Overview
ISO 15792-2:2020 - "Welding consumables - Test methods - Part 2" - specifies how to prepare butt weld test pieces and specimens in steel for single-run and two-run welding techniques. It applies to welding consumables used for arc welding of steel and defines plate prep, welding conditions, heat treatment and specimen locations so that the strength and impact properties of welded joints can be evaluated consistently. This edition (2020) replaces the 2000 edition and is NOT suitable for electro-slag or electro-gas welding.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Preparation rules for butt weld test pieces used to test welding consumables in arc welding of steel (single-run and two-run techniques).
- Test-piece material: Plate material must conform to the relevant consumable classification standard.
- Test-piece preparation:
- Plates must be clamped to produce a flat assembly; no post-weld straightening.
- Use of run-on/run-off appendices and inverted support systems (for single-run) is permitted.
- Tabled test-piece types (examples from the standard): type 2.1 (12 mm plate - single run), type 2.3 (6 mm plate - single run), type 2.5 (20 mm plate - two runs) and a USA-specific type 2.6 (12 mm - two runs).
- Welding conditions:
- Weld in the flat position; start at ambient or with required preheat.
- Maintain interpass temperatures and welding parameters per the consumable manufacturer and classification standard.
- Preheat and interpass temperatures shall be measured (e.g., thermocouples or surface thermometers) in accordance with ISO 13916.
- Heat treatment:
- Post‑weld heat treatments (except degassing) performed on the finished test-piece or suitable sections.
- Degassing may be applied at ≤250 °C for up to 16 hours on the test piece.
- Specimen types and locations:
- Transverse tensile specimens (ISO 4136), deposited-metal longitudinal tensile (ISO 5178 for type 2.6), and Charpy V‑notch impact specimens (ISO 9016).
- Charpy specimens typically 10 × 10 mm (reduced 5 × 10 mm for thin plates) and specified extraction positions (mid-thickness or last pass depending on type).
- Mechanical or thermal cutting allowed; allow extra material for finishing when using thermal cutting.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses it: welding consumable manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, welding engineers, quality assurance/qualification bodies, and R&D teams validating filler metal performance.
- Why it matters: ensures repeatable, comparable test-piece preparation and specimen extraction for reliable assessment of weld mechanical strength and impact toughness during consumable classification or product development.
Related standards
- ISO 4136 - Transverse tensile test
- ISO 5178 - Longitudinal tensile test of deposited metal
- ISO 9016 - Charpy V‑notch impact test (specimen orientation and position)
- ISO 13916 - Measurement of preheat/interpass temperatures
Keywords: ISO 15792-2:2020, welding consumables, test methods, single-run, two-run, butt weld test pieces, steel, Charpy, transverse tensile, specimen preparation.