Stainless Steel E383
EN E383 · UNS W88028
E383 is a fully austenitic covered stainless electrode with high chromium and molybdenum, listed as W88028 and E383-16 in GB/T 983, formulated to match 4 % Mo super-austenitic base metals.
Reference datasheet — E383 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
E383 tempers and conditions
E383 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. AW 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deposit solution annealed ~1120 °C + rapid quench | Used when the whole fabrication is solution annealed after welding to dissolve segregation and σ/χ phases and restore maximum corrosion resistance. | 300 | 560 | 45 | 160 HB | 1.8 % IACS |
Silica-rutile coating, AC or DCEP, as-welded | Choose for the smoothest bead profile and easiest slag removal on fillets and horizontal work; slightly more fluid slag than -16. | 385 | 570 | 35 | 185 HB | 1.7 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Standard supplied/used condition: deposit tested and serviced in the as-welded state, no PWHT. | 390 | 580 | 35 | 185 HB | 1.7 % IACS |
Lime-titania coating, AC or DCEP, as-welded | Most stocked coating type: AC/DC capable, all-position (except vertical-down), good slag release for site work. | 390 | 580 | 35 | 185 HB | 1.7 % IACS |
Lime (basic) coating, DCEP only, as-welded | Pick for the cleanest, lowest-oxygen deposit with best impact toughness and lowest hot-cracking risk on thick or restrained joints. | 400 | 590 | 37 | 190 HB | 1.7 % IACS |
What is E383?
E383 is a fully austenitic covered stainless electrode with high chromium and molybdenum, listed as W88028 and E383-16 in GB/T 983, formulated to match 4 % Mo super-austenitic base metals. Engineers specify it where chloride pitting and hot acid attack rule out 316L weld metal; it is supplied as -15, -16 and -17 coatings for SMAW, plus stress-relieved (SA) deposit data. Typical all-weld-metal values are 390 MPa yield, 580 MPa tensile, 35 % elongation and service to about 500 °C, with a corrosion resistance score of 86. The fully austenitic deposit is hot-crack sensitive and demands low heat input; E385 is the nearest alternative when the base metal is 904L. E383 has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,355°C (2,471 °F). E383 has a yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — stronger than 54% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
What is E383 used for?
- Chemical processing vessels
- Flue gas desulfurization equipment
- Pulp and paper bleach plants
- Seawater handling components
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 86/100, better than 94% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 11.5 W/m·K (6.64 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 97% of stainless steel grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 1.7 % IACS, worse than 93% of stainless steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 6.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 93% of stainless steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 25/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades
E383 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E383-AW; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E383 has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,355°C (2,471 °F).
Mechanical16
E383 has a yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — stronger than 54% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
E383 is rated for continuous service to 500°C (932 °F). It conducts heat at 11.5 W/m·K (6.64 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 97% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 14.5 µm/m·K (8.06 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E383 conducts electricity at 1.7 % IACS, worse than 93% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (86/100), better than 94% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E383 takes about 82 MJ of energy and emits 6.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 90% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 40%.
Manufacturability6
E383's machinability is poor (25/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability good (55/100).
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. E383 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with E383
Is E383 easy to machine?
Weld deposit is tough and strongly work-hardening — grind or machine with sharp carbide, heavy positive rake, low speed and rigid setup; avoid dwelling.
Can E383 be welded?
Redry electrodes (250–300 °C, 1–2 h), use DCEP (or AC for -16/-17), stringer beads, low heat input <1.5 kJ/mm and interpass ≤150 °C to avoid hot cracking and σ-phase in this fully austenitic deposit.
Can E383 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product; joint preparation should use wide bevels (≥70°) and gaps that accommodate the sluggish, low-penetration super-austenitic puddle.
E383 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 for intergranular corrosion resistance | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Cr | 26.5 – 29 | 27.5 |
| Ni | 30 – 33 | 31 |
| Mo | 3.2 – 4.2 | 3.6 |
| Cusulfuric/phosphoric acid resistance | 0.6 – 1.5 | 1 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.5 |
| Sikeep low to limit hot cracking | ≤ 0.9 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.02 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Febalance, ~34% | balance |
What surface finishes work on E383?
Remove all slag and heat tint, then pickle (HNO₃/HF) and passivate — residual oxide scale is the usual cause of premature pitting in the weld zone.
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 E383 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- W88028
- Also called
- AWS A5.4 E383-XX
How much does E383 cost?
E383 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.
E383 — frequently asked
What is E383 used for?
E383 is typically used for chemical processing vessels, flue gas desulfurization equipment, pulp and paper bleach plants and seawater handling components. In short: matches 4%Mo super-austenitics; high chloride pitting resistance; hot-crack sensitive deposit.
What is the yield strength of E383?
E383 has a typical yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — stronger than 54% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is E383 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (25/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades). Weld deposit is tough and strongly work-hardening — grind or machine with sharp carbide, heavy positive rake, low speed and rigid setup; avoid dwelling.
Can E383 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Redry electrodes (250–300 °C, 1–2 h), use DCEP (or AC for -16/-17), stringer beads, low heat input <1.5 kJ/mm and interpass ≤150 °C to avoid hot cracking and σ-phase in this fully austenitic deposit.
What surface finishes work on E383?
Remove all slag and heat tint, then pickle (HNO₃/HF) and passivate — residual oxide scale is the usual cause of premature pitting in the weld zone.
Can E383 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product; joint preparation should use wide bevels (≥70°) and gaps that accommodate the sluggish, low-penetration super-austenitic puddle.
What is the maximum service temperature of E383?
E383 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 E383-AW and E383-SA?
AW is the default condition — standard supplied/used condition: deposit tested and serviced in the as-welded state, no PWHT. SA: used when the whole fabrication is solution annealed after welding to dissolve segregation and σ/χ phases and restore maximum corrosion resistance. Yield strength is 390 MPa in AW versus 300 MPa in SA.
How much does E383 cost?
E383 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 — American Welding Society (2012)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- Sanicro 28 (UNS N08028) alloy datasheet — Alleima (Sandvik Materials Technology) (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
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.