Stainless Steel E308L
UNS W30813 · ASTM A5.4 · GB E308L-16
E308L is the low-carbon version of E308 (UNS W30813, AWS A5.4, supplied as E308L-15, -16, -17, -25 and -26) and the most widely used electrode for welding 304 and 304L stainless with reduced sensitization risk.
Reference datasheet — E308L 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
E308L tempers and conditions
E308L is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard. AW is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stress relieved | Use only when the fabrication code demands PWHT; strength drops slightly, ductility rises, and delta ferrite may partly transform (σ risk if 550–850 °C). | 330 | 540 | 48 | 158 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Default condition: the deposit as laid down, no post-weld heat treatment — standard for 304/304L fabrication. | 400 | 570 | 42 | 175 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Rutile/titania coating, AC or DCEP | Most widely stocked type: smooth arc, easy slag release, AC-capable — general-purpose 304/304L welding in all positions. | 400 | 570 | 42 | 175 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Heavy lime coating, high deposition, flat/horizontal only | Heavy-coated high-recovery electrode for flat and horizontal-fillet production welding where speed matters more than positional flexibility. | 400 | 560 | 40 | 170 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Heavy rutile coating, high deposition, flat/horizontal only | High-recovery rutile electrode for downhand production fillets; easy slag removal, not for vertical or overhead. | 400 | 570 | 40 | 175 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Silica-bearing rutile coating, AC or DCEP | Higher-silica variant of -16 with a more fluid slag and flatter, finer-rippled beads; best for flat/horizontal fillets and cosmetic appearance. | 405 | 575 | 40 | 180 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Lime (basic) coating, DCEP only | Pick for out-of-position work and maximum weld-metal toughness/low hydrogen; slag is less easy to remove and bead is coarser. | 410 | 560 | 43 | 170 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
What is E308L?
E308L is the low-carbon version of E308 (UNS W30813, AWS A5.4, supplied as E308L-15, -16, -17, -25 and -26) and the most widely used electrode for welding 304 and 304L stainless with reduced sensitization risk. Typical as-welded deposit gives 400 MPa yield, 570 MPa tensile, 42 % elongation and 175 HB (88 HRB), with service to 700 C. The lower carbon caps high-temperature strength, so E347 is the better choice for stabilized service above that range, and E308 is used where the extra carbon is acceptable. E308L 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). E308L has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
What is E308L used for?
- 304L pressure vessels
- food/pharma equipment
- sanitary piping
Advantages
- Readily welded — 95/100, better than 99% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 5.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades
E308L properties
Typical room-temperature values for E308L-AW; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E308L 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
E308L has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
E308L is rated for continuous service to 700°C (1,292 °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 16.5 µm/m·K (9.17 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E308L conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), worse than 52% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E308L takes about 58 MJ of energy and emits 5.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 66% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability7
E308L's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (95/100); formability good (55/100).
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. E308L is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with E308L
Is E308L easy to machine?
Deposit machines like 304L — low speed, positive rake, rigid setup and flood coolant; grind flush before finish cuts to avoid slag-induced tool chipping.
Can E308L be welded?
Dry electrodes 250–300 °C/1 h before use; DCEP (or AC for -16/-17), short arc, low heat input, interpass ≤150 °C, stringer beads to keep ferrite 5–12 FN and avoid hot cracking.
Can E308L be formed, bent or molded?
As-deposited metal is ductile (≈40 % elongation) and can tolerate weld-zone bending, but it work-hardens fast and has lower yield than cold-worked 304.
E308L 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 grade, limits sensitization | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| Cr | 18 – 21 | 19.5 |
| Ni | 9 – 11 | 10 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.4 |
| Siup to 1.00 for -17 type | ≤ 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.75 | 0.15 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | 0.15 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Febalance; deposit contains 5–12 FN delta ferrite | balance |
What surface finishes work on E308L?
Remove all slag, then pickle/passivate (ASTM A380/A967) or bead-blast + electropolish to restore the chromium oxide film; no anodizing.
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 E308L in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- W30813
- ASTM
- A5.4
- GB (China)
- E308L-16
- Also called
- AWS A5.4 E308LAWS A5.4 E308L-XX
How much does E308L cost?
E308L 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.
E308L — frequently asked
What is E308L used for?
E308L is typically used for 304L pressure vessels, food/pharma equipment and sanitary piping. In short: low-carbon 304L filler; reduced sensitization risk; default austenitic electrode.
What is the yield strength of E308L?
E308L has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is E308L easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades). Deposit machines like 304L — low speed, positive rake, rigid setup and flood coolant; grind flush before finish cuts to avoid slag-induced tool chipping.
Can E308L be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (95/100). Dry electrodes 250–300 °C/1 h before use; DCEP (or AC for -16/-17), short arc, low heat input, interpass ≤150 °C, stringer beads to keep ferrite 5–12 FN and avoid hot cracking.
What surface finishes work on E308L?
Remove all slag, then pickle/passivate (ASTM A380/A967) or bead-blast + electropolish to restore the chromium oxide film; no anodizing.
Can E308L be formed, bent or molded?
As-deposited metal is ductile (≈40 % elongation) and can tolerate weld-zone bending, but it work-hardens fast and has lower yield than cold-worked 304.
What is the maximum service temperature of E308L?
E308L is rated for continuous use to about 700°C (1,292 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E308L-AW and E308L-SR?
AW is the default condition — default condition: the deposit as laid down, no post-weld heat treatment — standard for 304/304L fabrication. SR: use only when the fabrication code demands PWHT; strength drops slightly, ductility rises, and delta ferrite may partly transform (σ risk if 550–850 °C). Yield strength is 400 MPa in AW versus 330 MPa in SR.
How much does E308L cost?
E308L 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 — 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.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- E308L-16 / E308L-17 covered electrode datasheets — Lincoln Electric / ESAB / Böhler Welding / (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.