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AWS A 5.4 E308L-16
1kg,2kg,5kg,10kg,20kg
1lb;2lb;4.5lb;11lb;15lb;20lb;33lb;44lb
1.6mm,2.0mm,2.4mm,3.2mm,4.0mm,5.0mm
1/16 ″in;5/64″in;3/32″in;1/8″in;5/32″inch
Acceptable (design the pack with your logo)
15 Days
Product Description
The **AWS A5.4 E308L-16** welding electrode is primarily used for welding **304L, 321, and 347 austenitic stainless steels**. It's engineered to match the low carbon content of these base metals, ensuring optimal corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Common applications include general stainless steel fabrication, food processing equipment, chemical processing equipment, and architectural applications where resistance to intergranular corrosion is critical for the longevity of the stainless steel structure.
The "L" in the **E308L-16** classification stands for **low carbon**. This means the deposited weld metal has a maximum carbon content of 0.04%. This low carbon level is crucial for preventing **carbide precipitation** (also known as sensitization or weld decay) in the weld metal and heat-affected zone (HAZ) during welding. By minimizing carbide formation, the electrode ensures the welded joint maintains its full resistance to **intergranular corrosion**, especially in corrosive service environments, making it ideal for processes like pickling or in environments with aggressive media.
**E308L-16** primarily offers excellent **general corrosion resistance** and, crucially, enhanced resistance to **intergranular corrosion**. Due to its low carbon content, it prevents the formation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries, which would otherwise deplete chromium and make the weld susceptible to attack. It is highly effective in resisting a wide range of corrosive media in industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and general stainless steel construction, ensuring the durability of the stainless steel components.
The "-16" in the **E308L-16** classification denotes a **rutile-titania type flux coating**. This coating is known for providing excellent welding characteristics, including a very stable and smooth arc, low spatter, good bead appearance with a finely rippled finish, and easily removable slag. The rutile coating also allows for operation with both **AC (Alternating Current)** and **DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive)** polarity, offering versatility for different welding power sources and applications. This user-friendly coating contributes significantly to the ease of use for general stainless steel fabrication.
Yes, **E308L-16** electrodes are generally classified for **all-position welding**. This includes flat (1F/1G), horizontal (2F/2G), vertical-up (3F/3G), and overhead (4F/4G) positions. The rutile coating (indicated by "-16") provides good operability and puddle control across these positions, making it a versatile choice for fabricating various stainless steel structures, from piping to tanks, where welding needs to be performed in different orientations.
**E308L-16** electrodes are designed for use with both **AC (Alternating Current)** and **DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive)**. DCEP is often preferred for stainless steel welding as it generally provides a more stable arc, better penetration, and a smoother bead. However, the ability to use AC can be beneficial in situations where **arc blow** is a concern or when an AC power source is the only option available, offering flexibility for different welding setups for stainless steel fabrication projects.
**E308L-16** prevents **carbide precipitation** (sensitization) through its **extra-low carbon ("L") content**. When stainless steel is heated to temperatures between 450°C and 850°C (840°F and 1560°F) during welding, carbon can combine with chromium to form chromium carbides at the grain boundaries. This depletes the surrounding areas of chromium, making them susceptible to **intergranular corrosion**. By keeping the carbon content below 0.04%, E308L-16 minimizes the formation of these carbides, thus preserving the material's inherent corrosion resistance along the grain boundaries, which is essential for stainless steel weld integrity.
The weld metal deposited by **E308L-16** electrodes typically exhibits good mechanical properties. According to AWS A5.4, the minimum requirements are:
- **Tensile Strength**: 75,000 psi (520 MPa)
- **Yield Strength**: 45,000 psi (310 MPa)
- **Elongation**: 30% (minimum)
These properties indicate good strength, ductility, and toughness, ensuring the weld can withstand operational stresses while maintaining its corrosion resistance in various service environments, characteristic of quality stainless steel fabrication.
Generally, **post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)** is **not required** for welds made with **E308L-16** electrodes. The "L" (low carbon) designation specifically eliminates the need for PWHT to prevent carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion. This simplifies the fabrication process and reduces costs associated with heat treatment. For stainless steel, the focus is usually on maintaining controlled interpass temperatures to manage distortion rather than requiring a post-weld stress relief, making E308L-16 a convenient choice for many applications.
The primary difference between **E308L-16** and **E316L-16** lies in their **chemical composition and specific corrosion resistance**. **E308L-16** is designed for general-purpose 304L stainless steel welding and contains no molybdenum. **E316L-16**, on the other hand, contains **molybdenum (2.0-3.0% Mo)**, which provides significantly enhanced resistance to **pitting and crevice corrosion**, especially in chloride-rich or acidic environments. Both are "L" (low carbon) grades with "-16" (rutile) coatings. The choice between them depends entirely on the specific corrosive environment and the required level of resistance, where 316L is used in more aggressive conditions than 304L.
