Oct 6, 2026
Can I Use ER80S-B2 Welding Wire for P22 Steel? B2 vs B3 Explained
Can ER80S-B2 be used for P22 steel? Compare ER80S-B2 and ER90S-B3 and learn when B2 can or cannot replace B3 for P22 welding.
For P22-to-P22 welding, ER90S-B3 is normally the appropriate choice. ER80S-B2 should not be treated as a direct replacement for B3.
However, B2 may be considered for certain dissimilar-metal joints or specially qualified welding procedures. The final selection depends on the base materials, weld-metal requirements, applicable code, and qualified WPS/PQR.
Can ER80S-B2 Replace ER90S-B3 for P22?
Normally, no—not as a direct substitution.
Both ER80S-B2 and ER90S-B3 are Cr-Mo solid welding wires, but they have different alloy systems and strength classifications.
The typical material-to-wire relationship is:
Base Material | Typical Welding Wire |
|---|---|
P11 / T11 | ER80S-B2 |
P22 / T22 | ER90S-B3 |
P22 is a higher-alloy Cr-Mo steel than P11. Therefore, the filler metal needs to provide suitable weld-metal chemistry and mechanical properties for the joint and service conditions.
Why Is ER90S-B3 Normally Used for P22?
Consumable selection for Cr-Mo steel is not based on tensile strength alone.
The welding engineer should consider:
- Weld-metal alloy chemistry
- Strength and toughness requirements
- Elevated-temperature service
- PWHT requirements
- Applicable welding code
- Project specifications
ER90S-B3 is normally selected for P22/T22 because its weld-metal alloy system is intended for this higher-alloy Cr-Mo material.
Therefore, changing from B3 to B2 simply because B2 is available should not be considered an equivalent substitution.
When Can ER80S-B2 Be Used on a P22 Joint?
The answer can change depending on the joint configuration.
P22 to P22
For a direct P22-to-P22 joint, ER90S-B3 is the normal choice.
B2 should not be substituted unless the applicable code and qualified WPS/PQR support the change.
P11 to P22
A P11-to-P22 dissimilar joint is different from a P22-to-P22 weld.
Consumable selection may depend on joint design, dilution, service conditions, code requirements, and the qualified welding procedure. The wire should not be selected simply from the higher-alloy side of the joint.
P22 to Carbon Steel
P22-to-carbon-steel joints may also use a different consumable strategy in some qualified procedures.
A lower-alloy consumable such as B2 may be considered for certain applications, but this is procedure-specific. It does not mean that B2 is a general replacement for B3 in P22 welding.
What Happens If B2 Replaces B3?
Changing the consumable can affect:
- Weld-metal chemistry
- Strength classification
- Toughness
- PWHT response
- WPS/PQR qualification
- Project or code compliance
If an existing WPS is qualified with ER90S-B3, do not assume that ER80S-B2 is automatically covered.
The substitution should be reviewed and qualified according to the applicable code and project requirements before production welding.
B2 vs B3: Quick Selection
| ER80S-B2 | ER90S-B3 |
|---|---|---|
Typical material | P11 / T11 | P22 / T22 |
Alloy system | Lower Cr-Mo | Higher Cr-Mo |
Strength class | 80 ksi | 90 ksi |
Typical P22-P22 choice | No | Yes |
Direct substitution | Not automatic | Not automatic |
FAQ
Can ER80S-B2 be used for P22 steel?
It should not be treated as a direct replacement for ER90S-B3 in P22-to-P22 welding. B2 may be considered in certain dissimilar-metal or specially qualified applications.
Is ER80S-B2 weaker than ER90S-B3?
B2 has an 80 ksi-class strength classification, while B3 is a 90 ksi-class classification. However, alloy chemistry and service requirements are also important when selecting the consumable.
Can I change B3 to B2 if B3 is unavailable?
Not automatically. Review the WPS/PQR, applicable code, project specification, and weld-metal requirements before making the substitution.
Conclusion
For normal P22-to-P22 welding, ER90S-B3 is the appropriate starting point, while ER80S-B2 is normally associated with P11/T11.
B2 is not a general substitute for B3.
For any proposed substitution, evaluate the joint configuration, weld-metal requirements, WPS/PQR, applicable code, and project specification before production welding.
