Stainless Steel E316-26
Finish state
EN E316 · UNS W31610
E316-26 = 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.
Values for the E316-26 condition
Other E316 tempers and conditions
E316 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at E316.
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 |
E316-26This page 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 E316-26?
E316-26 is E316 supplied in the E316-26 condition — aC-capable high-recovery surfacing electrode for flat and horizontal overlay of 316-type cladding. E316-26 has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 565 MPa (81.9 ksi) — stronger than 64% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). E316-26 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). E316-16 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; E316-26 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 80/100, better than 80% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 400°C (752 °F), worse than 78% of stainless steel grades
E316-26 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E316-26; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E316 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E316-26 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
E316-26 has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 565 MPa (81.9 ksi) — stronger than 64% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
E316-26 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
E316-26 conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (69/100), better than 66% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E316-26 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
E316-26's machinability is poor (34/100, worse than 55% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability fair (46/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E316-26
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.
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.
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 | — |
E316-26 — frequently asked
What is E316-26 used for?
E316-26 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 E316-26?
E316-26 has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 565 MPa (81.9 ksi) — stronger than 64% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is E316-26 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (34/100, worse than 55% 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 E316-26 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). 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 E316-26?
Remove all slag and heat tint, then pickle/passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish to restore full pitting resistance; do not anodise.
Can E316-26 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 E316-26?
E316-26 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.