
5.2 Depositing weld metal test specimens.........................................................................................................4
5.3 Measuring ....................................................................................................................................................6

6.

Standard methods for test pads of other processes and for production welds..............................................6
6.1 Standard method for test pads for other weld metals ..................................................................................6
6.2 Production welds .........................................................................................................................................6

7.

Other Methods.....................................................................................................................................................7
7.1 Methods .......................................................................................................................................................7
7.2 Results .........................................................................................................................................................7
7.3 Maintaining calibration................................................................................................................................7

8.

Procedures used to prepare secondary standards for delta ferrite in austenitic

stainless steel weld metal.....................................................................................................................................8

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Annex A (informative)Manufacture of secondary standards by strip cladding .......................................................9

Annex B (informative)Manufacture of secondary standards by centrifugal chill casting......................................19
Bibliography ...............................................................................................................................................................27
National Annexes .......................................................................................................................................................29
Annex C (Normative)Calibration of Legacy Instruments with Primary Standards ...............................................29
Annex D (Informative)Instruments ........................................................................................................................33
Annex E (Informative)Guidelines for the Preparation of Technical Inquiries.......................................................39
Annex F (Informative)List of Deviations from ISO 8249:2000 ............................................................................41
AWS Filler Metal Specifications by Material and Welding Process .........................................................................43
AWS Filler Metal Specifications and Related Documents ........................................................................................45

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

List of Tables
Table
1
2
3
A.1
A.2
A.3
A.4
B.1
B.2
B.3
C.1
C.2
C.3
C.4

Page No.
Relationship between Ferrite Number and thickness of non-magnetic coating of coating
thickness standards (specified in 4.1) for calibration of instruments for measurement of ferrite
content through attractive force (specified in 4.3) using the standard magnet (specified in 4.2)...................3
Welding parameters and deposit dimensions .................................................................................................4
Maximum allowable deviation in the periodic FN check...............................................................................6
Welding parameters ........................................................................................................................................9
Example of the chemical composition of seventh layer of strip clad deposits.............................................13
NBS standards employed for Magne-Gage calibration for strip cladding secondary standards...............14
Example of the tabular presentation of results on the card accompanying each box of standards
(Secondary weld metal standards, Set 68May 1980)................................................................................15
NIST standard used for Magne-Gage calibration for centrifugally cast secondary standard samples .....24
tolerance on the position of calibration points using primary standards ......................................................24
Examples of the tabular presentation of results of the card accompanying each box of
centrifugally cast standards...........................................................................................................................26
Ferrite Numbers (FN) for Primary Standards for Feritscope Model FE8-KF Calibration ...........................30
Maximum Allowable Deviation of the Periodic Ferrite Number (FN) Check for Feritscopes/
Ferritescopes .................................................................................................................................................30
Ferrite Numbers (FN) for Primary Standards for Inspector Gage Calibration.............................................31
Maximum Allowable Deviation of the Periodic Ferrite Number (FN) Check for Inspector Gages ............31

List of Figures
Figure
1
2
A.1
A.2
A.3
A.4
A.5
A.6
B.1
B.2
B.3
B.4
D.1
D.2
D.3
D.4
D.5

Page No.
Relationship between the tear-off forces of the standard magnet defined in 4.2 and the
coating thickness standards defined in 4.1 .....................................................................................................2
Weld metal specimen for ferrite determination ..............................................................................................4
Method of depositing weld metal for secondary standard by strip cladding................................................10
Bead deposition and machining sequences for secondary standards by strip cladding
Cutting sequences for secondary standard by strip cladding........................................................................12
Extraction of individual strip cladding secondary standards........................................................................12
Marking of each strip cladding ferrite secondary standard ..........................................................................13
Marking on each strip cladding secondary standard sample and identification of the five
measuring points...........................................................................................................................................14
Centrifugally chill cast ring for secondary standards ...................................................................................20
Dimensions and FN measurement positions on six faces of blocks machined from
centrifugally chill cast rings..........................................................................................................................21
IIW Commission II, 6th round robin measurement resultsOverall results...............................................22
IIW Commission II, 6th round robin measurement resultsFace centre results.........................................23
Magne-Gage-Type Instruments ....................................................................................................................34
Ferritescope Model FE8-KF .........................................................................................................................35
Inspector Gage ..............................................................................................................................................36
Ferrite Indicator (Severn Gage) ....................................................................................................................37
Foerster Ferrite Content Meter .....................................................................................................................37

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Welding Determination of Ferrite Number (FN) in austenitic

and duplex ferritic-austenitic Cr-Ni stainless steel weld metals

1 Scope
This standard specifies the method and apparatus for
the measurement of the delta ferrite content, expressed as Ferrite Number (FN), in largely austenitic and
duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless steel1) weld metal through the attractive force between a weld metal
sample and a standard permanent magnet;
the preparation and measurement of standard pads for shielded metal arc covered electrodes. The
general method is also recommended for the ferrite measurement of production welds and for weld metal
from other processes, such as gas tungsten arc welding, gas shielded metal arc welding and submerged
arc welding (in these cases, the way of producing the pad should be defined);
the calibration of other instruments to measure FN.
The method described in this standard is intended for use on weld metals in the as-welded state and on weld
metals after thermal treatments causing complete or partial transformation of ferrite to any non-magnetic
phase. Austenitizing thermal treatments which alter the size and shape of the ferrite will change the magnetic
response of the ferrite.
The method is not intended for measurement of the ferrite content of cast, forged or wrought austenitic or
duplex ferritic-austenitic steel samples.

2 Normative reference
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The following normative document contains provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this standard. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, this publication
do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent edition of the normative document indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO/TR 15510:1997, Stainless steels Chemical composition.

3 Principle
The measurement of the ferrite content of largely austenitic stainless steel weld metal through the attractive
force between a weld metal sample and a permanent magnet is based upon the fact that the attractive force
between a two-phase (or multiphase) sample containing one ferromagnetic phase and one (or more) nonferromagnetic phase(s) increases as the content of the ferromagnetic phase increases. In largely austenitic
and duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless steel weld metal, ferrite is magnetic, whereas austenite, carbides,
sigma phase and inclusions are non-ferromagnetic.
1) The term austenitic-ferritic (duplex) stainless steel is sometimes applied in place of duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless
steel.

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

4 Calibration
4.1 Coating thickness standards
The coating thickness standards shall consist of non-magnetic copper applied to an unalloyed steel base of
size 30 mm 30 mm. The thickness of the unalloyed steel base shall be equal to or greater than the
experimentally determined minimum thickness at which a further increase of the thickness does not cause an
increase of the attractive force between the standard permanent magnet and the coating thickness standard.
The thickness of the non-magnetic copper coating shall be known to an accuracy of 5 % or better. The
chemical composition of unalloyed steel shall be within the following limits:
Element

Limit
%

0.08 to 0.13

Si

0.10 max.

Mn

0.30 to 0.60

0.040 max.

0.050 max.

The copper coating may be covered by a chromium flash. The force required to tear off a given permanent magnet
from the copper coating side of such a standard increases as the thickness of the copper coating decreases.
NOTE
To ensure adequate reproducibility of the calibration, the coating thickness standards defined above should be
used. In particular, coating thickness standards produced by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST, formerly National Bureau of Standards or NBS) may be used.

4.2 Magnet
The standard magnet shall be a permanent magnet of cylindrical shape, 2 mm in diameter and about 50 mm
in length. One end of the magnet shall be hemispherical, with a 1 mm radius and polished. As an example,
such a magnet can be made of 36 % cobalt magnet steel, 48.45 mm 0.05 mm long, magnetically saturated
and then diluted to 85 %. The magnetic strength of the magnet shall be such that the force needed to tear off
the standard magnet from the different coating thickness standards is within 10 % of the relationship shown
in Figure 1 (the weight of the magnet excluded). This is equivalent to a relationship between tear-off force and
Ferrite Number of 5.0 FN/g 0.5 FN/g.
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4.3 Instruments
The measurement by this method shall be made by an instrument enabling an increasing tear-off force to be
applied to the magnet perpendicularly to the surface of the test specimen. The tear-off force shall be
increased until the permanent magnet is detached from the test specimen. The instrument shall accurately
measure the tear-off force which is required for detachment. The reading of the instrument may be directly in
FN or in grams-force or in other units. If the reading of the instrument is in units other than FN, the relationship
between the FN and the instrument reading shall be defined by a calibration curve2).