Proper storage is essential for **E308L-16** electrodes to maintain their welding performance and prevent defects. They should be stored in **dry conditions**, ideally in their original hermetically sealed containers. Once opened, electrodes should be placed in a **heated electrode holding oven (quiver)** at a temperature of approximately 65°C to 150°C (150°F to 300°F) to prevent moisture pickup. If electrodes have been exposed to humid air for extended periods, they may require re-baking at higher temperatures (e.g., 250-350°C for 1-2 hours) as per manufacturer recommendations to restore their low-hydrogen characteristics, ensuring sound stainless steel welds.
While **E308L-16** is primarily designed for welding similar 304L-type stainless steels, it is generally **not the preferred electrode for dissimilar metal welding** to carbon or low-alloy steels. For such applications, **E309L-16** is the commonly recommended electrode. E309L-16 has a higher alloy content (more chromium and nickel) which helps to accommodate dilution from the carbon steel side and prevent cracking. Using E308L-16 for dissimilar joints might result in weld metal with insufficient alloy content to resist hot cracking or maintain adequate corrosion resistance in certain environments, impacting the integrity of the welded structure.
The typical range of welding current for **E308L-16** electrodes varies depending on the electrode diameter and welding position. Common ranges are:
- **2.5 mm (3/32 inch)**: 60 - 85 Amps
- **3.2 mm (1/8 inch)**: 80 - 110 Amps
- **4.0 mm (5/32 inch)**: 100 - 150 Amps
It's always recommended to consult the electrode manufacturer's technical data sheet for the most accurate and optimal current settings to ensure proper penetration, bead appearance, and mechanical properties of the weld, leading to high-quality stainless steel fabrication.
Chromium (Cr), typically around 18-21%, is the primary alloying element that provides **general corrosion resistance** by forming a passive oxide layer on the stainless steel surface. Nickel (Ni), typically around 9-11%, is a strong **austenite former**; it stabilizes the austenitic microstructure, which gives 304L (and its weld metal) its excellent ductility, toughness, and non-magnetic properties. Together, chromium and nickel form the core of the **austenitic stainless steel** composition, ensuring the desired balance of properties for E308L-16 welds.
**E308L-16** contributes to preventing **hot cracking (solidification cracking)** primarily through its controlled **ferrite content**. Manufacturers design the electrode's chemistry to ensure the weld metal contains a small, controlled amount of delta ferrite (typically 5-10% Ferrite Number, FN) within the austenitic matrix. This ferrite acts as a "sponge" for impurities and helps to accommodate solidification shrinkage, significantly reducing the susceptibility to hot cracking compared to fully austenitic stainless steel welds. This makes E308L-16 a robust choice for producing sound stainless steel welds.
Yes, **E308L-16** is commonly specified and highly suitable for use in **high-purity applications**, including those in the pharmaceutical and food processing industries. The primary reason is its **low carbon content**, which prevents sensitization and ensures that the weld areas maintain the same high level of corrosion resistance as the base metal, preventing contamination and ensuring product purity. For the highest purity requirements, specific post-weld cleaning and passivation procedures are often applied to ensure optimal hygiene and performance of the stainless steel system.
If **E308L-16** electrodes have been exposed to atmospheric moisture, **re-baking** is recommended to restore their low-hydrogen characteristics. Typical re-baking procedures involve:
- **Temperature**: Heating electrodes to a temperature range of 250°C to 350°C (482°F to 662°F).
- **Duration**: Holding at this temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
- **Cooling**: Allowing them to cool in a heated oven or transferring directly to a holding oven set at 65°C to 150°C (150°F to 300°F).
Always consult the specific electrode manufacturer's recommendations, as procedures can vary slightly. Proper re-baking is vital for preventing weld defects like porosity and ensuring high-quality stainless steel welds.
The surface finish of the base metal significantly impacts welding with **E308L-16**. A clean, smooth, and contaminant-free surface is crucial for achieving high-quality welds. Any impurities such as grease, oil, rust, scale, paint, or even carbon steel particles from grinding tools can lead to weld defects like **porosity, inclusions, or lack of fusion**. These defects not only compromise the mechanical strength but also drastically reduce the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel weld. Therefore, thorough cleaning, often involving grinding with dedicated stainless steel brushes and degreasing, is essential before starting any welding operation.
**E308L-16** can be used for applications exposed to moderately elevated temperatures (e.g., up to approximately 400°C or 750°F) where its excellent general corrosion resistance is maintained. However, for continuous service at higher temperatures (e.g., above 450°C or 840°F), where creep strength is a concern or where prolonged exposure could lead to some sensitization despite the "L" grade, other specialized high-temperature stainless steels like 304H or 316H, or specific high-temperature alloys, would typically be preferred. E308L-16 is designed to prevent sensitization during the welding process, making it suitable for many applications that experience heat but not extreme, continuous high-temperature service.
The typical deposition efficiency of **E308L-16** electrodes, common for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) consumables, generally ranges from **60% to 70%**. This means that 60% to 70% of the electrode's weight is converted into deposited weld metal, with the remainder lost as stub ends, spatter, and slag. While this efficiency is lower compared to some automated welding processes, it is considered standard for manual stick welding of stainless steel. Factors such as welder skill, current settings, and technique can influence the actual deposition efficiency achieved during the fabrication of stainless steel components.
