Stainless Steel E316
EN E316 · UNS W31610
E316 is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless SMAW electrode (UNS W31610) from the standard 316-type filler family, stocked in E316-16, -15, -17, -25 and -26 coating classes.
Reference datasheet — E316 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 E316-16 condition
E316 tempers and conditions
E316 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. E316-16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lime coated for flat/horizontal surfacing, DCEP, as welded | High-deposition-rate basic electrode restricted to flat and horizontal positions, mainly for weld overlay/surfacing. | 415 | 560 | 36 | 185 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
E316-16Default Titania (rutile) coated, AC/DCEP, as welded | The default stock electrode: smooth AC/DC-capable arc, all-position, good bead appearance for general 316 fabrication. | 420 | 570 | 38 | 185 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Lime (basic) coated, DCEP only, as welded | Choose for the cleanest, lowest-oxygen deposit and best impact toughness, e.g. thick sections or low-temperature service; DC electrode-positive only. | 420 | 560 | 40 | 180 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Titania coated for flat/horizontal surfacing, AC/DCEP, as welded | AC-capable high-recovery surfacing electrode for flat and horizontal overlay of 316-type cladding. | 420 | 565 | 35 | 190 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Silica-titania coated, AC/DCEP, as welded | Pick for the smoothest, most fluid arc and easiest slag release on flat/horizontal fillet work; slightly less suited to vertical-up than -16. | 430 | 570 | 36 | 190 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
What is E316?
E316 is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless SMAW electrode (UNS W31610) from the standard 316-type filler family, stocked in E316-16, -15, -17, -25 and -26 coating classes. It is the general-purpose choice for joining and repairing 316/316-type fabrications, with deposits of about 420 MPa yield, 570 MPa tensile, 38% elongation and 185 HB (90 HRB) usable to 400 °C. The standard carbon level can sensitize in the as-welded condition, so E316L is the nearest alternative where intergranular corrosion matters; corrosion resistance rates 70 against 78 for the low-carbon grade. E316 has a density of 7.95 g/cm³ (0.287 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F). E316 has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 64% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
What is E316 used for?
- chemical processing equipment
- marine fabrication
- food and pharmaceutical equipment
- pulp and paper equipment
Advantages
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 98% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 400°C (752 °F), worse than 78% of stainless steel grades
E316 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E316-E316-16; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E316 has a density of 7.95 g/cm³ (0.287 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F).
Mechanical15
E316 has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 64% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
E316 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 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E316 conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 68% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E316 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
E316's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability fair (50/100).
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. E316 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with E316
Is E316 easy to machine?
Deposit machines like 316 — low speeds, positive rake, rigid setup and flood coolant to avoid work hardening; grind-out of slag inclusions is easier than machining.
Can E316 be welded?
Redry electrodes (basic -15 types 250–300 °C, rutile 120–150 °C), keep interpass below ~150 °C, use stringer beads and short arc; aim for FN 4–10 ferrite to avoid hot cracking, and prefer E316L where as-welded intergranular corrosion matters.
Can E316 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product; the deposit is tough and ductile enough for hammer-peening and light straightening of weldments but should not be cold formed heavily.
E316 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CAWS A5.4 max for E316 | ≤ 0.08 | 0.05 |
| Cr | 17 – 20 | 18.5 |
| Ni | 11 – 14 | 12.3 |
| Mo | 2 – 3 | 2.4 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.6 |
| Si1.00 max for -25 and -26 coatings | ≤ 0.9 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | |
| Feundiluted weld metal, balance | balance |
What surface finishes work on E316?
Remove all slag and heat tint, then pickle/passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish to restore full pitting resistance; do not anodise.
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 E316 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- W31610
- Also called
- AWS A5.4 E316
How much does E316 cost?
E316 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.
E316 — frequently asked
What is E316 used for?
E316 is typically used for chemical processing equipment, marine fabrication, food and pharmaceutical equipment and pulp and paper equipment. In short: workhorse Mo-bearing electrode; weldability score 92; general 316 fabrication filler.
What is the yield strength of E316?
E316 has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 64% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is E316 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades). Deposit machines like 316 — low speeds, positive rake, rigid setup and flood coolant to avoid work hardening; grind-out of slag inclusions is easier than machining.
Can E316 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Redry electrodes (basic -15 types 250–300 °C, rutile 120–150 °C), keep interpass below ~150 °C, use stringer beads and short arc; aim for FN 4–10 ferrite to avoid hot cracking, and prefer E316L where as-welded intergranular corrosion matters.
What surface finishes work on E316?
Remove all slag and heat tint, then pickle/passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish to restore full pitting resistance; do not anodise.
Can E316 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product; the deposit is tough and ductile enough for hammer-peening and light straightening of weldments but should not be cold formed heavily.
What is the maximum service temperature of E316?
E316 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 E316-16 and E316-17?
E316-16 is the default condition — the default stock electrode: smooth AC/DC-capable arc, all-position, good bead appearance for general 316 fabrication. E316-17: pick for the smoothest, most fluid arc and easiest slag release on flat/horizontal fillet work; slightly less suited to vertical-up than -16. Yield strength is 420 MPa in E316-16 versus 430 MPa in E316-17.
How much does E316 cost?
E316 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)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part C, SFA-5.4 — ASME (2023)
- GB/T 983 (A202 classification) — SAC (2012)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1 — Properties of Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Stainless SMAW electrode all-weld-metal datasheets (316-type) — Böhler Welding / 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.