4.4 Calibration curve

In order to generate a calibration curve, determine the force needed to tear off the standard magnet defined in
4.2 from several coating thickness standards defined in 4.1. Then convert the thickness of non-magnetic
coating of the coating thickness standards into FN according to Table 1, or according to the equivalent
equation (1), as follows:
FN = exp{1.8059 1.11886 [ln(t)] 0.17740 [ln(t)]2 0.03502 [ln(t)]3 0.00367 [ln(t)]4}

(1)

where t is the non-magnetic coating thickness, expressed in mm.

2) Many instruments used to measure the thickness of a non-magnetic coating over a ferromagnetic base are suitable
(e.g. MAGNE-GAGE of USA origin) and some commercially available instruments are designed directly for measurement
of ferrite content (e.g. ALPHA-PHASE-METER of former USSR origin). In addition, after suitable in-house alterations,
some laboratory balances can be used.

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Figure 1 Relationship between the tear-off forces of the standard magnet defined in 4.2 and the
coating thickness standards defined in 4.1

Finally, plot the calibration curve as the relationship between the tear-off force in the units of the instrument
reading and the corresponding FN.

//^:^^#^~^^"#~:""^#$:@#:"#:$@:$:"~#""@~^*^~:^^~^^^:~~\\

To calibrate the instrument for measurement of ferrite content within the range from 0 to approximately 30 FN,
which is appropriate for nominally austenitic stainless steel weld metals, a set consisting of a minimum of
eight standards with copper coating thicknesses between approximately 0.17 mm and approximately 2 mm is
recommended3). To extend the calibration from approximately 30 FN to 100 FN, which is appropriate for
duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless steel weld metals, a set consisting of a minimum of five standards with
coating thicknesses between 0.03 mm and 0.17 mm is recommended.

4.5 Calibration of other instruments with primary standards

In principle, instruments with other than a standard magnet, and instruments using an approach to magnetic
property measurement other than magnetic attractive force, can be calibrated with primary standards
providing that sufficient statistical data is collected. This has been done only with two older legacy
instruments see Annex C.
3) This calibration procedure may give misleading results if used on instruments measuring the ferrite content in ways other
than through the attractive force or on instruments measuring ferrite through the attractive force but employing other than the
standard magnet defined in 4.2. Instruments which cannot be calibrated by the coating thickness standards and by the
procedure specified in 4.2 to 4.4 may be calibrated as described in clause 7.

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Table 1 Relationship between Ferrite Number and thickness of non-magnetic coating of coating
thickness standards (specified in 4.1) for calibration of instruments for measurement of ferrite
content through attractive force (specified in 4.3) using the standard magnet (specified in 4.2)
Coating
thickness (t)
mm

FN

Coating
thickness (t)
mm

FN

Coating
thickness (t)
mm

FN

Coating
thickness (t)
mm

FN

0.020
0.021

Coating
thickness (t)
mm

FN

110.5

0.049

108.0

0.050

68.3

0.078

67.5

0.079

51.0

0.134

50.6

0.136

35.3

0.300

19.1

34.9

0.320

18.1

0.022

105.7

0.023

103.4

0.051

66.7

0.052

56.9

0.080

50.2

0.082

49.3

0.138

34.5

0.340

17.2

0.140

34.2

0.360

16.4

0.024
0.025

101.3

0.053

99.2

0.054

65.1

0.084

64.4

0.086

48.6

0.142

33.8

0.380

15.7

47.8

0.144

33.5

0.400

15.0

0.026

97.3

0.027

95.4

0.055

63.7

0.056

63.0

0.088

47.1

0.146

33.2

0.420

14.4

0.090

46.4

0.148

32.8

0.440

13.8

0.028
0.029

93.6

0.057

91.9

0.058

62.3

0.092

45.7

0.150

32.5

0.460

13.2

61.6

0.094

45.1

0.155

31.7

0.480

12.7

0.030

90.3

0.031

88.7

0.059

60.9

0.096

44.4

0.160

31.0

0.500

12.3

0.060

60.3

0.098

43.8

0.165

30.3

0.550

11.2

0.032

87.2

0.061

59.7

0.100

43.2

0.170

29.7

0.600

10.3

0.033

85.8

0.062

59.1

0.102

42.6

0.175

29.0

0.650

9.6

0.034

84.4

0.063

58.5

0.104

42.1

0.180

28.4

0.700

8.9

0.035

83.0

0.064

57.9

0.106

41.5

0.185

27.9

0.750

8.3

0.036

81.7

0.065

57.3

0.108

41.0

0.190

27.3

0.800

7.7

0.037

80.5

0.066

56.8

0.110

40.5

0.195

26.8

0.900

6.8

0.038

79.3

0.067

56.2

0.112

40.0

0.200

26.3

1.000

6.1

0.039

78.1

0.068

55.7

0.114

39.5

0.205

25.8

1.200

4.93

0.040

77.0

0.069

55.2

0.116

39.0

0.210

25.3

1.400

4.09

0.041

75.9

0.070

54.7

0.118

38.6

0.220

24.4

1.600

3.45

0.042

74.8

0.071

54.2

0.120

38.1

0.230

23.6

1.800

2.94

0.043

73.8

0.072

53.7

0.122

37.7

0.240

22.8

2.000

2.54

0.044

72.8

0.073

53.2

0.124

37.2

0.250

22.1

2.200

2.21

0.045

71.8

0.074

52.8

0.126

36.8

0.260

21.4

2.400

1.94

0.046

70.9

0.075

52.3

0.128

36.4

0.270

20.8

2.600

1.72

0.047

70.0

0.076

51.9

0.130

36.0

0.280

20.2

2.800

1.53

0.048

69.1

0.077

51.4

0.132

35.6

0.290

19.6

3.000

1.36

5 Standard method for shielded metal arc covered electrode test pads
5.1 Dimensions of weld metal test specimens
Standard weld metal test specimens for shielded metal arc covered electrodes shall be of the size and shape
indicated in Figure 2. For the measurement of ferrite content by instruments/magnets or processes other than
those specified in 4.2 and 4.3, a larger specimen may be necessary. In such cases, the size and way of
producing the pad shall be clearly and carefully defined.

5.2 Depositing weld metal test specimens

a) The weld pad shall be built up between two copper bars laid parallel on the base plate. Spacing shall be
adjusted to accommodate the electrode size to be used as specified in Table 2.
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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

b) The weld pad shall be built up by depositing layers one on top of the other to a minimum height of 12.5 mm
(see the note on Figure 2). Each layer shall be made in a single pass for electrode diameters 4 mm. For
small diameters, each layer except the top layer shall be constituted by two or more beads deposited with a
maximum weave of 3 the core wire diameter. The arc shall not be allowed to come into contact with the
copper bar.
Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 Copper bar of dimensions 70 25 25
NOTE
The base metal should preferably be austenitic Cr-Ni steel type X2CrNi18-9 [304L] or X5CrNi18-9 [304] (see
ISO/TR 15510) and in this case the minimum pad height is 13 mm. Mild steel (C-Mn steel) may also be used and in this
case the minimum pad height is 18 mm.
a

Ferrite content shall be measured in this area.

Figure 2 Weld metal specimen for ferrite determination

c) The arc length shall be as short as practicable.
d) The welding currents shall comply with the values given in Table 2. The weld stops and starts shall be
located at the ends of the weld build-up. The welding direction shall be changed after each pass.
e) The weld pad may be cooled between passes by water quenching no sooner than 20 s after the
completion of each pass. The maximum temperature between passes shall be 100 C. Each pass of the
last layer shall be air cooled to a temperature below 425 C before water quenching.
f) Each weld pass shall be cleaned before the next is deposited.
g) In all cases, the topmost layer, at least, shall consist of a single bead deposited with a maximum weave of
3 the core wire diameter.
Table 2 Welding parameters and deposit dimensions
Electrode diameter

Welding current a

Approximate dimensions

mm

width (w)
mm

1.6
2
2.5
3.2
4
5
6.3

35 to 45
45 to 55
65 to 75
90 to 100
120 to 140
165 to 185
240 to 250

12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
15
18

Or 90 % of the maximum value recommended by the electrode manufacturer.

