SG2 Welding Wire vs ER70S-6: Standards, Applications, and Selection Guide
SunJamesIntroduction
In the global welding industry, solid wires play a crucial role in ensuring quality, productivity, and consistency. However, many welders and procurement managers often face a common question: Why do some suppliers list SG2 while others mention ER70S-6? Are they the same, or are there significant differences?
This article explains the relationship between SG2 and ER70S-6 welding wires, comparing their standards, chemical compositions, and applications—helping you make the right choice for your projects.
What is SG2 Welding Wire?
SG2 is the European classification, defined under EN ISO 14341-A G3Si1.
- Applications: Widely used in Europe for structural steel, shipbuilding, pressure vessels, and machinery fabrication.
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Characteristics:
- Medium levels of silicon and manganese.
- Produces smooth welds with good bead appearance.
- Low spatter generation when welding clean steel surfaces.
What is ER70S-6 Welding Wire?
ER70S-6 is the American classification, defined under AWS A5.18.
- Applications: Common worldwide, particularly in North America, Asia, and global export projects.
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Characteristics:
- Higher levels of silicon and manganese.
- Strong deoxidizing ability, allowing welding over slightly rusty or mill-scaled steel.
- Versatile and reliable across industries such as automotive, pipeline, and bridge construction.
SG2 vs ER70S-6: A Direct Comparison
| Feature | SG2 (EN ISO 14341-A G3Si1) | ER70S-6 (AWS A5.18) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard System | European (EN/ISO) | American (AWS) |
| Alloy Composition | Medium Si / Mn | Higher Si / Mn |
| Deoxidizing Ability | Standard | Strong |
| Surface Suitability | Clean steel | Light rust / mill scale |
| Market Focus | Europe | Global (Americas, Asia, exports) |
| Common Uses | Pressure vessels, structural steel | Automotive, bridges, pipelines |
Practical Applications
- SG2 Welding Wire: Ideal for projects that must comply with EN standards—for example, EN1090 certified structural steel fabrications.
- ER70S-6 Welding Wire: Preferred for projects that require surface tolerance or fall under AWS specifications, such as automobile manufacturing, pipeline welding, and heavy machinery.
Bridge Brand Example Products:
- SG2 Equivalent Welding Wire → Fully compliant with EN ISO 14341-A G3Si1.
- ER70S-6 Welding Wire → Certified under AWS A5.18, trusted for consistent performance.
Choosing the Right Wire
The decision between SG2 and ER70S-6 depends mainly on project standards and welding conditions:
- Choose SG2 if you are working under European EN standards.
- Choose ER70S-6 if your project requires better deoxidizing capacity or must meet AWS standards.
- For global distributors and manufacturers, Bridge Brand provides dual-standard welding wires, ensuring compatibility with both EN and AWS requirements—minimizing risks and simplifying procurement.
Conclusion
SG2 and ER70S-6 are not entirely different products—they represent different standard systems for solid welding wires. Understanding these differences helps ensure compliance with project specifications while maintaining efficiency.
With nearly 70 years of expertise, Bridge Brand welding wires are engineered to meet both EN SG2 and AWS ER70S-6 standards, providing global customers with reliable, high-performance welding solutions.
