I've spent a considerable amount of time searching for information about A numbers and F numbers.
I sure would like to know where to find information about A Numbers, and F Numbers for Electrode Groups.
It would be helpful to know what welding standard you are working with.
AWS B2.1 and ASME Section IX addresses both A numbers and F numbers in more detail than AWS D1.1. Basically, D1.1 only addresses F1, F2, F3, and F4 for shielded metal arc electrodes. D1.1 does not address A numbers.
AND, I could also use help with explaining the Filler metals of alloy group B3, B3L, B4, B4L, B5, B5L,,, as listed Table 3.2 note "a" in the D1.1/D1.M:2015 on page 56.
The suffix designations are extensions of the F4 shielded metal arc electrodes. They designate alloy additions to the flux covering. They do not affect the F numbers.
For some reason, this information is pretty hard to find. A "google" search doesn't seem to get me anywhere.
I think I should also ask about definitive information regarding P numbers and M numbers as well.
M numbers are used by AWS B2.1. P numbers are used by ASME Section IX. Both are used to group base metals based on their carbon equivalent or alloy.
And, how are these elusive group numbers different that the group numbers used in Tables 3.1 (Approved Base Metals), and 3.2 (Filler Metals for Matching Strength to Table 3.1)
D1.1 only deals with low carbon and high strength low alloy steels, so they use a simplified system to group those base metals. Again, the groupings are essentially based on carbon equivalents.
ASME Section IX and AWS B21. deal with both ferrous and nonferrous metals, thus both have adopted a system that encompasses both.
Attempting to compare Groups, P numbers, and M numbers, while similar in some regards, each includes different material specification that may or may not appear in all three systems.
Al