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length (l)
mm
30
30
40
40
40
40
40

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

5.3 Measuring
5.3.1 Surface finishing
After welding, the weld build-up of nominally austenitic stainless steel weld metals (< 30 FN) shall be
prepared smooth and flat, taking care to avoid heavy cold working4) of the surface; this aim can be achieved
by draw filing with a sharp clean 350 mm flat mill bastard file held on both sides of the weld and with the long
axis of the file perpendicular to the long axis of the weld. Draw filing shall be accomplished by smooth forward
strokes along the length of the weld with a firm downward pressure being applied. The weld shall not be
cross-filed.
After welding, the weld build-up of duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless steel weld metals (> 30 FN) shall be
ground with successively finer abrasives to a finish of 600 grit or finer. Care shall be taken during grinding to
avoid excessive pressure that leads to burnishing or overheating of the surface.
The finished surface shall be smooth with all traces of weld ripple removed. The prepared surface shall be
continuous over the length to be measured and not less than 5 mm in width.
5.3.2 Individual measurements
A minimum of six ferrite readings shall be taken at different locations on the finished surface along the
longitudinal axis of the weld bead. Care shall be taken to isolate the weldment under test from vibrations
which can cause premature magnet detachment during measuring.

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

For weld metals of 20 FN or less, only a single reading need be taken at each location. For weld metals above
20 FN, five readings shall be taken at any single location, and only the reading corresponding to the highest
FN amongst those five readings shall be accepted as the FN for that location. A minimum of six locations
shall be so measured as to obtain the required values for averaging.
5.3.3 Reporting
The six or more accepted readings obtained shall be averaged to a single value for conversion to the Ferrite
Number reported for the weld metal under test.

6 Standard methods for test pads of other processes and for production welds
6.1 Standard method for test pads for other weld metals
The standard method for producing covered electrode test pads may be almost directly applicable to other
weld metals, e.g. flux cored arc weld deposits. In preparing such test pads, the pad length may need to be
increased so that the area of ferrite measurements does not include the weld crater. For submerged arc weld
metal, the test pad width and length may both need to be increased. For all test pads, the pad shall consist of
a minimum of six layers, with at least the top layer consisting of a single bead. In general, preparation and
measurement shall follow the instructions of clause 5 as far as possible.

6.2 Production welds

The method of depositing the weld test specimen has a considerable influence upon the result of ferrite
content measurement. Consequently, the results of ferrite content measurement obtained on specimens
deposited in a way differing from that specified in 5.1 and 5.2, or 6.1, and on production welds are likely to
differ from the results obtained on specimens deposited according to 5.1 and 5.2, or 6.1. In all cases,
however, ferrite content measurement shall be made along the approximate centreline of a given weld bead.
4) Cold working may produce martensite, which is also ferromagnetic and gives a false ferrite indication.

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Caution is necessary when measuring the ferrite in cladding deposited on ferromagnetic materials, and when
measuring the ferrite in thin stainless steel welds (e.g. less than 5 mm thick). The first case may lead to false
high values, and the second may lead to false low values. The required minimum stainless steel weld
thickness for correct ferrite measurement depends upon the depth of material sensed by the particular
instrument in use.

7 Other methods
7.1 Methods
Methods for determining ferrite content other than through the evaluation of attractive force or methods
differing from that described in this standard may be used, such as volumetric determination by magnetic
saturation, provided that they have been calibrated by secondary standards in which the ferrite content has
been determined by the method described in this standard. Secondary standards can be prepared using the
method specified in 5.1 and 5.2, by assigning to them FN values by the method specified in 5.3. See Annex D
for a description of several instruments which have proven suitable.
NOTE
These secondary standards, prepared as shown in annexes A and B, are available from the International Institute of
Welding (IIW) via TWI (The Welding Institute) in the United Kingdom or the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) in the USA.

7.2 Results
The results obtained by methods other than the method described in this standard, even if calibrated in
accordance with 7.1, may, under certain circumstances, differ from those obtained by the method described in
this standard. Hence, in cases of dispute, the method described in this standard shall be used.
On a given specimen, the average FN as determined by other methods and compared with measurements
obtained with the method described in this standard, shall be within a tolerance band of 1 FN in the FN
range up to 10 FN and this may be proportionally higher as the FN increases beyond 10 FN.

7.3 Maintaining calibration

Instruments shall be checked periodically against secondary standards or primary standards. It is therefore
recommended that the organization which uses the instrument ensure that a set of standards be available. It
is the responsibility of the user to see that the frequency of checking is adequate to maintain calibration. One
standard shall be used for each of the ranges (see Table 3) for which the instrument is to be used. The
average value of five measurements at individual positions on the standard shall be within the maximum
deviations specified in Table 3.
Table 3 Maximum allowable deviation in the periodic FN check
FN range

Maximum deviation from the FN

value assigned to the standard

0 < FN 4

0.5

4 < FN 10

0.5

10 < FN 16

0.6

16 < FN 25

0.8

25 < FN 50

5 % of assigned FN

50 < FN 110

8 % of assigned FN

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It is necessary to ensure that the measurement is not disturbed by the incidental presence of strongly
ferromagnetic materials, such as mild steel or cast iron. During measurement, such materials shall be kept at
a distance of at least 18 mm from permanent magnets of the size and strength of the standard magnet. Other
magnets and/or instruments may require larger or smaller distances to be free from the effect of nearby
strongly ferromagnetic materials.

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

8 Procedures used to prepare secondary standards for delta ferrite in austenitic

stainless steel weld metal
Coating thickness standards are not suitable for use as primary standards with all types of ferrite measuring
instruments. A need therefore exists for secondary standards for both calibration and cross-reference of
instruments in the laboratory and under shop and field conditions. The first set of secondary standards was
made by Teledyne McKay in the late 1960s. These were a build up of SMAW much like the pad shown in 5.2.
They were used to develop the FN system of measuring ferrite as we know it today, replacing the % ferrite
system previously used. Teledyne McKay subsequently produced and sold sets of these secondary
standards, but ceased doing so in the late 1970s. Therefore in about 1980, the International Institute of
Welding (IIW) requested some organizations, in particular TWI (The Welding Institute, UK) to prepare sets of
secondary standards, each consisting of eight blocks of austenitic stainless steel weld metal with Ferrite
Numbers in the approximate range 3 FN to 27 FN. An original manufacturing run of 100 sets was prepared by
strip cladding. When the original 100 sets had been distributed internationally, a new procedure for producing
secondary standards was developed (CNIITMASH, Russia) using centrifugal chill casting to produce large
rings in which most of the wall thickness contained a weld-metal-like microstructure. Blocks of dimensions
approximately 10 mm 12 mm 20 mm were machined from the portion of the ring wall containing the
weld-metal-like microstructure. This new procedure was shown, by round robin testing in IIW Commission II,
to produce materials suitable for secondary standards over the whole range from near zero to over 100 FN.
FN measurements and assignment of the certified FN for each block were carried out at TWI or NIST. The
procedures used to prepare the last two types of secondary standards are described in annexes A and B.

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Annex A
(informative)
Manufacture of secondary standards by strip cladding
A.1 Materials
A.1.1 Base metal
The base metal on which the nominally austenitic weld metal was deposited was unalloyed steel type B1 (see
ISO 4954) in the form of bars with dimensions 100 mm 100 mm 800 mm. The surfaces to be clad were
cleaned by free-hand grinding.

A.1.2 Welding consumables

The submerged arc strip cladding process was used. Suitable combinations of strips and fluxes were used so
that it was possible to obtain eight FN levels in the range 3 FN to 27 FN in undiluted weld metal. Welding
strips consisting of unstabilized, extra-low-carbon austenitic stainless Cr-Ni steel were used, with a crosssectional area of 60 mm 0.5 mm. The welding fluxes were agglomerated and contained varying metal
powder additions. Before use, the fluxes were rebaked at 300 C for 1 h.

A.2 Welding procedures

The weld metal in each case consisted of a seven-layer strip clad deposit on the base material, as illustrated
in Figure A.1. After each layer, the welding direction was changed. The power supply used had a drooping
characteristic. Welding parameters used are given in Table A.1.
The bead deposition sequence is shown in Figure A.2. To minimize the distortion of the base metal, one side
of the bar was first clad with three layers. After turning the bar, three layers were welded on the opposite side.

Table A.1 Welding parameters

Current

650 A

Voltage

29 V

Speed of travel

100 mm/min

Stick out

25 mm

Polarity of the strip

d.c./electrode positive

Preheating

None

Interpass temperature

200 C max.

Cooling after welding the last layer

Still air

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This procedure was continued with two pass sequences until the last bead.

