Stainless Steel 308L
AISI/SAE 308L · UNS S30803, S30883 · ASTM A5.9 · EN 19 9 L · JIS YS308L, Y308L
308L is a low-carbon austenitic stainless filler metal (UNS S30883, AWS A5.9, YS308L/H08Cr21Ni10, EN 19 9 L) that matches 304 and 304L base metal chemistry with carbon held low to resist sensitization.
Values for the Annealed condition
308L tempers and conditions
308L is supplied in 3 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AnnealedDefault solution annealed wire, rod or strip | Standard supply condition for TIG rod, bare wire and strip-cladding electrodes; softest and most ductile state. | 240 | 550 | 50 | 150 HB | — |
all-weld-metal deposit (GTAW/GMAW/SMAW), 5–12 FN δ-ferrite | Use these numbers when qualifying a 304/304L joint or overlay made with ER308L/E308L consumables. | 400 | 580 | 40 | 170 HB | — |
hard-drawn spooled MIG/SAW wire and cut rod | Pick for spooled GMAW/SAW wire where column strength and feedability matter; strength is from drawing, not composition. | 600 | 800 | 25 | 19 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
What is 308L?
308L is a low-carbon austenitic stainless filler metal (UNS S30883, AWS A5.9, YS308L/H08Cr21Ni10, EN 19 9 L) that matches 304 and 304L base metal chemistry with carbon held low to resist sensitization. It is supplied as solid GTAW/GMAW wire, cut rod and electrode core, and in annealed, as-welded and cold drawn conditions gives 240 MPa yield, 550 MPa tensile, 50 % elongation and 150 HB (80 HRB) with service to 800 °C. Weld metal should carry 5–12 FN ferrite to avoid hot cracking; use 316L filler on 316 base metals and 308H where elevated-temperature creep strength is required. 308L has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). 308L has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — weaker than 96% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
What is 308L used for?
- Filler wire for 304/304L welds
- Covered welding electrodes
- GTAW cut rod
- Submerged-arc and strip cladding wire
- Weld overlay on carbon steel
- Root passes in stainless piping
- Corrosion-resistant repair welds
Advantages
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 98% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 88/100, better than 97% of stainless steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 50%, better than 90% of stainless steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 89% of stainless steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 200 MPa·√m (182 ksi·√in), better than 86% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 240 MPa (34.8 ksi), worse than 96% of stainless steel grades
308L properties
Typical room-temperature values for 308L-Annealed; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
308L has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical16
308L has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — weaker than 96% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
308L is rated for continuous service to 800°C (1,472 °F). It conducts heat at 15 W/m·K (8.67 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 59% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16.6 µm/m·K (9.22 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
308L conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 63% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 308L takes about 53 MJ of energy and emits 4.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 67% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability8
308L's machinability is fair (40/100, better than 72% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability excellent (88/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. 308L is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 308L
Is 308L easy to machine?
Gummy and work-hardening: use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setup, heavy feed, low speed and flood coolant; avoid dwelling to prevent glazing.
Can 308L be welded?
This IS the filler metal for 304/304L — run cool with low heat input, keep 5–12 FN ferrite, use Ar or Ar+2% CO₂ / 98Ar-2O₂ shielding and no preheat; avoid 550–850 °C soaks.
Can 308L be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold drawability and strip formability in the annealed state, but plan for high springback and interstage annealing on heavy reductions.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 308L. Every 308L part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
Sheet metal
| Formability | Excellent88 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Excellent92 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
308L chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Clow-carbon to resist sensitization | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Cr | 19.5 – 22 | 20.5 |
| Ni | 9 – 11 | 10 |
| Mn | 1 – 2.5 | 1.8 |
| Sihigher Si grades (ER308LSi) up to 1.0 | 0.3 – 0.65 | 0.45 |
| Moresidual | ≤ 0.75 | |
| Curesidual | ≤ 0.75 | |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 308L?
Pickle and passivate or electropolish weld areas to restore the chromium oxide film; brushing/polishing to 2B–No.4 finishes is easy, anodizing is not applicable.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Organic Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel 308L in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S30803S30883S30880
- ASTM
- A5.9
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 19 9 L
- GB (China)
- H08Cr21Ni10H308L
- JIS
- YS308LY308L
How much does 308L cost?
308L is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
308L — frequently asked
What is 308L used for?
308L is typically used for filler wire for 304/304L welds, covered welding electrodes, GTAW cut rod, submerged-arc and strip cladding wire, weld overlay on carbon steel and root passes in stainless piping. In short: welding-grade stainless wire.
What is the yield strength of 308L?
308L has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — weaker than 96% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is 308L easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, better than 72% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and work-hardening: use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setup, heavy feed, low speed and flood coolant; avoid dwelling to prevent glazing.
Can 308L be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). This IS the filler metal for 304/304L — run cool with low heat input, keep 5–12 FN ferrite, use Ar or Ar+2% CO₂ / 98Ar-2O₂ shielding and no preheat; avoid 550–850 °C soaks.
What surface finishes work on 308L?
Pickle and passivate or electropolish weld areas to restore the chromium oxide film; brushing/polishing to 2B–No.4 finishes is easy, anodizing is not applicable.
Can 308L be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold drawability and strip formability in the annealed state, but plan for high springback and interstage annealing on heavy reductions.
What is the maximum service temperature of 308L?
308L is rated for continuous use to about 800°C (1,472 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 308L cost?
308L is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 308L?
Yes — 308L is available for sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- AWS A5.9/A5.9M — Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods (ER308L) — American Welding Society (2017)
- AWS A5.4/A5.4M — Stainless Steel Electrodes for SMAW (E308L) — American Welding Society (2012)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties of Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- Stainless welding consumable datasheets (ER308L/E308L all-weld-metal properties) — Böhler Welding / Lincoln Electric (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.