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.
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.
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| Classification 1 | EN ISO 14171-A S2 |
| Classification 2 | AWS A5.17 EM12 |
| Classification 3 | GB/T 5293 H08MnA |
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| C | 0.10 |
| Si | 0.07 |
| Mn | 0.80-1.10 |
| S | ≤0.03 |
| P | ≤0.025 |
| Ni | 0.30 |
| Cr | 0.20 |
| Mo | 0.20 |
| Cu | 0.20 |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| 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.
Related Grades
Other welding wire in the same family.






AK-EM12 Questions
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