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1
2
3
4
5

Weld deposit, 7 layers

Strip consumable
Base metal
Passes 1, 3, 5, 7 on each side
Passes 2, 4, 6 on each side

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Figure A.1 Method of depositing weld metal for secondary standard by strip cladding

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 Weld deposit
2 Secondary standard
3 Base metal

Figure A.2 Bead deposition and machining sequences for secondary standards by strip cladding

A.3 Machining and marking

Initially, the end section was cut off, corresponding to lines 1 1 in Figure A.3. Chips for the chemical
analysis of the seventh layer were taken at the locations marked by a in Figure A.3. Cutting of the other end
section followed along lines 2 2.
The rest of the bar was divided along lines 3 3, and the deposits separated from the base metal along
lines 4 4 (see Figure A.3).

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A.3.1 Cutting programme

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

The rough preparation of the test surface followed, along lines 5 5 (see X in Figure A.2).
Subsequently, lateral machining along lines 6 6 and machining of the bottom surface along lines 7 7
was performed (see Figure A.2).
The division of the rough machined weld bars, following the lines 8 8, is shown in Figures A.3 and A.4.
Subsequently, the single specimens were finished. Thirty specimens could be produced from each bar clad
on both sides.
Dimensions in millimetres

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a Chips for chemical analysis taken at these points.

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Figure A.3 Cutting sequences for secondary standard by strip cladding

Key
1 Test surfaces
2 Marking regions

Figure A.4 Extraction of individual strip cladding secondary standards

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

A.3.2 Dimensions, tolerances, surface finish

The dimensions and tolerances of the finished ferrite secondary standards are shown in Figure A.5. The test
surface was ground with an 8A-80-G-9-V39 grinding disc (see ISO 525). All the other surfaces were rough
finished.
Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 Test surface
2 Marking region

Figure A.5 Marking of each strip cladding ferrite secondary standard

A.3.3 Marking for standard identification

The reading direction of the marking indicates the welding direction in the seventh layer. The designation of
the standards consists of letters and numbers. The letters (A to H) indicate increasing FN values, with the
number following indicating the set number.

A.4 Chemical composition

An example of the full chemical analysis of the seventh layer of the deposit (for all the standards) is shown in
Table A.2.
Table A.2 Example of the chemical composition of seventh layer of strip clad deposits
Seventh
layer of
deposited
metal
A1-A15

Element
mass fraction (%)
C

Si

Mn

Cr

Mo

Ni

Nb

0.020

1.00

0.78

0.021

0.019

19.62

0.13

11.79

< 0.05

A.5 Marking for FN measuring point location

The standards were received at TWI in the conditions described in Clause A3. FN measurements were to be
made at five locations on each standard. The individual samples were thus marked by scribing on the sides
as indicated in Figure A.6. The intersections of the imaginary lines joining these marks defined four
measuring points. The fifth measuring point was in the centre of the measuring face. The points were
identified by (i) to (v) as shown in Figure A.6, but these characters were not marked on the block itself.

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The marking of the standards took place on a side face as shown in Figures A.4 and A.5. The marks
produced with figure stamps were arranged so that the distance from the test surface was as great as
possible.

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Dimensions in millimetres

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Key
1
2
3
4
5

Points identified by intersection of imaginary lines

Central point
Scribed lines
Standard set number
Individual standard

Figure A.6 Marking on each strip cladding secondary standard sample and identification of the five
measuring points
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A.6 FN measuring instruments and calibration

A.6.1 Introduction
The instruments and procedures used were in conformity with the requirements of this standard. Before
commencing production and measurement of sets of FN standards for general issue, TWI carried out trials on
a prototype set of standards. These demonstrated that FN values ascribed to standards by TWI were
consistent with results obtained by other organizations, and also that the strip cladding samples could be used
for a range of commercial ferrite measuring instruments.

A.6.2 Instruments used

Two Magne-Gages 5), manufactured by the American Instrument Company (USA) 6), were used to make
measurements on each set of standards. To ensure that the differences between the two instruments were within
acceptable limits, at the commencement of the programme both Magne-Gages, after calibration as described
in A.6.4, were used to make measurements on all samples comprising one complete set of standards. The two
sets of data were well within the range of variation in measurements expected for 95 % of Magne-Gages.

A.6.3 Magnet strength checks

Before the commencement of measurements, the magnets associated with each of the Magne-Gages were
checked to ensure they corresponded to the requirements of this standard. This was done by using a
laboratory balance to measure tear-off forces from a set of eight USA National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) 7) coating thickness standards. The standards employed (see Table A.3) were the seven
supplied with each individual instrument, together with an eighth one (SRM 1312, nominal thickness 0.2 mm)
acquired directly from NIST.
5) Magne-Gage is a registered trademark of Magne-Gage Sales & Service Co., Inc.
6) Now Magne-Gage Sales & Service Co., Inc.
7) NIST was formerly named National Bureau of Standards (NBS).

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Table A.3 NIST standards employed for Magne-Gage calibration

for strip cladding secondary standards
NIST SRM No.

Nominal coating thickness

mm

1312

0.2

1313

0.25

1314

0.38

1315

0.5

1316

0.64

1317

0.76

1318

1.01

1319

1.52

After measurements on every 10 sets of secondary standards, the magnet strengths for each instrument
were rechecked to ensure that they still conformed to the requirements.
Magnets were cleaned according to the manufacturers instructions before each calibration.

A.6.4 Ferrite number calibration

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The Ferrite Number (FN) versus the white dial reading calibration for each Magne-Gage instrument was
derived according to the procedure described in this standard. The eight NIST coating thickness standards
used were those shown in Table A.3 and a zero point was also determined using a completely non-magnetic
material.
Both Magne-Gages displayed a bend in the calibration at about 13 FN, and thus separate best-fit straight
lines (least-squares method) were drawn through the calibration points above and below this level. The
equations of these lines were used to derive FN values from white dial readings during subsequent
measurement work on the secondary standards.
The maximum tolerances on the positions of individual calibration points were taken as those specified in
AWS A4.2. In fact, much better tolerances were achieved in all cases.
A calibration was carried out on each Magne-Gage:
at the start of each days work, and
after the measurement of 4 sets of secondary standards.

A.7 Measuring procedure on secondary standards

Four complete sets of readings were taken on each set of eight ferrite secondary standards, by two operators
each using both Magne-Gages. Although only two operators were employed on any given set of secondary
standards, several operators were employed during the entire measurement programme.

A.7.2 Demagnetization
No attempt was made to demagnetize the standards, as the Magne-Gage has been reported to be
insensitive to premagnetization.

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A.7.1 Instruments and operators

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

A.7.3 Measurements on each ferrite standard

On each individual ferrite standard, three readings were taken at each of the five measurement points, for
each operator and Magne-Gage. Non-magnetic jigs were fitted over the standards to aid rapid and accurate
location of the measurement points, these consisting of recessed blocks of plastic with suitably sized and
positioned holes. The standard was not repositioned between the three individual measurements on any one
point.
Each standard thus had a total of 60 Magne-Gage white dial readings taken from it, twelve for each
individual measurement session.
Readings for each operator and Magne-Gage were completed within one measurement session.

A.7.4 Data recording and analysis

Data from the readings by each Magne-Gage operator were recorded together with the Magne-Gage
number, FN calibration reference, date and operators name.
Each set of three white dial readings per individual measurement point was averaged and an FN value
produced from the appropriate calibration equation for each point. An average FN value for each standard
was produced from the FN values for the five measurement points.

A.7.5 Presentation of results

The presentation of the results on the card to accompany each set of standards was as illustrated in the
example in Table A.4.
In addition, a label adjacent to each standard in the box showed the overall average FN value for all
measurements on that standard. All values were quoted to 0.1 FN.

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Each boxed set of eight standards was also provided with a short booklet, briefly describing the preparation of
the set.

