Overview
EN ISO 24373:2018 (ISO 24373:2018) - "Welding consumables - Solid wires and rods for fusion welding of copper and copper alloys - Classification" is a CEN-endorsed international standard that defines how solid welding wires and rods for copper and copper alloys are classified. The classification is based on chemical composition and provides a uniform designation system to support procurement, production, testing and quality assurance of welding consumables for copper and copper alloys.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Classification method: Two-part designation - a product-form symbol and a numerical symbol for chemical composition.
- Product-form symbol: S (solid wire or rod).
- Chemical composition: numerical symbols listed in Table 1 (each corresponding to defined alloy chemistries).
- Scope: Applies to solid filler wires and rods used for fusion welding of copper and copper alloys (use is not restricted to a single welding process).
- Chemical analysis (Clause 7): Chemical analyses are performed on product specimens or stock. Any analytical technique may be used; in disputes, agreed published methods apply.
- Rounding procedure (Clause 8): Measurement values are rounded following ISO 80000-1 rules before comparison with classification limits.
- Retest rules (Clause 9): Failed tests must be repeated twice; both retests must meet requirements or the material fails classification.
- Mechanical properties: The mechanical properties of the weld metal are explicitly not part of the classification.
- Technical delivery conditions (Clause 10): Delivery and marking requirements reference ISO 544 and ISO 14344.
- Annexes:
- Annex A: Corresponding national classifications.
- Annex B: Process considerations (e.g., recommendations for oxyfuel and gas‑shielded metal arc welding).
- Updates: This edition adds alloys (for example, CuSn6MnSi) and updates chemistries from earlier editions.
Practical applications
- Standardizes selection and designation of filler metals for fusion welding of copper and copper alloys.
- Helps procurement teams write clear specifications and purchasing orders for welding consumables.
- Supports quality control and conformity assessment in welding consumable manufacturing and testing.
- Aids welding engineers and fabricators to match filler alloy chemistry to base materials and intended welding processes.
- Useful for technical documentation, marking, and traceability of welding wires and rods.
Who should use this standard
- Welding engineers and metallurgists
- Consumable manufacturers and suppliers
- Quality assurance and inspection personnel
- Procurement and specification writers
- Standards bodies and testing laboratories
Related standards
- ISO 544 - Technical delivery conditions for filler materials
- ISO 14344 - Procurement of filler materials and fluxes
- ISO 80000-1 - Quantities and units (rounding rules)
Keywords: EN ISO 24373:2018, welding consumables, solid wires, rods, fusion welding, copper alloys, classification, chemical composition, CuSn6MnSi.