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AK-EM12 Buried Arc Welding Wire for Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel.

A high-purity manganese welding wire designed for submerged arc welding of carbon steel and low-alloy high-strength structural steel, delivering low sulfur and phosphorus content, excellent crack resistance, and reliable low-temperature impact toughness.

Welding Wire

Product Overview

AK-EM12 is a manganese-containing submerged arc welding wire for manual and automatic welding of carbon steel and low-alloy high-strength structural steel. It is formulated to produce weld metal with low sulfur and phosphorus content, which enhances crack resistance and ensures good mechanical properties at low temperatures.

The wire is intended for use with matching fluxes such as SJ101, and is suitable for welding base metals including Q235 and Q345. It meets the EN ISO 14171-A S2, AWS A5.17 EM12, and GB/T 5293 H08MnA standards.

Application: Combined with welding of carbon steel and low -alloy high -strength structure steel, such as Q235 and Q345 with welding (such as SJ101, etc.), such as Q235 and Q345.

Key Benefits

Low Sulfur and Phosphorus Content.

With sulfur content at or below 0.03% and phosphorus at or below 0.025%, the deposited metal resists hot cracking and maintains integrity under thermal stress.

Excellent Crack Resistance

The controlled chemical composition and low impurity levels reduce the risk of solidification and hydrogen-induced cracking in the weld zone.

High Low-Temperature Impact Toughness.

The weld metal achieves impact values of at least 27 J at minus 40 degrees C, ensuring reliable performance in cold environments.

Compatibility with High-Strength Steels.

Designed for use with Q235 and Q345 base metals, it delivers consistent mechanical properties across a range of structural applications.

Where It Is Used

  • Submerged arc welding of carbon steel structures.
  • Welding of low-alloy high-strength structural steel such as Q345.
  • Fabrication of pressure vessels, bridges, and heavy equipment requiring crack-resistant welds.
  • Applications where low-temperature toughness is required.

Who It Is For

  • Welding consumable distributors supplying submerged arc welding materials.
  • Fabricators working with Q235 and Q345 steel in structural and pressure vessel construction.
  • Contractors involved in infrastructure and heavy industrial projects requiring reliable weld metal properties.

Problems It Solves

  • Weld cracking in high-stress joints due to high sulfur and phosphorus content in filler metal.
  • Inadequate low-temperature toughness in welds exposed to cold environments.
  • Mismatched filler metal chemistry when welding carbon and low-alloy steels, to property deviations from code requirements.

Specifications

Published by the factory for AK-EM12. Values not shown are not published on the datasheet and are marked as such rather than estimated.

Classifications
StandardDesignation
Classification 1EN ISO 14171-A S2
Classification 2AWS A5.17 EM12
Classification 3GB/T 5293 H08MnA
Typical Chemical Composition (%)
ElementContent
C0.10
Si0.07
Mn0.80-1.10
S≤0.03
P≤0.025
Ni0.30
Cr0.20
Mo0.20
Cu0.20
Typical Mechanical Properties
PropertyValue
Tensile strength (MPa)415-530
Yield Stress (MPa)≥330
Elongation (%)≥22J
Impact values (J)≥27J/-40℃

Technical Features

  • Manganese-based submerged arc welding wire with controlled chemical composition.
  • Sulfur content ≤0.03%, phosphorus content ≤0.025% in deposited metal.
  • Tensile strength of 415–530 MPa, yield stress ≥330 MPa, elongation ≥22%
  • Impact toughness ≥27 J at minus 40 degrees C.
  • Complies with EN ISO 14171-A S2, AWS A5.17 EM12, and GB/T 5293 H08MnA standards.

Use Guide

  • Select the wire diameter and flux combination based on joint design and welding position. Use SJ101 or equivalent flux for optimal results.
  • Ensure the wire and flux are stored in dry conditions to prevent moisture absorption.
  • Clean base metal surfaces of rust, oil, paint, and moisture before welding to avoid porosity and defects.
  • Follow recommended welding parameters for current, voltage, and travel speed to achieve consistent bead profile and mechanical properties.

How It Compares

AK-EM12 is a high-purity manganese wire designed for submerged arc welding of carbon and low-alloy steels. It differs from standard H08A wires by having tighter control over sulfur and phosphorus levels, which improves crack resistance and low-temperature performance. Compared to higher-alloyed wires, it is not intended for high-strength or high-temperature service but offers cost-effective performance for Q235 and Q345 applications.

Related Articles

Technical background on this grade from the AKWELD knowledge centre.

AK-EM12 Questions

What standards does AK-EM12 meet?
AK-EM12 complies with EN ISO 14171-A S2, AWS A5.17 EM12, and GB/T 5293 H08MnA.
What are the chemical composition limits for AK-EM12?
Carbon: 0.10%, Silicon: 0.07%, Manganese: 0.80–1.10%, Sulfur: ≤0.03%, Phosphorus: ≤0.025%, Nickel: 0.30%, Chromium: 0.20%, Molybdenum: 0.20%, Copper: 0.20%.
What mechanical properties does the deposited metal achieve?
Tensile strength: 415–530 MPa, yield stress: ≥330 MPa, elongation: ≥22%, impact toughness: ≥27 J at minus 40 degrees C.
Which base metals is AK-EM12 suitable for welding?
It is suitable for welding carbon steel and low-alloy high-strength structural steel, including Q235 and Q345.
What packing is AK-EM12 supplied in?
Packing and marking are set per order and destination. Send the quantity and the destination port with your enquiry and we will confirm the packing before you order.
Can we test AK-EM12 before placing a production order?
Yes. Ask for a trial quantity so your welding engineer can run the grade on your own test plate and check the deposited metal against your procedure.

Request a Quotation for AK-EM12

Send the diameter, the quantity and the destination port. Our technical team replies with packing, pricing and the data you need to qualify the grade.