Products
E385-16
AWS:
AWS A5.4
Category:
Description
Chemical components
| C | Mn | Si | S | P | Cr | Ni | Mo | Cu | N |
| 0.03 | 1.0-2.5 | 0.9 | 0.02 | 0.03 | 19.5-21.5 | 24.0-26.0 | 4.2-5.2 | 1.2-2.0 | —— |
Product Description
E385-16 is a premium high-alloy austenitic stainless steel electrode compliant with AWS A5.4/A5.4M standards, designed for welding Type 904L (UNS N08904) and similar super-austenitic alloys. Featuring an advanced composition with 19.5-21.5wt.% chromium, 24.0-26.0wt.% nickel, and elevated molybdenum (4.2-5.2wt.%) with copper addition (1.2-2.0wt.%), it excels in severely corrosive environments. Compatible with SMAW (stick) process with DCEN or AC operation, it supports welding of 904L stainless steels, dissimilar metal joining, and cladding applications requiring exceptional corrosion resistance.
Features
▪ Superior Corrosion Resistance: Offers exceptional resistance to sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acids, and chloride-containing media. The combination of high molybdenum and copper content provides outstanding pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in aggressive chemical environments.
▪ Stable Performance: Fully austenitic structure with excellent mechanical properties, including tensile strength of 520-600 MPa and elongation ≥30-41%. Low carbon (≤0.03wt.%), silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur levels are carefully controlled to reduce weld metal cracking and fissuring, ensuring reliable performance in critical applications.
▪ Excellent Weldability: Ensures exceptional puddle control, smooth arc action, and excellent slag removal. Compatible with DCEP (DC+) and AC polarities, it adapts to all-position welding (except vertical-down) with minimal heat input procedures required to avoid solidification cracking.
Applications
▪ Ideal for severely corrosive environments and offshore applications, E385-16 is widely used in:
▪ Chemical Processing: Equipment, tanks, vessels, and process piping handling sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and acetic acid solutions.
▪ Offshore & Marine: Platforms, cooling units for seawater, and river water purification plants exposed to chloride-containing media.
▪ Power Generation: Components in corrosive environments requiring high alloy content and exceptional chemical resistance.
▪ General Fabrication: Joining Type 904L to other stainless grades, upgrading Type 317L where improved corrosion resistance is needed, and cladding lower alloy steels for corrosive service.
Company Introduction
Hangzhou Lin'an Dayang Welding Materials Co., Ltd., a professional welding materials manufacturer founded in 1995, adheres to the core philosophy of "Innovative R&D, Precision Manufacturing, Meticulous Service".
With over 30 years of industry expertise, we have continuously increased investment in production upgrading and technological R&D, solidifying our reputation as a trusted supplier of industrial welding consumables globally.

Production Capacity & Product Strength
Equipped with multiple advanced automated production lines, we boast an annual output of 5,000 tons of premium welding products.
Our core portfolio covers nickel-based welding wires, stainless steel welding wires, flux-cored welding wires and high-performance specialty electrodes.
Backed by a professional R&D team with multiple patents, we also provide tailored OEM/ODM welding solutions to meet clients’ diverse application needs.
After-sales service process
FAQS
What is the main application of E385-16?
E385-16 is primarily used for welding Type 904L stainless steels and equipment handling sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and chloride-containing media in severely corrosive environments.
Why is minimal heat input required when welding with E385-16?
Minimal heat input welding procedures are essential to avoid solidification cracking, as the fully austenitic structure is susceptible to hot cracking at high heat inputs.
Can E385-16 be used to join 904L to other stainless steel grades?
Yes, E385-16 can join Type 904L base metals to other grades of stainless steel and is also suitable for joining Type 317L where improved corrosion resistance is required.
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