A588 Preheat for SAW — over 2-1/2"

SAW (Submerged Arc Welding)

SAW submerges the arc beneath granular flux for highest deposition rates, flat/horizontal only. Category B in Table 5.11.

SAW with F7A2-EM12K wire/flux delivers the highest deposition rates for flat-position fillet welds on building steel. Typical parameters: 500-700 amps, 28-32 volts, 18-30 IPM travel speed. Flux consumption runs approximately equal to wire consumption by weight. Unfused flux recovery and recycling systems are standard in production shops to control consumable costs.

SAW Tips for Common Structural Steels

For A588 weathering steel (50 ksi yield, CE-IIW 0.45–0.52), SAW with weathering-composition wire (EM12K-W or similar) and neutral flux handles girder web-to-flange fillet welds on unpainted bridge fabrication. The higher alloy content of A588 means the SAW heat input on thick flanges is a more critical parameter than on A36 — target 30–55 kJ/in to avoid excessive grain growth in the wide HAZ.

Typical values for reference — always verify against your approved WPS and electrode manufacturer data.

Filler Metal for SAW

Wire: EM12K or EL12 with matching flux (AWS A5.17). Common combo: F7A2-EM12K. Diameter: 3/32" or 7/64". Flux type: active (A) for single-pass, neutral (N) for multi-pass. Voltage: 28-34V. Current: 400-800A depending on joint size. Travel: 12-24 ipm.

Typical values for reference — always verify against your approved WPS and electrode manufacturer data.

A588

ASTM A588 is a weathering steel specification (50 ksi minimum yield, 70 ksi minimum tensile) that forms a protective iron oxide patina when exposed to atmospheric wet-dry cycling. The copper (0.25-0.40%), chromium (0.40-0.65%), and nickel (0.25-0.40%) alloying creates a dense, adherent rust layer that stabilizes after 2-5 years of exposure. Used in unpainted bridges and exposed structural members, it requires low-hydrogen processes (Category B) per Table 5.11 due to its higher alloy content pushing CE-IIW to 0.45-0.52. Weld filler metal must be a matching weathering composition (e.g., E8018-W2) to achieve corrosion-matching at exposed joints. A588 is produced as plate up to 8" thick and is available in structural shapes, though A709 Gr.50W is more commonly specified for bridge applications.

Why This Preheat for A588 with SAW

Weathering steel forming protective patina for unpainted bridge applications. This steel is prequalified only with low-hydrogen processes under Table 5.11. With SAW, the submerged arc process with granular flux produces controlled hydrogen levels, with flux condition being the primary variable. The 225°F minimum preheat balances the steel’s strength level and carbon equivalent against the hydrogen control provided by SAW. Non-low-hydrogen SMAW is not an option for this grade under D1.1 prequalified WPS.

Typical Applications for A588

Used in unpainted highway bridge girders, exposed pedestrian bridges, architectural weathering facades, transmission tower legs, rail bridge stringers, and marine navigation light structures. A588 welds must use compatible weathering-type filler metals (e.g., E8018-W2 or ER80S-G) to achieve matching corrosion resistance in the exposed weld face. Girder flange splices and stiffener fillet welds are primary fabrication joints. The distinctive brown-orange patina develops over 2-5 years of atmospheric exposure to form a stable, adherent oxide layer that does not require repainting. In coastal locations with salt spray or in areas where the surface stays wet for extended periods, the protective oxide layer may not form properly, limiting A588 to inland applications with reliable wet-dry cycling. Bolt holes and copes must be deburred to prevent corrosion concentration. Drainage details in the steel design prevent water traps that would undermine the patina formation process.

Why Preheat Matters at over 2-1/2"

The heaviest sections demand the highest preheat in Table 5.11. Multi-pass sequences require maintaining interpass temperature throughout.

Other Steels with SAW at over 2-1/2"

A588 with SAW

Try Different Combinations

Use the interactive preheat calculator to look up any steel, process, and thickness combination from D1.1:2025 Table 5.11.

A588 Welding Guides