Stainless Steel E320LR-SA
Heat-treated state
UNS W88022
SA = 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.
Values for the SA condition
Other E320LR tempers and conditions
E320LR is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at E320LR.
- SA
- AW
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SAThis page 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-SA?
E320LR-SA is E320LR heat treated to 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. E320LR-SA has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 60% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). E320LR-SA 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). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SA is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 83/100, better than 91% 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 — 12.8 W/m·K (7.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of stainless steel grades
- Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 80% of stainless steel grades
E320LR-SA properties
Typical room-temperature values for E320LR-SA; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E320LR reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E320LR-SA 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-SA has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 60% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
E320LR-SA is rated for continuous service to 500°C (932 °F). It conducts heat at 12.8 W/m·K (7.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 14.9 µm/m·K (8.28 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E320LR-SA conducts electricity at 1.6 % IACS, worse than 99% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (83/100), better than 91% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E320LR-SA 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-SA's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (72/100); formability good (62/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E320LR-SA
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.
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.
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 | — |
E320LR-SA — frequently asked
What is E320LR-SA used for?
E320LR-SA 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-SA?
E320LR-SA has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 60% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is E320LR-SA easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 51% 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-SA be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (72/100). 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-SA?
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-SA 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-SA?
E320LR-SA 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.