AWS A5.4/A5.4M · Stainless Steel
E316L Welding Electrode
E316L adds 2–3% molybdenum for pitting and chloride resistance, making it the electrode for 316/316L marine, chemical and pharmaceutical work.
- 70 ksi tensile
- Polarity DCEP, AC
- 4 positions
- Shallow to medium penetration
- Stick (SMAW)
What E316L means
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E | Covered electrode for shielded metal arc welding |
| 316 | Nominal 18% chromium, 12% nickel, 2–3% molybdenum |
| L | Low carbon, 0.04% maximum |
| -16 | Lime-titania coating usable on AC or DCEP |
E316L specifications
| AWS specification | AWS A5.4/A5.4M |
|---|---|
| Process | Stick (SMAW) |
| Form | Covered electrode |
| Polarity | DCEP, AC |
| Welding positions | Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead |
| Tensile strength (min) | 70 ksi (485 MPa) |
| Yield strength (min) | 40 ksi (275 MPa) |
| Elongation (min) | 30% |
| Impact toughness | Not required; austenitic deposits remain tough at low temperature |
| Coating / core | Lime-titania (-16) |
| Penetration | Shallow to medium |
| Deposition rate | Medium |
| Slag | Self-lifting, remove completely between passes |
| Arc character | Smooth with a fluid puddle |
| Shielding gas | None — self-shielding |
E316L amperage by diameter
Typical operating ranges. Start near the middle of the range, then adjust by sound and bead profile. Reduce 10–15% for vertical and overhead work.
| Diameter | Amperage range | Typical start |
|---|---|---|
| 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | 40–80 A | 60 A |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 65–110 A | 88 A |
| 5/32 in (4.0 mm) | 95–150 A | 122 A |
| 3/16 in (4.8 mm) | 130–190 A | 160 A |
Polarity: DCEP standard; -16 coatings also run on AC.
What E316L is used for
- Marine and offshore stainless fabrication
- Chemical and pulp-and-paper process equipment
- Pharmaceutical and biotech vessels and piping
- Anywhere chlorides attack 304, including coastal and de-icing exposure
- Higher-temperature service where creep strength matters
Base metals
- Type 316 and 316L
- Type 317 where matching is not required
- Molybdenum-bearing austenitic grades
- Marine-grade stainless fabrications
Characteristics
- 2–3% molybdenum substantially improves pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride environments
- Low carbon protects the heat-affected zone from sensitization
- Slightly lower minimum tensile than E308L but better elevated-temperature strength
- Small delta ferrite content, typically FN 3–8, resists hot cracking
- More expensive than E308L, so it is specified where the chemistry is actually needed
Storage and handling
Dry storage; rod oven at 250–300 °F (120–150 °C) after opening.
- Moisture in the coating causes porosity and worm tracking in the bead.
- Redry damp electrodes per the manufacturer's data sheet, typically 500–600 °F (260–315 °C) for one hour.
- Store separately from carbon steel consumables to prevent iron contamination.
Welding tips
- Run 10–15% below carbon steel amperage for the same rod diameter.
- Hold interpass temperature under about 350 °F (175 °C).
- Use dedicated stainless brushes, flap discs and grinding wheels.
- For root passes on pipe, back-purge with argon to prevent sugaring on the inside surface.
- If the service is only mildly corrosive, E308L is cheaper and adequate — pay for the molybdenum only when chlorides are present.
E316L frequently asked questions
What is the difference between E316L and E308L?
E316L contains 2–3% molybdenum, which greatly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. E308L has none. Use E316L on 316/316L base metal and in marine or chemical service; use E308L on 304/304L.
What amperage for 1/8 in E316L?
65–110 A DCEP, typically 80–95 A. Stainless rods run cooler than carbon steel because of their low thermal conductivity and high electrical resistance.
Can E316L weld 304 stainless?
Yes. It is over-alloyed for 304 and will make a sound, corrosion-resistant weld — it just costs more than E308L with no benefit unless chlorides are present.
Why does 316L stainless need a back purge?
Without an inert purge on the back side of a root pass, the hot chromium-rich surface oxidizes into a rough gray scale called sugaring, which destroys corrosion resistance and cannot be fixed by brushing.
Is E316L food grade?
316L weld metal is widely used in food, dairy and pharmaceutical equipment. Suitability for a specific installation depends on the finish, cleaning and the governing sanitary standard, not on the filler alone.
Compare E316L with
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