AWS C7.3

Abstract

This specification addresses processing and quality control requirements for electron beam welding. Processing includes both high- and low-voltage welding equipment and high and medium vacuum variations.<br><strong>Materials</strong>.<br>This specification covers all major engineering alloys including:<br><strong>Ferrous Alloys</strong> (steels and stainless steels)<br><strong>Aerospace Alloys</strong> (Al alloys, Ti alloys, superalloys)<br><strong>Heat-Resisting Alloys</strong> (refractory metal alloys)<br><strong>Other Metals</strong> (Cu alloys, Be alloys, precious metals)<br><strong>Qualification Categories</strong>. There are three categories to which welds may be qualified: Class A, B, or C.<br><strong>Class A&#8212;Critical Applications</strong>.<br>Critical weldments include those where a failure of any portion would cause loss of system, loss of major component, loss of control, unintentional release of critical stores (such as fuel or cargo), or endangerment of personnel.<br><strong>Class B&#8212;Semicritical Applications</strong>.<br>Semicritical weldments include those where a failure would reduce the overall efficiency of the system but loss of the system or endangerment of personnel would not be experienced.<br><strong>Class C&#8212;Noncritical Applications</strong>.<br>Noncritical weldments include those where a failure would not affect the efficiency of the system or endanger personnel.