Stainless Steel E209
EN E209 · UNS W32210 · ASTM A5.4
E209 (W32210, AWS A5.4) is a high-manganese, nitrogen-bearing austenitic covered electrode that deposits higher-strength weld metal than 308L or 316L types, used mainly for welding high-strength manganese-alloyed stainless base metals.
Reference datasheet — E209 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the AW condition
E209 tempers and conditions
E209 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. AW is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
E209-17 | Choose for flatter, wider beads and better wash-in on flat/horizontal fillets; slightly more fluid slag than -16. | 530 | 770 | 29 | 222 HB | 1.9 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Default condition: deposit tested as welded, no PWHT — the way virtually all E209 joints are used. | 540 | 780 | 30 | 20 HRC | 1.9 % IACS |
E209-16 | Most widely stocked type: smooth arc, easy slag removal, all-position welding on AC or DC. | 540 | 780 | 30 | 225 HB | 1.9 % IACS |
E209-15 | Pick for the highest weld-metal toughness and lowest hydrogen/inclusion level, thick sections and restrained joints; DC electrode positive only. | 560 | 800 | 32 | 230 HB | 1.9 % IACS |
What is E209?
E209 (W32210, AWS A5.4) is a high-manganese, nitrogen-bearing austenitic covered electrode that deposits higher-strength weld metal than 308L or 316L types, used mainly for welding high-strength manganese-alloyed stainless base metals. All-weld-metal values are 540 MPa yield, 780 MPa tensile, 30 % elongation and 225 HB (97 HRB), with good general corrosion resistance. It is available only as SMAW electrodes under A5.4 in -15, -16 and -17 coatings, needs redrying, and the fully austenitic deposit work-hardens rapidly with limited ductility reserve after heavy straining. E219 and E240 are the nearest alternatives in the same family. E209 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F). E209 has a yield strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) — stronger than 82% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
What is E209 used for?
- high-strength stainless fabrications
- cryogenic structures
- structural stainless welds
Advantages
- High strength — 540 MPa (78.3 ksi), better than 82% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Difficult to machine — 25/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 1.9 % IACS, worse than 84% of stainless steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 5.6 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 83% of stainless steel grades
E209 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E209-AW; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E209 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F).
Mechanical17
E209 has a yield strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) — stronger than 82% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
Thermal6
E209 is rated for continuous service to 600°C (1,112 °F). It conducts heat at 14.5 W/m·K (8.38 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 72% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 15.7 µm/m·K (8.72 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E209 conducts electricity at 1.9 % IACS, worse than 84% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 73% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E209 takes about 58 MJ of energy and emits 5.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 66% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability7
E209's machinability is poor (25/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (78/100); formability fair (45/100).
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. E209 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with E209
Is E209 easy to machine?
Deposit work-hardens very rapidly — use sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy positive feed, low speed and flood coolant; avoid dwelling.
Can E209 be welded?
SMAW only (A5.4); redry electrodes 250–300 °C, keep interpass below ~150 °C and heat input moderate to retain nitrogen and avoid porosity/hot cracking.
Can E209 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product form; joints in the base metal can be cold formed but the weld metal has low ductility reserve after heavy straining.
E209 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.06 | 0.04 |
| Cr | 20.5 – 24 | 22 |
| Ni | 9.5 – 12 | 10.5 |
| Mnhigh-Mn to hold nitrogen in solution | 4 – 7 | 5.5 |
| Mo | 1.5 – 3 | 2.2 |
| Nprimary strengthener | 0.1 – 0.3 | 0.2 |
| V | 0.1 – 0.3 | 0.2 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on E209?
Grind and pickle/passivate (ASTM A967) to restore the chromium oxide film; polishes well but blends slower than 308L due to hardness.
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).
Passivation
Organic Coating
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel E209 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- W32210
- ASTM
- A5.4
How much does E209 cost?
E209 is a high-cost stainless steel ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
E209 — frequently asked
What is E209 used for?
E209 is typically used for high-strength stainless fabrications, cryogenic structures and structural stainless welds. In short: high-strength austenitic filler; stronger than 308L deposits; nitrogen-strengthened weld metal.
What is the yield strength of E209?
E209 has a typical yield strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) — stronger than 82% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is E209 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (25/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades). Deposit work-hardens very rapidly — use sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy positive feed, low speed and flood coolant; avoid dwelling.
Can E209 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (78/100). SMAW only (A5.4); redry electrodes 250–300 °C, keep interpass below ~150 °C and heat input moderate to retain nitrogen and avoid porosity/hot cracking.
What surface finishes work on E209?
Grind and pickle/passivate (ASTM A967) to restore the chromium oxide film; polishes well but blends slower than 308L due to hardness.
Can E209 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product form; joints in the base metal can be cold formed but the weld metal has low ductility reserve after heavy straining.
What is the maximum service temperature of E209?
E209 is rated for continuous use to about 600°C (1,112 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does E209 cost?
E209 is a high-cost stainless steel ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
Sources
- AWS A5.4/A5.4M Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding — American Welding Society (2012)
- ASTM A276 / ASTM A479 (UNS S20910 base metal) — ASTM International (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- ASM Specialty Handbook — Stainless Steels — ASM International (1994)
- High-alloy SMAW electrode datasheets (E209 class) — Böhler Welding / Lincoln Electric (2022)
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.