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Table A.4 Example of the tabular presentation of results on the card accompanying each box of
standards (Secondary weld metal standards, Set 68 May 1980)
Standard Measurenumber ment point

Magne-Gage 1

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Operator No. 1

Operator No. 2

Operator No. 1

Operator No. 2

FN
each
point

FN
each
point

FN
each
point

FN
each
point

A68

1
2
3
4
5

2.8
2.5
2.8
2.7
2.8

B68

1
2
3
4
5

4.6
4.6
4.8
4.8
4.6

C68

1
2
3
4
5

8.9
8.9
8.9
9.2
8.9

D68

1
2
3
4
5

11.0
10.8
11.1
10.8
11.3

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Magne-Gage 2

Mean
FN
all five
points

2.7

2.8
2.8
2.8
2.6
2.7

4.7

4.6
4.6
4.8
4.8
4.6

8.9

8.8
8.9
8.8
9.1
8.9

11.0

11.0
10.9
11.2
10.8
11.6

Mean
FN
all five
points

2.7

2.7
2.6
2.6
2.5
2.6

4.7

4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.4

8.9

8.8
8.7
8.6
8.8
8.6

11.1

10.6
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.7

17
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Mean
FN
all five
points

2.6

2.6
2.5
2.6
2.5
2.6

4.5

4.6
4.4
4.6
4.6
4.6

8.7

8.7
8.6
8.5
8.8
8.6

10.5

10.8
10.8
10.8
10.4
10.9

Mean
FN
all five
points

Mean
FN
FN
overall
for each average
point

2.6

2.7
2.5
2.7
2.6
2.7

2.7

4.6

4.6
4.5
4.7
4.7
4.5

4.6

8.6

8.8
8.8
8.7
8.9
8.7

8.8

10.7

10.9
10.7
10.9
10.6
11.1

10.8

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Annex B
(informative)
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Manufacture of secondary standards

by centrifugal chill casting

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B.1 Materials
As a result of tests carried out by the Russian delegation to IIW Commission II, it was found that centrifugally
chill cast rings with a diameter of approximately 500 mm and wall thickness of approximately 20 mm, of
nominally austenitic and duplex ferritic-austenitic chromium-nickel steels, exhibited a weld-metal-like
microstructure through most of the wall thickness. In round robin tests among nine laboratories in six
countries, it was established that the homogeneity of small blocks machined from rings of ferrite contents
from near zero FN to about 100 FN was excellent over the whole range of interest. Such blocks could thus
serve as secondary standards for calibration of various instruments. Due to the homogeneity of the blocks,
they could be suitable, in particular, for calibrating instruments utilising magnetic saturation methods for
determining a volumetric percentage of ferrite: thus, in principle, it would be possible to establish a
relationship between FN and volumetric percent ferrite (FP) over a specific alloy range. Also, due to the
homogeneity of the centrifugally cast metal, the preparation of samples having rectangular or cylindrical form
and suitable to be certified in both FN and FP (the latter by utilising the magnetic saturation method) is
possible. Such samples might then be used for calibrating volumetric and local devices.
Figure B.1 shows a sketch of a centrifugally chill cast ring from which the small blocks were machined. FN
was measured at each of five points on each of the six surfaces of the blocks, measuring 10 mm 12 mm
20 mm, as shown in Figure B.2, during the round robin evaluations. Figure B.3 shows the overall average
measurements for several samples, while Figure B.4 shows the averaged face centre results only. No
significant difference can be noted between the face centre results and the overall results, attesting to the
homogeneity of the blocks. Thus, one could, in principle, assign both an FN based upon surface
measurements, and an FP based on volumetric measurement by magnetic saturation, to a given block or
cylinder of this material.
As a result of the homogeneity of these samples as demonstrated in the round robin testing, IIW Commission
II, by Resolution No. 4 taken during the 1993 Glasgow Annual Assembly, asked the Russian delegation (the
company MLADIS) to proceed with production of rings to provide sets of eight blocks well distributed over the
range of near zero FN to about 30 FN, and sets of eight blocks well distributed over the range of over 30 FN to

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Dimensions in millimetres

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Figure B.1 Centrifugally chill cast ring for secondary standards

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Dimensions in millimetres

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Figure B.2 Dimensions and FN measurement positions on six faces of blocks machined from
centrifugally chill cast rings

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Figure B.3 IIW Commission II, 6th round robin measurement results Overall results

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Figure B.4 IIW Commission II, 6th round robin measurement results Face centre results

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

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about 110 FN. After machining, the individual blocks were provided to TWI for assignment of FN, packaging,
and distribution to purchasers.

B.2 Machining and marking

The secondary samples were cut from the centrifugal cast rings by cold sawing. They were then machined to
10 mm 12 mm 20 mm and finished by machine grinding. The identification number of each sample was
engraved on a 12 mm 20 mm face, opposite to the test face; the latter face was left unmarked.

B.3 FN measuring instruments and calibration

Two Magne-Gage instruments, manufactured by the American Instrument Company (USA), were used to
make FN measurements on each sample. The instruments and magnets used were as described in A.6.1,
A.6.2 and A.6.3.
Calibration of the instruments for measurements up to 30 FN was carried out as in A.6.4. For measurements
above 30 FN, the instruments were calibrated using the NIST coating thickness standards shown in Table B.1,
with the counterweights indicated.
Table B.1 NIST standard used for Magne-Gage calibration for centrifugally cast secondary
standard samples
SRM
No.

Standard
reference No.

Nominal coating
thickness
mm

Counterbalance
nominal weight
g

1323
1323
1323
1323

0.098
0.111
0.133
0.173

8
8
8
8

1321
1321
1321
1321

0.0344
0.0377
0.042
0.048

16
16
16
16

B.4 Measuring procedure on secondary standards

B.4.1 Instruments and operators
Four complete sets of readings were taken on each set of eight ferrite secondary standards, by two operators
each using both Magne-Gages.
A check calibration, using the appropriate primary standards, was carried out at the start of each days work
and after the measurement of a maximum of 4 sets (32 specimens) of secondary standards. These check
measurements fell within the ranges of maximum deviation given in ANSI/AWS A4.2 and listed in Table B.2.
Table B.2 Tolerance on the position of calibration points using primary standards

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Ferrite number range

Maximum allowable deviation

0 < FN 5

0.4

5 < FN 10

0.5

10 < FN 15

0.7

15 < FN 20

0.9

20 < FN 30

1.0

30 < FN 90

5 % of assigned FN

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

B.4.2 Demagnetization
No attempt was made to demagnetize the standards, as the Magne-Gage has been reported to be
insensitive to premagnetization.

B.4.3 Measurements on each ferrite standard

Each sample was positioned under the magnet so that the contact point was at the centre of the test face, i.e.
at the intersection of imaginary lines drawn from opposite corners.
On each individual ferrite standard, five readings were taken at the measurement point, for each operator and
Magne-Gage. A non-magnetic jig was fitted over the sample to aid rapid and accurate location of the
measurement point. This jig consisted of a recessed block of plastic with a suitably sized and positioned hole.
The standard was not repositioned between the individual measurements on any one point.
Each standard thus had a total of 20 Magne-Gage white dial readings taken from it. Readings by one
operator using one Magne-Gage were completed within one measurement session.

B.4.4 Data recording and analysis

Data from the readings by each Magne-Gage operator were recorded together with the Magne-Gage
number, FN calibration reference, date and operators name.
For ferrite levels up to 20 FN, each set of five white dial readings was averaged and an FN value produced from
the appropriate calibration equation. For ferrite levels above 20 FN, the highest FN value was taken from the
five white dial readings.
//^:^^#^~^^"#~:""^#$:@#:"#:$@:$:"~#""@~^*^~:^^~^^^:~~\\

An average FN value for each standard was produced from the FN values for the measurements of the four
operator/Magne-Gage combinations.

B.4.5 Presentation of results

The presentation of the results on the card accompanying each set of standards was as illustrated in the
example in Table B.3. In addition, a label adjacent to each standard in the box showed the overall average FN
value for all measurements on that standard. Values were quoted to 0.1 FN for samples up to 30 FN, and to
0.5 FN for samples covering the range 30 FN to about 100 FN.
Each boxed set of eight standards was also provided with a short booklet, briefly describing the preparation of
the set.

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Table B.3 Examples of the tabular presentation of results of the card accompanying each box of
centrifugally cast standards
(Secondary weld metal standards. Set No. 10 February 1995)
FN at test face centre
Standard
number

Magne-Gage No. 1

Magne-Gage No. 2

Operator No. 1

Operator No. 2

Operator No. 1

Operator No. 2

1.0
2.0
4.9
8.3
12.0
15.5
23.1
29.5

1.1
2.1
4.8
8.5
12.0
15.6
23.0
29.0

0.9
2.1
4.7
8.2
11.7
15.1
22.3
28.6

1.1
2
4.8
7.9
11.6
15.2
22.4
29.5

482
191
79
1331
1709
669
605
584

FN
overall
average

1.0
2.1
4.8
8.2
11.8
15.4
22.7
29.2

FN at test face centre

Standard
number

Magne-Gage No. 1

Magne-Gage No. 2

Operator No. 1

Operator No. 2

Operator No. 1

Operator No. 2

32.5
38.5
41.5
48.0
58.5
72.5
83.5
86.5

33.5
38.5
39.5
49.5
58.0
73.0
82.0
90.5

32.0
37.5
41.0
51.5
59.0
68.0
79.0
86.5

31.0
37.0
41.5
50.0
58.0
69.0
82.0
86.5

733
1625
1845
913
240
1578
1203
1222

FN
overall
average

32.5
38.0
41.0
50.0
58.5
70.5
82.0
87.5

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

//^:^^#^~^^"#~:""^#$:@#:"#:$@:$:"~#""@~^*^~:^^~^^^:~~\\

(Secondary weld metal standards. Set No. 30 March 1995)

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Bibliography
[1] ISO 525:1999, Bonded abrasive products General requirements.
[2] ISO 4954:1993, Steels for cold heading and cold extruding.

