Welding Consumables -- Gases and Gas Mixtures for Fusion Welding and Allied Processes.

Classification is based on composition of the more popular single and multi-component gases.

Additional requirements are included for purity and moisture of individual gas components, testing, retesting, packaging, and cylinder or container labeling.

Scope: This Standard specifies requirements for the classification of gases and gas mixtures used in fusion welding and allied processes including, but not limited to: gas tungsten arc welding GTAW; gas metal arc welding GMAW; flux cored arc welding FCAW; plasma arc welding PAW; plasma arc cutting PAC; laser beam welding LBW; laser beam cutting LBC; arc braze welding ABW; electrogas welding EGW.

The purpose of this Standard is to classify and designate these gases and gas mixtures in accordance with their chemical properties and metallurgical behavior as the basis for correct selection by the user and to simplify the possible qualification procedures.

The modes of application for gas shielded welding processes include, but are not limited to: manual, semiautomatic, mechanized, and automatic weld methods.

Gas purities and mixing tolerances are specified as delivered by the supplier (manufacturer) and not at the point of use.

Fuel gases, such as acetylene, natural gas, propane, etc., and resonator gases, as used in gas lasers, are not covered by this Standard.

Transportation and handling of gases and containers shall be in accordance with local, national, and regional standards and regulations as required.

Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard and, therefore, are not fully addressed herein.

Some safety and health information can be found in annex clause A5.

Safety and health information is available from other sources, including, but not limited to: Safety and Health Fact Sheets listed in A8.3, ANSI Z49.1 Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes1, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Standard dimensions based on either system may be used for packaging or both under A5.32M or A5.32 specifications.

Aws A5.32 Mix Gas