Stainless Steel E316L
UNS W31613
E316L is the low-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless electrode (UNS W31613, E316L-16 to GB/T 983) and the most widely used Mo stainless filler, available in -16, -15, -17, -25 and -26 coating classes plus a solution-annealed condition.
Reference datasheet — E316L 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 E316L-16 condition
E316L tempers and conditions
E316L is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. E316L-16 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solution annealed weld metal | Use when the fabrication is solution annealed after welding — ferrite dissolves, strength drops, ductility and corrosion resistance peak. | 300 | 520 | 48 | 150 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Heavy basic coating, high recovery, flat/horizontal only | High-deposition electrode for flat-position cladding and heavy fillets where productivity matters. | 415 | 560 | 38 | 175 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Heavy rutile coating, high recovery (≈140–170 %), flat/horizontal | Iron-powder high-recovery version for productivity welding and overlay in flat/HV positions. | 415 | 565 | 37 | 180 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
E316L-16Default Lime-titania (rutile) coating, AC/DCEP, as-welded | Default all-position electrode (Chinese A022); smooth arc, easy slag release, AC or DCEP. | 420 | 570 | 40 | 180 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Acid-rutile (high-silica) coating, AC/DCEP, as-welded | Choose for the finest bead appearance and fastest slag removal on sheet and vertical-down-ish fillet work. | 420 | 575 | 38 | 185 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Basic (lime) coating, DCEP only, as-welded | Pick for maximum weld-metal toughness, low hydrogen/low oxygen deposits and heavy-section or cryogenic work. | 430 | 560 | 42 | 175 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
What is E316L?
E316L is the low-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless electrode (UNS W31613, E316L-16 to GB/T 983) and the most widely used Mo stainless filler, available in -16, -15, -17, -25 and -26 coating classes plus a solution-annealed condition. Low carbon minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, so the deposit resists intergranular attack as welded; typical properties are 420 MPa yield, 570 MPa tensile, 40% elongation and 180 HB (88 HRB), with service to 400 °C and a corrosion rating of 78. For creep service above 400 °C use E316H, and for higher chloride pitting resistance step up to E317L. E316L has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 85% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F). E316L 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 40% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
What is E316L used for?
- pressure vessels and piping
- food and pharmaceutical equipment
- marine and offshore fabrication
- chemical tanks
Advantages
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 98% of stainless steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 78/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 400°C (752 °F), worse than 78% of stainless steel grades
E316L properties
Typical room-temperature values for E316L-E316L-16; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E316L has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 85% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F).
Mechanical16
E316L 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 40% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
E316L 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
E316L conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (78/100), better than 84% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E316L takes about 60 MJ of energy and emits 5.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 70% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.
Manufacturability7
E316L's machinability is poor (32/100, worse than 62% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability good (60/100).
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. E316L is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with E316L
Is E316L easy to machine?
Deposited weld metal work-hardens fast — use sharp carbide, positive rake, heavy feed and flood coolant; grind rather than mill for dressing.
Can E316L be welded?
Redry electrodes 250–350 °C/1–2 h, DCEP (or AC for -16), short arc, stringer beads, interpass ≤150 °C; keep 3–10 FN ferrite to avoid hot cracking.
Can E316L be formed, bent or molded?
Weld metal is ductile enough for moderate cold straightening but avoid heavy cold work over the fusion line; peening only with control.
E316L 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 to avoid sensitization | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| Cr | 17 – 20 | 18.5 |
| Ni | 11 – 14 | 12.2 |
| Mo | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.4 |
| Si-17 types run at the high end | ≤ 0.9 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | 0.1 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on E316L?
Remove all slag and heat tint, then pickle/passivate (ASTM A380/A967) or electropolish to restore the passive film — mechanical brushing must use stainless-only wire.
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 E316L in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- W31613
- Also called
- AWS A5.4 E316LAWS A5.4 E316L-XX
How much does E316L cost?
E316L 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.
E316L — frequently asked
What is E316L used for?
E316L is typically used for pressure vessels and piping, food and pharmaceutical equipment, marine and offshore fabrication and chemical tanks. In short: most-used Mo stainless filler; low-carbon, sensitization resistant; corrosion score 78.
What is the yield strength of E316L?
E316L 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 6 listed tempers.
Is E316L easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (32/100, worse than 62% of stainless steel grades). Deposited weld metal work-hardens fast — use sharp carbide, positive rake, heavy feed and flood coolant; grind rather than mill for dressing.
Can E316L be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Redry electrodes 250–350 °C/1–2 h, DCEP (or AC for -16), short arc, stringer beads, interpass ≤150 °C; keep 3–10 FN ferrite to avoid hot cracking.
What surface finishes work on E316L?
Remove all slag and heat tint, then pickle/passivate (ASTM A380/A967) or electropolish to restore the passive film — mechanical brushing must use stainless-only wire.
Can E316L be formed, bent or molded?
Weld metal is ductile enough for moderate cold straightening but avoid heavy cold work over the fusion line; peening only with control.
What is the maximum service temperature of E316L?
E316L 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 E316L-16 and E316L-SA?
E316L-16 is the default condition — default all-position electrode (Chinese A022); smooth arc, easy slag release, AC or DCEP. SA: use when the fabrication is solution annealed after welding — ferrite dissolves, strength drops, ductility and corrosion resistance peak. Yield strength is 420 MPa in E316L-16 versus 300 MPa in SA.
How much does E316L cost?
E316L 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)
- 316L covered electrode all-weld-metal data (ESAB / Böhler / A022) — consumable producers (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.