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

National Annexes
Annex C (Normative)
Calibration of Legacy Instruments
with Primary Standards
This annex is a part of AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD), Standard Procedures for
Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic and Duplex
Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal, and includes mandatory elements for use with this standard.

C1. Introduction

C3. Calibration of a Fischer

Feritscope8 Model FE8-KF with
Primary Standards

Since each type of ferrite measuring instrument responds

differently to the primary standards, it is not possible to
use the same table of coating thickness versus Ferrite
Number for all instruments. Depending primarily upon
the volume sensed by the instrument probe, the calibration table is different for different instruments. It is a
laborious process to develop a calibration table, such as
Table 1 which is specific to one particular instrument
(the Magne-Gage) with one particular magnet (the Number 3 magnet) as described in 4.2. To develop an appropriate calibration table, it is necessary to use secondary
standards to find which instrument reading corresponds
to which FN, with several instruments of the same design
to take into account instrument variability, then determine the coating thickness of a primary standard which
corresponds to a given instrument reading. This has been
done only with two specific instruments other than a
Magne-Gage.

C3.1 This instrument, with analog readout and dualcontact normalized probe, may have a scale reading in
FN, but the scale shall be calibrated against the FN values given in Table C.1 for primary standards before
using the instrument to determine Ferrite Number of
weld samples. Alternately, the instrument may be calibrated with secondary standards as given in Clause 7.
C3.2 The manufacturers instructions with regard to the
use of the instrument and the adjustments of the scale
shall be followed.
C3.3 The FNs shall be assigned from Table C.1 to each
of the available primary standards. For thicknesses
between those given in Table C.1, the FNs shall be interpolated as closely as possible. Eight or more thickness
standards shall be used, with nominal thickness corresponding to Ferrite Numbers well distributed in the range
0 to 25 FN. The instrument reading for each of the available primary standards shall then be determined.

C2. Scope
This Annex provides for calibration of a pre-1980 Fischer Feritscope Model FE8-KF with analog readout and
dual-contact normalized probe, using primary standards. No tables for calibration with primary standards
are available for post-1980 Feritscope instruments (those
with digital readouts or single-pole probes). A separate
calibration is provided for an Inspector Gage Model
Number 111 with either a 6F (% ferrite) or a 7F (FN)
scale.

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C3.4 The instrument readings shall be plotted on Cartesian coordinates paper versus the FN assigned from
Table C.1 for each primary standard. A best fit line
shall be drawn through the data. Alternately, a regression
8 Both

Feritscope and Ferritescope are used interchangeably and are trademarks of Helmut Fischer GmbH and
Company.

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Coating Thickness
mm

FN

Coating Thickness
mm

FN

Coating Thickness
mm

FN

2.00
1.90
1.80
1.70
1.60
1.50
1.45
1.40
1.35
1.30
1.25
1.20
1.15
1.10
1.05
1.00
0.95
0.90
0.85
0.80
0.78
0.76
0.74

1.9
2.1
2.3
2.6
2.8
3.1
3.3
3.5
3.7
3.8
4.0
4.3
4.5
4.7
5.0
5.3
5.6
5.9
6.2
6.6
6.8
7.0
7.1

0.72
0.70
0.68
0.66
0.64
0.62
0.60
0.58
0.56
0.54
0.52
0.50
0.49
0.48
0.47
0.46
0.45
0.44
0.43
0.42
0.41
0.40
0.39

7.3
7.5
7.7
8.0
8.2
8.4
8.7
9.0
9.3
9.6
9.9
10.3
10.4
10.6
10.8
11.1
11.3
11.5
11.7
12.0
12.3
12.5
12.8

0.38
0.37
0.36
0.35
0.34
0.33
0.32
0.31
0.30
0.29
0.28
0.27
0.26
0.25
0.24
0.23
0.22
0.21
0.20
0.19
0.18

13.1
13.4
13.8
14.1
14.5
14.9
15.3
15.7
16.2
16.7
17.2
17.8
18.4
19.1
19.8
20.5
21.4
22.3
23.3
24.4
25.6

equation shall be fit to the data collected as described in

C3.3.

C3.6 The graph plotted as in C3.4, or a regression equation fit to it, may now be used to determine the FNs of
stainless steel weld metals from the instrument reading.

C3.5 For approved calibration, all readings shall fall

within the maximum allowable deviations shown in
Table C.2 from the best fit line. If any calibration readings fall outside of these allowed variations, the data
shall be restudied, or the manufacturer of the instrument
shall be consulted, or both.

C4. Calibration of Inspector Gages9

C4.1 This instrument is the Inspector Gage Model Number 111 with either a 6F (% ferrite) or a 7F (FN) scale.
The latter is preferable because it has smaller divisions.
C4.2 The manufacturers instructions with regard to the
use of the instrument and adjustments of the scale shall
be followed.

Table C.2
Maximum Allowable Deviation
of the Periodic Ferrite Number (FN)
Check for Feritscopes/Ferritescopes

Ferrite Number Range

0 to 5
Over 5 to 10
Over 10 to 15
Over 15

C4.3 The FNs shall be assigned from Table C.3 to each

of the available primary thickness standards. For thicknesses between those given in the table, the FNs shall be
interpolated as closely as possible. Seven or more thickness standards shall be used, with nominal thicknesses
corresponding to Ferrite Numbers well distributed in the
range 0 to 30 FN. The instrument reading for each of the
available primary standards shall then be determined.

Maximum Allowable Deviation

of the Periodic FN Check
from the FN Assigned to the
Primary Standard in Table C.1
0.40
0.40
0.70
1.00

9 Trademark

of Elcometer Instruments Ltd.

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Table C.1
Ferrite Numbers (FN) for Primary Standards for Feritscope Model FE8-KF Calibration

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

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Coating Thickness
mm

FN

Coating Thickness
mm

FN

Coating Thickness
mm

FN

2.00
1.95
1.90
1.85
1.80
1.75
1.70
1.65
1.60
1.55
1.50
1.45
1.40
1.35
1.30
1.25
1.20
1.15
1.10
1.05
1.00
0.98
0.96
0.94
0.92
0.90

3.9
4.1
4.3
4.5
4.7
4.9
5.2
5.4
5.6
5.9
6.1
6.4
6.7
7.0
7.3
7.7
8.0
8.4
8.9
9.3
9.8
10.0
10.3
10.5
10.7
11.0

0.88
0.86
0.84
0.82
0.80
0.78
0.76
0.74
0.72
0.70
0.69
0.68
0.67
0.66
0.65
0.64
0.63
0.62
0.61
0.60
0.59
0.58
0.57
0.56
0.55
0.54

11.2
11.5
11.7
12.0
12.3
12.6
13.0
13.3
13.7
14.0
14.2
14.4
14.6
14.8
15.0
15.3
15.5
15.7
15.9
16.2
16.4
16.7
16.9
17.2
17.5
17.8

0.53
0.52
0.51
0.50
0.49
0.48
0.47
0.46
0.45
0.44
0.43
0.42
0.41
0.40
0.39
0.38
0.37
0.36
0.35
0.34
0.33
0.32
0.31
0.30
0.29
0.28

18.1
18.4
18.7
19.0
19.3
19.7
20.0
20.4
20.8
21.2
21.6
22.0
22.4
22.9
23.3
23.8
24.3
24.8
25.4
25.9
26.5
27.1
27.8
28.4
29.1
29.9

C4.4 The instrument readings shall be plotted on Cartesian coordinates paper versus the FN assigned from
Table C.3 for each primary standard. A best fit line
shall be drawn through the data. Alternately, a regression
equation shall be fit to the data collected as described in
C4.3.

Table C.4
Maximum Allowable Deviation
of the Periodic Ferrite Number (FN)
Check for Inspector Gages

C4.5 For approved calibration, all readings shall fall

within the maximum allowable deviations shown in
Table C.4 from the best fit line. If any calibration readings fall outside of these allowed variations, the data
shall be restudied, or the manufacturer of the instrument
shall be consulted, or both.

