AWS B2.1-1-206-2019 PDF

Full title and description

St AWS B2.1-1-206-2019 — Standard Welding Procedure Specification (SWPS) for Shielded Metal Arc Welding of Carbon Steel (M-1/P-1, Group 1 or 2), 1/8 inch [3 mm] through 1-1/2 inch [38 mm] Thick, E6010 (Vertical Downhill) Followed by E7018 (Vertical Uphill), in the As‑Welded or PWHT Condition, Primarily Pipe Applications. This document provides a pre‑qualified set of welding variables and limits intended to support consistent, code‑compatible pipe welding using a two‑electrode SMAW sequence.

Abstract

This SWPS specifies essential welding variables, joint and filler‑metal options, and process sequencing for manual shielded‑metal‑arc welding of carbon steel pipe using E6010 (vertical downhill) followed by E7018 (vertical uphill). It is intended to permit production welding within the listed parameter ranges without a site‑specific PQR, provided the user applies the SWPS exactly and meets the document’s limitations and qualifications.

General information

• Status: Active (published as an AWS SWPS document).
• Publication date: 2019 (approval/publication recorded 01 March 2019).
• Publisher: American Welding Society (AWS).
• ICS / categories: 25.160.10 (Welding processes).
• Edition / version: 2019 edition (first published in the B2.1‑1‑2xx SWPS series in 2019).
• Number of pages: Vendor listings report approximately 26–29 pages (page counts vary by distributor).

Scope

The standard contains pre‑qualified welding parameters for SMAW on carbon steel pipe in the thickness range 1/8 in. to 1‑1/2 in. (3–38 mm). It specifies base‑metal groupings, joint types (fillet and groove), permitted filler‑metal combinations (E6010 for downhill root passes followed by E7018 for uphill passes), allowable welding positions and travel techniques, heat‑treatment condition options (as‑welded or post‑weld heat treatment), and limitations on variables beyond which the SWPS is not valid. The SWPS was developed primarily for pipe applications and assumes competent welding personnel and appropriate QA/QC controls.

Key topics and requirements

• Essential welding variables (current, polarity, electrode type, travel speed, heat input limits) and acceptable ranges for production use.
• Process sequence requirement: E6010 vertical downhill for root passes followed by E7018 vertical uphill for fill and cap passes.
• Thickness coverage: 1/8 in. [3 mm] through 1‑1/2 in. [38 mm]; joint types and sizes suitable for pipe work.
• As‑welded or PWHT acceptance criteria and guidance on when PWHT is required/allowed.
• Limitations and user responsibilities: SWPS applies only within listed variables; users remain responsible for fit‑up, personnel qualification, inspection, and final acceptance.

Typical use and users

Primary users are welding engineers, pipe fabrication shops, pipeline contractors, inspectors, quality managers, and welding supervisors who need a pre‑qualified SMAW procedure for carbon steel pipe. The SWPS is used to speed production qualification while maintaining repeatable, code‑conforming welding practice for projects where the listed parameters are acceptable.

Related standards

Related AWS SWPS documents in the B2.1‑1‑2xx series (other SMAW and combined‑process SWPSs published in 2018–2020), AWS filler‑metal specifications (e.g., AWS A5.1 series for carbon‑steel electrodes), and applicable code/qualification documents such as ASME Section IX and referenced AWS D standards for welding quality and inspection. Users commonly consult nearby B2.1‑1‑20x SWPS entries for alternative electrodes/processes.

Keywords

SWPS, SMAW, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, E6010, E7018, carbon steel, pipe welding, vertical downhill, vertical uphill, PWHT, essential welding variables, AWS B2.1‑1‑206:2019.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is an AWS Standard Welding Procedure Specification (SWPS) providing pre‑qualified SMAW parameters for carbon‑steel pipe welding using a two‑electrode sequence (E6010 then E7018).

Q: What does it cover?

A: Coverage includes essential variables, permitted filler‑metal combinations and pass sequencing, joint designs (fillet and groove), thickness ranges from 1/8 in. to 1‑1/2 in., allowable positions, and guidance for as‑welded or PWHT conditions. The SWPS is limited to the parameter ranges shown and is intended primarily for pipe applications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Welding engineers, fabricators, pipeline contractors, QA/QC personnel and inspectors who require a documented, industry‑accepted procedure for production SMAW pipe welding without performing site PQRs for the same parameter set.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was published in 2019 and is listed as active in commercial catalogues and AWS product listings; users should confirm the current status with AWS or authorized distributors before procurement or quoting.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one entry in the AWS B2.1‑1 (SWPS) family of documents published around 2018–2020 that cover different processes, electrode combinations, and thickness ranges for plate and pipe applications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: E6010, E7018, SMAW, SWPS, carbon steel, pipe, vertical downhill, vertical uphill, PWHT, essential welding variables.