Stainless Steel E308L-16
Grade
UNS W30813 · ASTM A5.4 · GB E308L-16
E308L-16 = 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.
Values for the E308L-16 condition
Other E308L tempers and conditions
E308L is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at E308L.
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 |
E308L-16This page 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-16?
E308L-16 is E308L in the E308L-16 grade — most widely stocked type: smooth arc, easy slag release, AC-capable — general-purpose 304/304L welding in all positions. E308L-16 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). E308L-16 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). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; E308L-16 is available on request or by drawing note.
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-16 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E308L-16; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E308L reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E308L-16 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-16 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-16 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-16 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-16 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-16's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (95/100); formability good (55/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E308L-16
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.
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.
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 | — |
E308L-16 — frequently asked
What is E308L-16 used for?
E308L-16 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-16?
E308L-16 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-16 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-16 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-16?
Remove all slag, then pickle/passivate (ASTM A380/A967) or bead-blast + electropolish to restore the chromium oxide film; no anodizing.
Can E308L-16 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-16?
E308L-16 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.