Ferrite Number Range

0 to 5
Over 5 to 10
Over 10 to 15
Over 15

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Maximum Allowable Deviation

of the Periodic FN Check
from the FN Assigned to the
Primary Standard in Table C.3
0.40
0.40
0.70
1.00

//^:^^#^~^^"#~:""^#$:@#:"#:$@:$:"~#""@~^*^~:^^~^^^:~~\\

Table C.3
Ferrite Numbers (FN) for Primary Standards for Inspector Gage Calibration

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Annex D (Informative)
Instruments
This annex is not a part of AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD), Standard Procedures for
Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic and Duplex
Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal, but is included for informational purposes only.

D.1 Acknowledgment

D2.2 Returning the Magne-Gage periodically to the factory for maintenance is desirable. With frequent use, one
year is a reasonable time; with occasional use, two years.

These standard procedures are based upon studies and

recommendations made by the Subcommittee on Welding Stainless Steel of the High Alloys Committee of the
Welding Research Council (WRC)10 and work within
International Institute of Welding Subcommission II-C.
The document on which much of this standard is based is
the Calibration Procedure for Instruments to Measure
the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic Stainless Steel
Weld Metal, published by the WRC on July 1, 1972.
Expansion of the measurement system beyond 28 FN is
based upon Extension of the WRC Ferrite Number System, D. J. Kotecki, Welding Journal, November, 1982,
and International Institute of Welding Documents II-C730-84, II-C-821-88, II-C-835-88 and II-C-836-88.

D2.3 A Magne-Gage No. 3 Magnet or equivalent can be

used with a variety of torsion balances to obtain the same
results as are obtained with a Magne-Gage. A complete
example of such a Magne-Gage-type instrument is given
in Extension of the WRC Ferrite Number System, referenced in E1. Numerous other configurations could also
be conceived. This is outside the scope of this standard.
D2.4 A Magne-Gage No. 3 Magnet normally complies
with the requirements of 4.2. Once this is verified, the
Magne-Gage No. 3 Magnet can be used, after calibration
with primary standards, for Ferrite Number measurement
either with a Magne-Gage instrument, or with a suitably
modified beam balance.

D.2 Magne-Gage and MagneGage-Type Instruments

D3. Feritscope/Ferritescope12
These instruments, which consist of a probe connected
by a cable to an electronics package (Figure D.2), are
usable in any position. Several models and a variety of
probes are available. Only one model and probe (FE8KF) has been shown to be able to be calibrated with primary standards, as given in Table C.1. All other models
must be calibrated with weld-metal-like secondary standards as no standard tables have been developed for calibration with primary standards. Models are available in
either battery-powered or alternating current versions. At
least one model (the MP30) can be calibrated with
secondary standards up to 80 FN or more.

D2.1 The Magne-Gage11 (Figure D.1) is usable only in

the flat position on relatively small specimens. The probe
is a long, thin magnet hung from one end of a balance
beam, with a counterweight fixed to the other end of the
balance beam. A spiral spring allows the force applied to
the magnet to be varied. The spring is wound by means
of turning a knob with a corresponding reading on a dial.
When the magnet is pulled free of a specimen, the white
dial reading used in conjunction with the calibration
curve establishes the FN of the specimen.
10 Welding

Research Council, P.O. Box 201547, Shaker Heights,

OH 44120.
11 Manufactured by Magne-Gage Sales & Service, 629 Packer
Street, Avoca, PA 18641.

12 Manufactured by Fischer Technology, 750 Marshall Phelps

Road, Windsor, CT 06095.

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

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(A) STANDARD MAGNE-GAGE

(B) MAGNE-GAGE FROM REAR, COUNTERWEIGHT ADDED TO LEFT SIDE OF BALANCE BEAM

Figure D.1Magne-Gage-Type Instruments

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

(C) TORSION BALANCE WITH MAGNE-GAGE NO. 3 MAGNET

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Figure D.1 (Continued)Magne-Gage-Type Instruments

Figure D.2Ferritescope Model FE8-KF

35

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

D4. Inspector Gage13

of this printing, the ability of these instruments to determine ferrite above 30 FN is unknown.

This instrument (Figure D.3) is usable in any position. It

is a hand-held magnetic instrument with thumb-actuated
spring tension. The instrument gives direct readings in
FN if it is a new model designed to do so. Older models
can be rebuilt by the manufacturer to give acceptable
readings on weld metal in terms of FN. At the time of
this printing, the ability of Inspector Gages to determine
ferrite above 30 FN is unknown. The Inspector Gage
Model Number 111 with either a 6F (% ferrite) or a 7F
(FN) scale can be calibrated with primary standards
according to D4. Other models can only be calibrated
with secondary standards.

D5.1 Ferrite Indicator.14 This instrument (Figure D.4)

is commonly called a Severn Gage. It is usable in any
position. It is a go-no-go type gage which determines
whether the ferrite content of the weld under test is above
or below that of each of a number of inserts of various
magnetic strengths which come with the instrument. At
least one unthreaded test insert must be available for use
in conjunction with one of the threaded inserts with specified FN values. The purpose of the unthreaded inserts is
to assure that the magnet has not lost strength. Details
may be obtained from the manufacturer for conversion of
percent-ferrite values on earlier model Severn gages to
FN. Severn gages calibrated directly in terms of FN are
now available. Older model gages can be converted to
the FN scale by the manufacturer. Calibration of a Severn gage with secondary standards can only be approximate because the Severn gage does not provide a discrete
FN test value, only a range of possible FN values for the
sample under test.

D5. Other Instruments

The following instruments at the time of the writing of
this revision are not capable of being calibrated to primary standards. They can, however, be calibrated with
weld-metal-like secondary standards and produce
acceptable consistent results. Again, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that instrument calibration is
maintained and to have the instrument repaired by the
manufacturer if consistent readings on the weld-metallike secondary standards cannot be obtained. At the time

D5.2 Foerster Ferrite Content Meter.15 This is a light

battery-powered instrument (Figure D.5) usable in any
position. It closely resembles the Feritscope in its operation
14 Manufactured

by Severn Engineering Co., Inc., 98 Edgewood Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.

15 Marketed by Foerster Instrument, Inc., 140 Industry Drive,
RIDC Park West, Pittsburgh, PA 15275.

13 Manufactured

by Elcometer, Inc., 1893 Rochester Industrial

Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309.

//^:^^#^~^^"#~:""^#$:@#:"#:$@:$:"~#""@~^*^~:^^~^^^:~~\\

Figure D.3Inspector Gage

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Figure D.4Ferrite Indicator (Severn Gage)

Figure D.5Foerster Ferrite Content Meter

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except that it has a single contact-point probe which

allows ferrite determination in very localized regions. On
older models, the meter output indicates ferrite content
as a percentage, which can be effectively converted to
FN values by use of suitable weld-metal-like secondary
standards to produce a satisfactory calibration curve.
Newer models are now available on which the meter
reads directly in FN values.

purposes. Many are regarded as not suitable in their

present form because of limitations such as range, problems in calibration, or varying response due to the position of use or to their relation to the north-to-south
magnetic field lines of the earth. Instruments which are
suitable in other respects must still be calibrated to the
FN scale in a manner traceable to this standard. This can
be accomplished by the use of a set of weld-metal-like
secondary standards, as specified in Clause 7. The establishment of an adequate correlation is the responsibility
of the user.

D5.3 Unspecified Instruments. A number of other magnetic measuring instruments are available for various

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Annex E (Informative)
Guidelines for the Preparation of Technical Inquiries
This annex is not a part of AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD), Standard Procedures for
Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic and Duplex
Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal, but is included for informational purposes only.

E1. Introduction

sion(s) shall be identified in the scope of the inquiry

along with the edition of the standard that contains the
provision(s) the inquirer is addressing.

The American Welding Society (AWS) Board of Directors

has adopted a policy whereby all official interpretations
of AWS standards are handled in a formal manner.
Under this policy, all interpretations are made by the
committee that is responsible for the standard. Official
communication concerning an interpretation is directed
through the AWS staff member who works with that
committee. The policy requires that all requests for an
interpretation be submitted in writing. Such requests will
be handled as expeditiously as possible, but due to the
complexity of the work and the procedures that must be
followed, some interpretations may require considerable
time.

E2.2 Purpose of the Inquiry. The purpose of the inquiry

shall be stated in this portion of the inquiry. The purpose
can be to obtain an interpretation of a standards requirement or to request the revision of a particular provision
in the standard.
E2.3 Content of the Inquiry. The inquiry should be
concise, yet complete, to enable the committee to understand the point of the inquiry. Sketches should be used
whenever appropriate, and all paragraphs, figures, and
tables (or annex) that bear on the inquiry shall be cited. If
the point of the inquiry is to obtain a revision of the
standard, the inquiry shall provide technical justification
for that revision.

