Stainless Steel E320LR
UNS W88022
E320LR is the low-carbon, low-residual controlled version of the E320 Alloy 20 filler metal (W88022), formulated to improve corrosion resistance and toughness in critical welds.
Reference datasheet — E320LR 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
E320LR tempers and conditions
E320LR is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard. AW is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solution annealed weld deposit | Choose when the overlay or complete vessel is solution annealed at 1120–1180 °C and water quenched after welding: strength drops slightly, ductility and intergranular corrosion resistance peak. | 320 | 540 | 42 | 160 HB | 1.6 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Use in the normal as-welded SMAW all-weld-metal state, which meets AWS A5.4 mechanical and corrosion requirements directly at 390 MPa yield and 570 MPa tensile. | 390 | 570 | 35 | 180 HB | 1.6 % IACS |
What is E320LR?
E320LR is the low-carbon, low-residual controlled version of the E320 Alloy 20 filler metal (W88022), formulated to improve corrosion resistance and toughness in critical welds. It is specified for Alloy 20 pressure equipment and sulfuric acid piping, particularly thick multipass joints where standard E320 is hot-crack sensitive, and is supplied as coated electrodes and matching rod. Deposit values are 390 MPa yield, 570 MPa tensile, 35 % elongation, 180 HB (88 HRB) and a corrosion score of 80, with a 500 °C service ceiling. Strength is marginally below E320, which remains adequate for thin single-pass work. E320LR has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,370°C (2,498 °F). E320LR has a yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 54% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
What is E320LR used for?
- critical chemical process vessels
- sulfuric acid piping
- Alloy 20 pressure equipment
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 80/100, better than 88% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 1.6 % IACS, worse than 99% of stainless steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 7.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 97% of stainless steel grades
- Poor heat conductor — 12.6 W/m·K (7.28 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 88% of stainless steel grades
- Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 80% of stainless steel grades
E320LR properties
Typical room-temperature values for E320LR-AW; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E320LR has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,370°C (2,498 °F).
Mechanical16
E320LR has a yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 54% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
E320LR is rated for continuous service to 500°C (932 °F). It conducts heat at 12.6 W/m·K (7.28 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 88% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 14.9 µm/m·K (8.28 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E320LR conducts electricity at 1.6 % IACS, worse than 99% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (80/100), better than 88% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E320LR takes about 95 MJ of energy and emits 7.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 96% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.
Manufacturability6
E320LR's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 70% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (70/100); 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. E320LR is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with E320LR
Is E320LR easy to machine?
Weld metal work-hardens strongly and conducts heat poorly. Use sharp carbide tooling, low speed with heavy feed, and ample coolant.
Can E320LR be welded?
Use DCEP or AC with low heat input, narrow bead weave and interpass temperature ≤150 °C. Bake electrodes at 300–350 °C for 1 h to prevent hydrogen pickup and porosity.
Can E320LR be formed, bent or molded?
Not a forming product. Use wider groove angles to reduce dilution, and run the first layer with E320LR or a nickel-base buttering layer.
E320LR 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, prevents sensitization | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Cr | 19 – 21 | 20 |
| Ni | 32 – 36 | 34 |
| Mo | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Cuimproves sulfuric acid resistance | 3 – 4 | 3.5 |
| Nb+Ta≥8×C; LR upper limit tightened to reduce hot cracking | ≤ 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Mn | 1.5 – 2.5 | 2 |
| SiLR grade restricts residual elements | ≤ 0.3 | 0.2 |
| Prestricted in LR grade | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Srestricted in LR grade | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on E320LR?
Pickle and passivate after welding (HNO₃-HF) to remove scale and heat tint and restore full corrosion resistance. Do not use carbon-steel brushes or 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 E320LR in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- W88022
- Also called
- AWS A5.4 E320LR
How much does E320LR cost?
E320LR 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.
E320LR — frequently asked
What is E320LR used for?
E320LR is typically used for critical chemical process vessels, sulfuric acid piping and alloy 20 pressure equipment. In short: low-residual Alloy 20 filler; preferred for thick sections; better hot-cracking resistance than E320.
What is the yield strength of E320LR?
E320LR has a typical yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — stronger than 54% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is E320LR easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, worse than 70% of stainless steel grades). Weld metal work-hardens strongly and conducts heat poorly. Use sharp carbide tooling, low speed with heavy feed, and ample coolant.
Can E320LR be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Use DCEP or AC with low heat input, narrow bead weave and interpass temperature ≤150 °C. Bake electrodes at 300–350 °C for 1 h to prevent hydrogen pickup and porosity.
What surface finishes work on E320LR?
Pickle and passivate after welding (HNO₃-HF) to remove scale and heat tint and restore full corrosion resistance. Do not use carbon-steel brushes or tools, which cause iron contamination.
Can E320LR be formed, bent or molded?
Not a forming product. Use wider groove angles to reduce dilution, and run the first layer with E320LR or a nickel-base buttering layer.
What is the maximum service temperature of E320LR?
E320LR is rated for continuous use to about 500°C (932 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E320LR-AW and E320LR-SA?
AW is the default condition — use in the normal as-welded SMAW all-weld-metal state, which meets AWS A5.4 mechanical and corrosion requirements directly at 390 MPa yield and 570 MPa tensile. SA: choose when the overlay or complete vessel is solution annealed at 1120–1180 °C and water quenched after welding: strength drops slightly, ductility and intergranular corrosion resistance peak. Yield strength is 390 MPa in AW versus 320 MPa in SA.
How much does E320LR cost?
E320LR 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 — AWS (2012)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part C, SFA-5.4 — ASME (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- Alloy 20 (UNS N08020) covered electrode data sheets — Welding 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.