Electrode comparison

E308L vs E316L

E316L adds 2–3% molybdenum for chloride and pitting resistance. Without chlorides in the service environment, E308L does the same job for less money.

E308L vs E316L at a glance

	E308L	E316L
AWS specification	AWS A5.4/A5.4M	AWS A5.4/A5.4M
Process	Stick (SMAW)	Stick (SMAW)
Form	Covered electrode	Covered electrode
Tensile strength (min)	75 ksi	70 ksi
Yield strength (min)	45 ksi	40 ksi
Elongation (min)	35%	30%
Impact toughness	Not required; austenitic deposits stay tough to cryogenic temperatures	Not required; austenitic deposits remain tough at low temperature
Polarity	DCEP, AC	DCEP, AC
Positions	Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead	Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead
Penetration	Shallow to medium	Shallow to medium
Deposition rate	Medium	Medium
Coating / core	Lime-titania (-16)	Lime-titania (-16)
Slag	Self-lifting, brittle, must be removed completely between passes	Self-lifting, remove completely between passes
Shielding gas	None — self-shielding	None — self-shielding
Storage	Keep dry. Stainless coatings pick up moisture and cause porosity and worm tracks.	Dry storage; rod oven at 250–300 °F (120–150 °C) after opening.
Primary use	Food, dairy and beverage equipment	Marine and offshore stainless fabrication

Which should you use?

The only meaningful difference is molybdenum. E316L carries 2 to 3% of it, which substantially improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments — seawater, de-icing salt, bleaching chemicals, many food processing washes. E308L has none. Match the filler to the base metal: E308L on 304/304L, E316L on 316/316L. Using E316L on 304 works but costs more; using E308L on 316 gives up exactly the corrosion resistance the base metal was specified for.

Choose E308L when

Type 304 and 304L base metal
Indoor, non-chloride service
Architectural and general stainless fabrication

Choose E316L when

Type 316 and 316L base metal
Marine, coastal and offshore exposure
Chemical, pharmaceutical and pulp-and-paper process equipment

Amperage compared

Diameter	E308L	E316L
3/32 in (2.4 mm)	40–80 A	40–80 A
1/8 in (3.2 mm)	65–110 A	65–110 A
5/32 in (4.0 mm)	95–150 A	95–150 A
3/16 in (4.8 mm)	130–190 A	130–190 A

Ranges are typical starting points. Diameters listed for only one electrode are shown as — for the other.

E308L vs E316L — common questions

Can I use E308L on 316 stainless?

Mechanically yes, but the weld will lack the molybdenum that gives 316 its chloride resistance. In a corrosive environment the weld becomes the first thing to pit.

Is E316L stronger than E308L?

No — E316L's minimum tensile is slightly lower at 70 ksi against 75 ksi. Its advantage is corrosion resistance and elevated-temperature creep strength, not room-temperature strength.

Is E316L worth the extra cost on 304?

Usually not. If chlorides are not present, E308L performs identically in service. Pay for molybdenum when the environment calls for it.

Full specifications

E308L

AWS A5.4/A5.4M

E308L is the standard stick electrode for welding 304 and 304L stainless, with a low 0.04% maximum carbon that protects against intergranular corrosion.

E316L