E2. Procedure
Managing Director
Technical Services Division
American Welding Society
550 N.W. LeJeune Road
Miami, FL 33126

E3. Interpretation of Provisions of

the Standard

All inquiries shall contain the name, address, and affiliation of the inquirer, and they shall provide enough information for the committee to understand the point of
concern in the inquiry. When the point is not clearly
defined, the inquiry will be returned for clarification. For
efficient handling, all inquiries should be typewritten and
in the format specified below.

Interpretations of provisions of the standard are made by

the relevant AWS technical committee. The secretary of
the committee refers all inquiries to the chair of the particular subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the portion of the standard addressed by the inquiry. The
subcommittee reviews the inquiry and the proposed reply
to determine what the response to the inquiry should
be. Following the subcommittees development of the
response, the inquiry and the response are presented to

E2.1 Scope. Each inquiry shall address one single provision of the standard unless the point of the inquiry
involves two or more interrelated provisions. The provi-

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E2.4 Proposed Reply. The inquirer should, as a

proposed reply, state an interpretation of the provision
that is the point of the inquiry or provide the wording for
a proposed revision, if this is what the inquirer seeks.

All inquiries shall be directed to:

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

the entire committee for review and approval. Upon

approval by the committee, the interpretation is an official
interpretation of the Society, and the secretary transmits
the response to the inquirer and to the Welding Journal
for publication.

dard with the information that such an interpretation can

be obtained only through a written request. Headquarters
staff cannot provide consulting services. However, the
staff can refer a caller to any of those consultants whose
names are on file at AWS Headquarters.

E4. Publication of Interpretations

E6. AWS Technical Committees

All official interpretations will appear in the Welding

Journal and will be posted on the AWS web site.

The activities of AWS technical committees regarding

interpretations are limited strictly to the interpretation of
provisions of standards prepared by the committees or to
consideration of revisions to existing provisions on the
basis of new data or technology. Neither AWS staff nor
the committees are in a position to offer interpretive or
consulting services on (1) specific engineering problems,
(2) requirements of standards applied to fabrications
outside the scope of the document, or (3) points not
specifically covered by the standard. In such cases, the
inquirer should seek assistance from a competent engineer experienced in the particular field of interest.

E5. Telephone Inquiries

Telephone inquiries to AWS Headquarters concerning
AWS standards should be limited to questions of a general nature or to matters directly related to the use of the
standard. The AWS Board of Directors policy requires
that all AWS staff members respond to a telephone
request for an official interpretation of any AWS stan-

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

Annex F (Informative)
List of Deviations from ISO 8249:2000

Additional Normative Annex:

Deleted be after should in the Note of Figure 2.

Annex C, Calibration of Legacy Instruments with Primary Standards

Changed laid to deposited in 5.2 item f.

Additional Informative Annexes:

Added reference to Annex D in 7.1.

Annex D, Instruments

Deleted to hand from the end of second sentence of

7.3.

Changed over to of in 5.2, item e.

Annex E, Guidelines for the Preparation of Technical

Inquiries

Added after first two sentences in Clause 8, The first set

of secondary standards was made by Teledyne McKay in
the late 1960s. These were a build up of SMAW much
like the pad shown in 5.2. They were used to develop the
FN system of measuring ferrite as we know it today,
replacing the % ferrite system previously used. Teledyne McKay subsequently produced and sold sets of
these secondary standards, but ceased doing so in the late
1970s.

Editorial Changes:
The title has been changed from Welding Determination
of Ferrite Number (FN) in austenitic and duplex ferriticaustenitic Cr-Ni stainless steel weld metals to Standard
Procedures for Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to
Measure the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic and
Duplex Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal.

Added last in Clause 8, last sentence.

In all cases changed This International standard to This

standard.

Added apostrophe to third line of A.3.1 to read 2 2.

Changed National Bureau of Standards (NBS) to
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
in A.6.3.

In the Scope changed manual metal arc to shielded

metal arc.

Added footnote 7 NIST was formerly named National

Bureau of Standards (NBS).

Added new subclause 4.5.

Added zeroes in Table 1 after decimal to make these
figures consistent.

Changed NBS to NIST in A.6.3, Table A.3, and

A.6.4.

Added Shielded Metal Arc in title of Clause 5.

Changed by one operator to for each operator and in

the last sentence of A.7.3.

Changed manual to shielded metal arc covered in 5.1.

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This annex is not a part of AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD), Standard Procedures for
Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content of Austenitic and Duplex
Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal, but is included for informational purposes only.

AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

OFW

SMAW

GTAW
GMAW
PAW

Carbon Steel

A5.20

A5.10

A5.18

A5.20

A5.17

A5.25

A5.26

A5.8, A5.31

Low-Alloy Steel

A5.20

A5.50

A5.28

A5.29

A5.23

A5.25

A5.26

A5.8, A5.31

A5.40

A5.9, A5.22

A5.22

A5.90

A5.90

A5.90

A5.8, A5.31

A5.15

A5.15

A5.15

Nickel Alloys

A5.11

A5.14

Aluminum Alloys

A5.30

A5.10

A5.8, A5.31

Copper Alloys

A5.60

A5.70

A5.8, A5.31

Titanium Alloys

A5.16

A5.8, A5.31

Zirconium Alloys

A5.24

A5.8, A5.31

Magnesium Alloys

A5.19

A5.8, A5.31

Tungsten Electrodes

A5.12

Stainless Steel
A5.15

SAW

ESW

EGW

Brazing

A5.8, A5.31
A5.14

A5.8, A5.31

Brazing Alloys and Fluxes

Surfacing Alloys

A5.8, A5.31
A5.21

A5.13

A5.21

Consumable Inserts

A5.30

Shielding Gases

A5.32

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A5.21

A5.32

A5.21

A5.32

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Cast Iron

FCAW

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AWS Filler Metal Specifications by Material and Welding Process

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

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AWS A4.2M:2006 (ISO 8249:2000 MOD)

AWS Filler Metal Specifications and Related Documents

Designation

Title

FMC

Filler Metal Comparison Charts

IFS

International Index of Welding Filler Metal Classifications

UGFM

Users Guide to Filler Metals

A4.2M
Standard Procedures for Calibrating Magnetic Instruments to Measure the Delta Ferrite Content Austenitic and
(ISO 8249 MOD) Duplex Ferritic-Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Metal

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A4.3

Standard Methods for Determination of the Diffusible Hydrogen Content of Martensitic, Bainitic, and Ferritic
Steel Weld Metal Produced by Arc Welding

A4.4M

Standard Procedures for Determination of Moisture Content of Welding Fluxes and Welding Electrode Flux Coverings

A5.01

Filler Metal Procurement Guidelines

A5.1/A5.1M

Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.2

Specification for Carbon and Low Alloy Steel Rods for Oxyfuel Gas Welding

A5.3/A5.3M

Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.4/A5.4M

Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.5/A5.5M

Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.6

Specification for Covered Copper and Copper Alloy Arc Welding Electrodes

A5.7

Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Bare Welding Rods and Electrodes

A5.8/A5.8M

Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding

A5.9/A5.9M

Specification for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.10/A5.10M

Specification for Bare Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.11/A5.11M

Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Alloy Welding Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.12/A5.12M

Specification for Tungsten and Tungsten-Alloy Electrodes for Arc Welding and Cutting

A5.13

Specification for Surfacing Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding

A5.14/A5.14M

Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Alloy Bare Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.15

Specification for Welding Electrodes and Rods for Cast Iron

A5.16/A5.16M

Specification for Titanium and Titanium Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.17/A5.17M

Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding

A5.18/A5.18M

Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding

A5.19

Specification for Magnesium Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.20/A5.20M

Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding

A5.21

Specification for Bare Electrodes and Rods for Surfacing

A5.22

Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding and Stainless Steel Flux Cored Rods for
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

A5.23/A5.23M

Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding

A5.24/A5.24M

Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods

A5.25/A5.25M

Specification for Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Electroslag Welding

A5.26/A5.26M

Specification for Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Electrogas Welding

A5.28/A5.28M

Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding

A5.29/A5.29M

Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding

A5.30

Specification for Consumable Inserts

A5.31

Specification for Fluxes for Brazing and Braze Welding

A5.32/A5.32M

Specification for Welding Shielding Gases

45
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46
Copyright American Welding Society
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Copyright American Welding Society

Provided by IHS under license with AWS
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

Not for Resale