Stainless Steel E2593 -16
Grade
UNS W39593 · ASTM A5.4
-16 = e2593-16
General-purpose all-position electrode with smooth arc and easy slag removal; the most commonly stocked coating type.
Values for the -16 condition
Other E2593 tempers and conditions
E2593 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at E2593.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solution Annealed | Pick when the fabricated component can be furnace treated: rebalances ferrite/austenite, dissolves nitrides and sigma, and maximises toughness and corrosion resistance. | 580 | 800 | 28 | 23 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
E2593-17 | Higher silica variant for very flat, fine-rippled beads and high deposition on flat/horizontal fillets; slightly reduced out-of-position control. | 610 | 825 | 22 | 25 HRC | 2.1 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Standard condition for field and shop duplex weldments; use with controlled heat input (0.5–2.0 kJ/mm) and interpass ≤150 °C. | 620 | 830 | 22 | 26 HRC | 2.1 % IACS |
-16This page E2593-16 | General-purpose all-position electrode with smooth arc and easy slag removal; the most commonly stocked coating type. | 620 | 830 | 22 | 26 HRC | 2.1 % IACS |
E2593-15 | Choose for the cleanest, lowest-hydrogen deposit and best impact toughness, especially on root passes and restrained joints. | 630 | 840 | 23 | 27 HRC | 2.1 % IACS |
What is E2593 -16?
E2593 -16 is E2593 in the -16 grade — general-purpose all-position electrode with smooth arc and easy slag removal; the most commonly stocked coating type. E2593 -16 has a yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) — stronger than 88% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). E2593 -16 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; -16 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 620 MPa (89.9 ksi), better than 88% of stainless steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 79/100, better than 86% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 260°C (500 °F), worse than 98% of stainless steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 25/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 5.6 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 83% of stainless steel grades
- Low fracture toughness — 78 MPa·√m (71 ksi·√in), worse than 81% of stainless steel grades
- Limited ductility — 22%, worse than 75% of stainless steel grades
E2593 -16 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E2593 -16; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E2593 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E2593 -16 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical17
E2593 -16 has a yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) — stronger than 88% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
E2593 -16 is rated for continuous service to 260°C (500 °F). It conducts heat at 14 W/m·K (8.09 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 13 µm/m·K (7.22 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E2593 -16 conducts electricity at 2.1 % IACS, worse than 73% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (79/100), better than 86% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E2593 -16 takes about 62 MJ of energy and emits 5.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 75% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability6
E2593 -16's machinability is poor (25/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (78/100); formability poor (28/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E2593 -16
Is E2593 easy to machine?
Weld deposit is tough and work-hardening: use rigid setups, sharp carbide, heavy positive feed and low speed; grinding is often easier than turning.
Can E2593 be welded?
SMAW DCEP (or AC for -16/-17); redry electrodes 250–300 °C/1–2 h, keep heat input 0.5–2.0 kJ/mm and interpass ≤150 °C to hold ferrite about 30–60 FN.
Can E2593 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought form — deposit is used as-welded; cold straightening of duplex weldments should be avoided to prevent cracking.
What surface finishes work on E2593?
Remove all slag and heat tint, then pickle (HNO₃-HF) and passivate; unremoved oxide sharply lowers pitting resistance.
E2593 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cundiluted weld metal, AWS A5.4 | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| Cr | 24 – 27 | 25.5 |
| Ni | 8.5 – 10.5 | 9.5 |
| Mo | 2.9 – 3.9 | 3.3 |
| Cu | 1.5 – 3 | 2 |
| N | 0.08 – 0.25 | 0.18 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 1.5 | 0.9 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.6 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Fe | balance | — |
E2593 -16 — frequently asked
What is E2593 -16 used for?
E2593 -16 is typically used for offshore platforms, seawater handling systems and sour service piping. In short: high-strength duplex deposit; chloride and sour service; ferrite-balanced 25Cr filler.
What is the yield strength of E2593 -16?
E2593 -16 has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) — stronger than 88% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is E2593 -16 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (25/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades). Weld deposit is tough and work-hardening: use rigid setups, sharp carbide, heavy positive feed and low speed; grinding is often easier than turning.
Can E2593 -16 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (78/100). SMAW DCEP (or AC for -16/-17); redry electrodes 250–300 °C/1–2 h, keep heat input 0.5–2.0 kJ/mm and interpass ≤150 °C to hold ferrite about 30–60 FN.
What surface finishes work on E2593 -16?
Remove all slag and heat tint, then pickle (HNO₃-HF) and passivate; unremoved oxide sharply lowers pitting resistance.
Can E2593 -16 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought form — deposit is used as-welded; cold straightening of duplex weldments should be avoided to prevent cracking.
What is the maximum service temperature of E2593 -16?
E2593 -16 is rated for continuous use to about 260°C (500 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E2593-AW and E2593-SA?
AW is the default condition — standard condition for field and shop duplex weldments; use with controlled heat input (0.5–2.0 kJ/mm) and interpass ≤150 °C. SA: pick when the fabricated component can be furnace treated: rebalances ferrite/austenite, dissolves nitrides and sigma, and maximises toughness and corrosion resistance. Yield strength is 620 MPa in AW versus 580 MPa in SA.
Sources
- AWS A5.4/A5.4M Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding — American Welding Society (2012)
- ASTM A790/A928 & UNS S32550 chemical and mechanical requirements — ASTM International (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering (duplex stainless weld metal) — ASM International (1993)
- Super duplex covered electrode all-weld-metal data (ESAB/Böhler/Sandvik equivalents) — Various producers (2023)
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.