Stainless Steel E308LMo
UNS W30823 · ASTM A5.4
E308LMo is a low-carbon 19Cr-10Ni austenitic covered electrode with a molybdenum addition, classified to AWS A5.4 (UNS W30823) and supplied in -15, -16 and -17 coatings.
Reference datasheet — E308LMo 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
E308LMo tempers and conditions
E308LMo is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. AW is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stress relieved | Choose when the weldment is solution annealed near 1050 °C and water quenched for maximum corrosion resistance and 48 % elongation; avoid 450–850 °C holds to prevent sigma embrittlement. | 330 | 540 | 48 | 160 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Use as the normal delivery and service state with no post-weld heat treatment; undiluted all-weld-metal properties are qualified to AWS A5.4 at 400 MPa yield and 40 % elongation. | 400 | 560 | 40 | 180 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
E308LMo-15 | Choose the lime (basic) coated electrode on DCEP for all-position work when the highest toughness and lowest hydrogen content are required; elongation reaches 42 %. | 400 | 555 | 42 | 175 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
E308LMo-16 | Pick this general-purpose titania (rutile) coating for AC or DCEP all-position and pipe welding; the arc is soft and slag detachment is good. | 400 | 560 | 40 | 180 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
E308LMo-17 | Use the silica-bearing rutile coating for flat and fillet welds and large-area overlay, where the more fluid pool gives smoother beads; vertical-down use is more restricted. | 405 | 565 | 38 | 185 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
What is E308LMo?
E308LMo is a low-carbon 19Cr-10Ni austenitic covered electrode with a molybdenum addition, classified to AWS A5.4 (UNS W30823) and supplied in -15, -16 and -17 coatings. It is chosen where straight 308L corrosion resistance is marginal, typically for 304-to-316 transition welds and mildly chloride-exposed process equipment, with as-welded values near 400 MPa yield, 560 MPa tensile, 40% elongation and 180 HB (89 HRB). Rated service is to about 400 °C and pitting resistance still falls short of full 316L weld metal, so use an E316L electrode for sustained chloride exposure. E308LMo 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). E308LMo has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
What is E308LMo used for?
- 304/316 transition welds
- mild chloride-exposed equipment
- process piping
Advantages
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 400°C (752 °F), worse than 78% of stainless steel grades
E308LMo properties
Typical room-temperature values for E308LMo-AW; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E308LMo 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
E308LMo has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
E308LMo is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °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
E308LMo conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 73% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E308LMo takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 4.8 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability7
E308LMo's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability good (58/100).
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. E308LMo is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with E308LMo
Is E308LMo easy to machine?
The deposit machines like 316L austenitic stainless: work-hardening is pronounced, so use sharp tools, deep cuts at low speed and generous coolant.
Can E308LMo be welded?
SMAW with DCEP for -15, or AC/DC for -16/-17. Hold a short arc, low heat input and interpass temperature of 150 °C maximum; redry electrodes at 250–300 °C to keep them dry.
Can E308LMo be formed, bent or molded?
Used as deposited weld metal rather than forming stock. Beads can be cold peened for stress relief and the deposit has good ductility, but it work-hardens significantly.
E308LMo 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cextra-low carbon, resists sensitization | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| Cr | 18 – 21 | 19.5 |
| Ni | 9 – 12 | 10.5 |
| Moimproves pitting resistance | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.5 |
| Sitoward upper limit for -17 type | ≤ 0.9 | 0.6 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | 0.1 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on E308LMo?
Pickle and passivate after welding, or remove heat tint with stainless brushes or shot blasting; electropolishing is possible. Do not dress with carbon steel tools, which cause iron contamination.
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 E308LMo in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- W30823
- ASTM
- A5.4
How much does E308LMo cost?
E308LMo is a high-cost stainless steel ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
E308LMo — frequently asked
What is E308LMo used for?
E308LMo is typically used for 304/316 transition welds, mild chloride-exposed equipment and process piping. In short: 308L with molybdenum boost; bridges 304 and 316 welds; low-carbon, IGC-resistant deposit.
What is the yield strength of E308LMo?
E308LMo has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is E308LMo easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades). The deposit machines like 316L austenitic stainless: work-hardening is pronounced, so use sharp tools, deep cuts at low speed and generous coolant.
Can E308LMo be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). SMAW with DCEP for -15, or AC/DC for -16/-17. Hold a short arc, low heat input and interpass temperature of 150 °C maximum; redry electrodes at 250–300 °C to keep them dry.
What surface finishes work on E308LMo?
Pickle and passivate after welding, or remove heat tint with stainless brushes or shot blasting; electropolishing is possible. Do not dress with carbon steel tools, which cause iron contamination.
Can E308LMo be formed, bent or molded?
Used as deposited weld metal rather than forming stock. Beads can be cold peened for stress relief and the deposit has good ductility, but it work-hardens significantly.
What is the maximum service temperature of E308LMo?
E308LMo is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E308LMo-AW and E308LMo-SR?
AW is the default condition — use as the normal delivery and service state with no post-weld heat treatment; undiluted all-weld-metal properties are qualified to AWS A5.4 at 400 MPa yield and 40 % elongation. SR: choose when the weldment is solution annealed near 1050 °C and water quenched for maximum corrosion resistance and 48 % elongation; avoid 450–850 °C holds to prevent sigma embrittlement. Yield strength is 400 MPa in AW versus 330 MPa in SR.
How much does E308LMo cost?
E308LMo is a high-cost stainless steel ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part C, SFA-5.4 — ASME (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- SMAW ESAB/Böhler/Lincoln (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.