Overview
EN ISO 15792-2:2020 - "Welding consumables - Test methods - Part 2: Preparation of single-run and two-run technique test pieces and specimens in steel" - specifies how to prepare butt-weld test pieces and specimens used to determine the strength and impact properties of welded joints when testing welding consumables for arc welding of steel. It applies to single-run and two-run techniques and is not suitable for electro‑slag or electro‑gas welding.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Preparation of butt weld test pieces for testing welding consumables (arc welding of steel); excludes electro‑slag/gas methods.
- Test-piece types: Several standardised test-piece configurations (types 2.1–2.6) with defined plate thicknesses, bevels and tolerances to represent single-run and two-run techniques.
- Material: Test plate material shall follow the relevant consumable classification standard.
- Assembly & preparation:
- Plates must be preset/restrained to produce a flat welded test piece; the welded assembly shall not be straightened afterwards.
- Backing systems and run‑on/run‑off plates are permitted for single‑run technique.
- If thermal cutting is used, provide at least 10 mm machining allowance on either side.
- Welding conditions:
- Welding performed in the flat position.
- Start at room temperature or after required preheating; interpass and preheat temperatures measured (e.g., thermocouples, crayons) and controlled per consumable standard.
- Welding parameters (current, voltage, travel speed, bead size) must be within manufacturer recommendations and, for classification, within the consumable standard limits.
- Heat treatment:
- All required heat treatments (except hydrogen-removal) applied to completed test piece or sections with machining allowance.
- Hydrogen removal may be done before or after final machining; may be held ≤250 °C for up to 16 h.
- Specimen location & dimensions:
- Positions for notched impact specimens, transverse tensile and all-weld-metal tensile specimens shown in figures; follow ISO 9016, ISO 4136 and ISO 5178 for specimen geometry and testing.
- Typical impact specimen sizes: 10 × 10 mm (subsize 5 × 10 mm where applicable).
Applications
- Classification and performance testing of welding consumables (fluxes, electrodes, tubular cored wires) intended for arc welding of steel.
- Laboratory test programs to determine weld metal tensile strength and impact toughness for product datasheets, conformity assessment and R&D.
- Defining consistent specimen preparation for comparative testing across manufacturers and test houses.
Who should use this standard
- Welding consumable manufacturers and product development teams
- Independent test laboratories and certification bodies
- Quality, welding and metallurgical engineers involved in consumable selection and validation
- Standards committees and technical assessors preparing conformity reports
Related standards
- ISO 4136 - Transverse tensile test on welds
- ISO 5178 - Longitudinal tensile test on weld metal
- ISO 9016 - Impact tests - specimen location and notch orientation
- ISO 13916 - Temperature-measurement guidance for preheat/interpass
Using EN ISO 15792-2:2020 ensures reproducible preparation of butt-weld test pieces for reliable evaluation of welding consumables under single‑run and two‑run welding techniques.