Chemical components

Product Description

AWS E308L-16 is an ultra-low carbon all-position stainless steel welding electrode compliant with AWS A5.4 and ASME SFA-5.4 standards, specifically designed for welding 18-8 type austenitic stainless steels with enhanced corrosion resistance requirements. Featuring a titanium-calcium (rutile-type) coating, this electrode provides excellent welding performance with carbon content ≤0.04%, significantly reducing the risk of chromium carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion during high-temperature service. The nominal composition of 19Cr-10Ni (18.0-21.0% chromium, 9.0-11.0% nickel) matches base metals such as Types 301, 302, 304, 304L, 308, and cast stainless steels ASTM A743/A744 CF-8. Operating with both AC and DCEP current, it delivers stable arc transfer, low spatter, and easy slag removal across all welding positions except vertical-down.

Features

· Superior Intergranular Corrosion Resistance: The ultra-low carbon content (maximum 0.04%, typically 0.02-0.03%) effectively prevents chromium carbide formation at grain boundaries during welding and subsequent high-temperature exposure (450-870°C sensitization range). This design preserves the corrosion-resistant qualities of both the weld metal and the heat-affected zone (HAZ), making it the preferred choice for applications exposed to corrosive environments including chemical processing, food and beverage equipment, and pharmaceutical industries.
· Excellent Weldability & All-Position Performance: The acid-rutile coating ensures smooth arc transfer with minimal spatter, easy arc starting, and excellent re-striking capabilities across flat, horizontal, vertical-up, and overhead positions. The self-detaching slag characteristics significantly reduce cleanup time and minimize the risk of slag inclusions, while the spray-like arc provides directional control for precise metal placement even with less experienced welders.
· Robust Mechanical Properties: Delivers impressive tensile strength (520-600 MPa/75-87 ksi), yield strength (370-440 MPa/54-64 ksi), and elongation (35-55%) with typical ferrite numbers ranging from 5-11, providing optimal crack resistance and weld integrity. The controlled silicon content (0.22-0.90%) enhances corrosion and crack resistance while maintaining excellent weld bead appearance with fine, uniform ripples and flat to slightly convex profile.

Applications

· Widely utilized across industries requiring superior corrosion resistance and high-quality weldments:
· Food Processing & Pharmaceutical Equipment: Ideally suited for welding stainless steel storage tanks, piping systems, fermentation vessels, CIP (Clean-In-Place) loops, dairy equipment, brewery tanks, pharmaceutical reactors, and food processing machinery where hygienic welds and exceptional corrosion resistance are essential. The ultra-low carbon composition ensures compliance with stringent food safety standards and prevents contamination in critical sanitary applications.
· Chemical & Petrochemical Processing: Extensively used for fabricating and repairing chemical tanks, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pipelines, and process equipment exposed to corrosive chemicals, acids, and elevated temperatures. Suitable for welding Types 321 and 347 stabilized stainless steels in applications not requiring full creep resistance, as well as overlay applications on carbon steel requiring medium hardness and complete corrosion resistance.
· Cryogenic & Low-Temperature Applications: Approved for welding equipment and structures operating at cryogenic temperatures including liquid nitrogen storage containers, LNG (liquefied natural gas) tanks, cryogenic piping systems, and low-temperature processing equipment. The austenitic weld metal maintains excellent toughness and ductility at temperatures as low as -196°C (-321°F).
· General Fabrication & Architectural Applications: Applied for welding stainless steel structures, handrails, architectural components, marine fittings, decorative panels, and general fabrication projects requiring both aesthetic weld quality and corrosion resistance. The all-position capability makes it excellent for field repairs, maintenance work, and fabrications with variable fit-up conditions where AC power sources are commonly available.