Chemical components

Product Description

ER316 is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel filler metal compliant with AWS A5.9/A5.9M standards, designed for welding 18Cr-12Ni-2Mo type stainless steels such as AISI 316, 316L, and similar alloys. Featuring a 2-3% molybdenum content in addition to 18.0-20.0wt.% chromium and 11.0-14.0wt.% nickel, it provides superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments. Compatible with GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and SAW processes using appropriate shielding gases, it is widely used for welding applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties.

Features

▪ Enhanced Pitting and Crevice Corrosion Resistance: The 2.0-3.0% molybdenum content significantly improves resistance to localized corrosion, particularly in environments containing chlorides, organic acids (acetic, sulfurous, phosphoric), and halide atmospheres. This makes ER316 ideal for marine, chemical processing, and petrochemical applications where exposure to corrosive media is expected.
▪ Balanced Chemical Composition: With 18-20% chromium for general corrosion resistance and 11-14% nickel for austenitic structure stability, combined with controlled carbon content (≤0.08% for ER316, ≤0.03% for ER316L), the filler metal provides good weldability and resistance to hot cracking. The ferrite content (8-13 FN) ensures solidification cracking resistance while maintaining ductility.
▪ Reliable Mechanical Properties: Typical tensile strength of 550-600 MPa (80,000-88,000 psi), yield strength of 380-400 MPa (57,000-59,000 psi), and elongation of 30-40%. Good impact toughness down to -320°F (-196°C) with Charpy V-notch values of 82-100 ft-lbs at room temperature and 34-46 ft-lbs at cryogenic temperatures, suitable for low-temperature applications.

Applications

▪ Ideal for corrosion-critical applications requiring molybdenum-enhanced resistance, ER316 is widely used in:
▪ Chemical & Petrochemical Industries: Process equipment, reactors, storage tanks, and piping systems handling organic and inorganic acids, chlorides, and corrosive chemicals. Particularly suitable for environments where pitting and crevice corrosion are major concerns.
▪ Food & Pharmaceutical Processing: Equipment requiring high corrosion resistance and sanitary conditions, including fermentation tanks, processing vessels, and piping. The low-carbon variant (ER316L) is preferred for applications requiring superior intergranular corrosion resistance.
▪ Marine & Offshore Structures: Components exposed to seawater and marine atmospheres where chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion are significant threats. Used for shipbuilding, offshore platforms, and coastal infrastructure.
▪ High-Temperature Service: Furnace components, heat exchangers, and boiler parts operating at elevated temperatures up to 750°F (400°C). The molybdenum content provides creep resistance at elevated temperatures while maintaining corrosion resistance.