How to weld > How to avoid hydrogen cracking > Hydrogen content in the joint

Hydrogen levels in unalloyed and low-alloyed consumables

The hydrogen in the weld metal that diffuses to its surroundings is called the diffusible hydrogen content. The part of the hydrogen that is dissolved by the weld metal is called the residual hydrogen content. Consumables to be used for the Hardox and Strenx grades are recommended to have a diffusible hydrogen level not exceeding 5ml H2 / 100 g of weld metal.

Further information regarding hydrogen content in different types of consumables is described in the section: Welding Consumables of SSAB Welding handbook.

The storage and handling of the consumables should be in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations in order to avoid excessive hydrogen pickup. The strictest requirements regarding the handling of consumables normally apply to SMAW consumables and for the flux applied at SAW. Opened packages of consumables needs to be re-dryed or stored at elevated temperatures. Information about heating temperatures and holding times are stated by their manufacturer on for instance the package or appended documentation. 

Contact Technical support


The information in this report is only applicable to SSAB’s products and should not be applied to any other products than original SSAB products. 


This report provides general results and recommendations for SSAB steel products. This report is subject to SSAB’s Terms of Use. It shall be the user's responsibility to verify that the information contained herein is correct and is suitable to be used for the particular purpose and application of the user. The report is intended to be used by professional users only who possess adequate expertise, qualification and knowledge for the safe and correct use of the results and recommendations in this report. This report is provided “as is”. The use of the report is at user’s own discretion and risk and that users will be solely responsible for any use of this report. SSAB disclaims any liability for the content or potential errors of this report, including but not limited to warranties and condition of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or suitability for individual applications. SSAB shall not be liable for any kind of direct or indirect damages and/or costs related to or arising therefrom, whether special, incidental, consequential or directly or indirectly related to the use of, or the inability to use, the report or the content, information or results included therein.