Stainless Steel E209 -15
Grade
EN E209 · UNS W32210 · ASTM A5.4
-15 = e209-15
Pick for the highest weld-metal toughness and lowest hydrogen/inclusion level, thick sections and restrained joints; DC electrode positive only.
Values for the -15 condition
Other E209 tempers and conditions
E209 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at E209.
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 |
-15This page 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 -15?
E209 -15 is E209 in the -15 grade — pick for the highest weld-metal toughness and lowest hydrogen/inclusion level, thick sections and restrained joints; DC electrode positive only. E209 -15 has a yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) — stronger than 85% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 32% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi). E209 -15 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). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; -15 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 560 MPa (81.2 ksi), better than 85% of stainless steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 73/100, better than 77% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Difficult to machine — 24/100, worse than 93% 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 -15 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E209 -15; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E209 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E209 -15 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 -15 has a yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) — stronger than 85% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 32% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
Thermal6
E209 -15 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 -15 conducts electricity at 1.9 % IACS, worse than 84% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (73/100), better than 77% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E209 -15 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 -15's machinability is poor (24/100, worse than 93% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (76/100); formability fair (46/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E209 -15
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.
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.
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 | — |
E209 -15 — frequently asked
What is E209 -15 used for?
E209 -15 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 -15?
E209 -15 has a typical yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) — stronger than 85% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is E209 -15 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (24/100, worse than 93% 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 -15 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (76/100). 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 -15?
Grind and pickle/passivate (ASTM A967) to restore the chromium oxide film; polishes well but blends slower than 308L due to hardness.
Can E209 -15 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 -15?
E209 -15 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.