Stainless Steel E308
EN E308 · UNS W30810 · ASTM A5.4 · GB E308-16
E308 is the standard 304-matching austenitic stainless covered electrode (UNS W30810, AWS A5.4, classifications E308-15, -16, -17 and -25) and the most common general-purpose stainless filler metal.
Reference datasheet — E308 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 E308-16 condition
E308 tempers and conditions
E308 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. E308-16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rutile-silica coated, AC or DCEP, as-welded | Choose for the flattest, best-wetting bead appearance and easy slag release on fillets and sheet. | 390 | 570 | 40 | 180 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
Heavy-coated, high-deposition flat/horizontal electrode, as-welded | Use only for flat and horizontal-fillet production welding where deposition rate matters more than positional capability. | 390 | 570 | 38 | 178 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
E308-16Default Rutile (titania) coated, AC or DCEP, as-welded | Default all-position 304-matching electrode; smooth arc on AC or DC+ for general fabrication. | 400 | 580 | 40 | 180 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
Lime/basic coated, DCEP only, as-welded | Pick when maximum weld-metal toughness, low hydrogen and out-of-position root passes on heavy sections are needed. | 405 | 570 | 42 | 175 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
What is E308?
E308 is the standard 304-matching austenitic stainless covered electrode (UNS W30810, AWS A5.4, classifications E308-15, -16, -17 and -25) and the most common general-purpose stainless filler metal. It is chosen for welding Type 304 fabrications and structures, with as-welded properties near 400 MPa yield, 580 MPa tensile, 40 % elongation and 180 HB (88 HRB), and service to 760 C. It is not suitable for 316 or duplex chemistries, and its standard carbon level leaves more sensitization risk than the low-carbon grade. Use E308L where post-weld corrosion service or thicker sections apply. E308 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). E308 has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
What is E308 used for?
- 304 stainless fabrication
- food and dairy equipment
- general stainless structures
Advantages
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 98% of stainless steel grades
E308 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E308-E308-16; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E308 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).
Mechanical15
E308 has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
E308 is rated for continuous service to 760°C (1,400 °F). It conducts heat at 15.5 W/m·K (8.96 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 53% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16.6 µm/m·K (9.22 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E308 conducts electricity at 2.4 % IACS, better than 67% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 63% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E308 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 4.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability7
E308's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability good (60/100).
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. E308 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with E308
Is E308 easy to machine?
Weld deposit machines like 304 — low speed, positive rake, rigid setup and flood coolant to avoid work hardening; grinding is usually preferred for bead dressing.
Can E308 be welded?
SMAW with dry electrodes (re-bake 250–300 °C if damp), short arc, low heat input, interpass ≤150 °C; keep 5–12 FN ferrite to avoid hot cracking and do not use on 316/duplex chemistries.
Can E308 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product form; deposited metal is ductile (≥35 % elongation) and tolerates weld-joint straightening and light peening.
E308 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 | ≤ 0.08 | 0.05 |
| Cr | 18 – 21 | 19.5 |
| Ni | 9 – 11 | 9.8 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.5 |
| Sihigher end for -17 coatings | ≤ 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.75 | 0.1 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | 0.1 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on E308?
Remove all slag, then pickle/passivate or blast and electropolish to restore the chromium-oxide film and match base-metal corrosion performance; never anodize.
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 E308 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- W30810
- ASTM
- A5.4
- GB (China)
- E308-16
- Also called
- AWS A5.4 E308
How much does E308 cost?
E308 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% 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.
E308 — frequently asked
What is E308 used for?
E308 is typically used for 304 stainless fabrication, food and dairy equipment and general stainless structures. In short: most common stainless electrode; matching filler for 304; general-purpose austenitic deposit.
What is the yield strength of E308?
E308 has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is E308 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades). Weld deposit machines like 304 — low speed, positive rake, rigid setup and flood coolant to avoid work hardening; grinding is usually preferred for bead dressing.
Can E308 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). SMAW with dry electrodes (re-bake 250–300 °C if damp), short arc, low heat input, interpass ≤150 °C; keep 5–12 FN ferrite to avoid hot cracking and do not use on 316/duplex chemistries.
What surface finishes work on E308?
Remove all slag, then pickle/passivate or blast and electropolish to restore the chromium-oxide film and match base-metal corrosion performance; never anodize.
Can E308 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product form; deposited metal is ductile (≥35 % elongation) and tolerates weld-joint straightening and light peening.
What is the maximum service temperature of E308?
E308 is rated for continuous use to about 760°C (1,400 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E308-16 and E308-17?
E308-16 is the default condition — default all-position 304-matching electrode; smooth arc on AC or DC+ for general fabrication. E308-17: choose for the flattest, best-wetting bead appearance and easy slag release on fillets and sheet. Yield strength is 400 MPa in E308-16 versus 390 MPa in E308-17.
How much does E308 cost?
E308 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% 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)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
- Stainless SMAW electrode all-weld-metal datasheets (E308-16/-15/-17) — Lincoln Electric / ESAB / (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.