Stainless Steel ER308LSi
UNS S30883 · EN 19 9 L Si
ER308LSi (UNS S30883, 19 9 L Si) is a low-carbon, high-silicon ER308-type austenitic filler wire optimized for GMAW spray and pulsed-arc wetting on 304 and 304L.
Reference datasheet — ER308LSi 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
ER308LSi tempers and conditions
ER308LSi is supplied in 3 conditions, soft to hard. AW is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deposit solution annealed ~1050 °C and water quenched | Use when the fabrication is post-weld solution annealed (e.g. cladding or full-vessel treatment); ferrite is largely dissolved, strength drops and ductility rises. | 290 | 550 | 48 | 150 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
As-welded deposit from cut-length TIG rod | Pick when the same 308LSi chemistry is supplied as straight lengths for TIG root/thin-section work; slightly higher ductility from the cleaner, cooler deposit. | 380 | 570 | 42 | 160 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Default condition for design: undiluted deposit properties straight off the arc, with 5–10 FN ferrite retained. | 400 | 580 | 38 | 165 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways ER308LSi is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
WIRE-CD | Cold-drawn, bright-finish spooled wire | Supply form |
AW-CRYO | As-welded deposit, cryogenic service qualification | Certification |
What is ER308LSi?
ER308LSi (UNS S30883, 19 9 L Si) is a low-carbon, high-silicon ER308-type austenitic filler wire optimized for GMAW spray and pulsed-arc wetting on 304 and 304L. The low carbon limits sensitization while the silicon flattens and wets the bead, making it the default wire for automated MIG on thin stainless; deposits give about 400 MPa yield, 580 MPa tensile, 38 % elongation and 165 HB (85 HRB). Rated service is 425 °C, so it is not the choice for creep or high-temperature piping — use ER308H there — and silica slag islands must be removed between passes. ER308LSi has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). ER308LSi has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
What is ER308LSi used for?
- Automated MIG welding of 304L
- Stainless sheet metal fabrication
- Food, dairy and beverage equipment
- Stainless tanks and pressure vessel seams
- Robotic welding cells for 304/304L assemblies
- Handrail, frame and enclosure weldments
- Cryogenic service weldments
Advantages
- Readily welded — 95/100, better than 99% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 70/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 5.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades
ER308LSi properties
Typical room-temperature values for ER308LSi-AW; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
ER308LSi has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical16
ER308LSi has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
ER308LSi is rated for continuous service to 425°C (797 °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 16.5 µm/m·K (9.17 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ER308LSi conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (66/100), better than 59% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ER308LSi takes about 60 MJ of energy and emits 5.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 70% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 65%.
Manufacturability7
ER308LSi's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (95/100); formability very good (70/100).
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. ER308LSi is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ER308LSi
Is ER308LSi easy to machine?
Machining applies to the finished deposit only — it work-hardens like 304L, so use sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy feed, rigid setup and flood coolant; avoid dwelling.
Can ER308LSi be welded?
Designed for GMAW spray/pulsed transfer on 304/304L with Ar + 1–3 % CO₂ or Ar + 1–2 % O₂; keep interpass below ~150 °C and target 5–10 FN to avoid hot cracking; also usable for GTAW and SAW.
Can ER308LSi be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as bright cold-drawn, layer-wound spooled wire; maintain 25–40 mm cast and low helix and use U-groove drive rolls plus a low-friction liner to prevent birdnesting.
ER308LSi 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 grade, limits sensitization | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Cr | 19.5 – 22 | 20 |
| Ni | 9 – 11 | 10 |
| Mn | 1 – 2.5 | 1.8 |
| Siraised Si is the 'Si' suffix — improves arc wetting and bead shape | 0.65 – 1 | 0.85 |
| Moresidual | ≤ 0.75 | 0.1 |
| Curesidual; includes any copper coating | ≤ 0.75 | 0.15 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on ER308LSi?
Remove the silica slag islands between passes with a stainless wire brush, then pickle/passivate or electropolish; the ferrite-bearing bead will remain slightly magnetic and can etch a shade darker than 304L base metal.
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 ER308LSi in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S30883
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 19 9 L Si
How much does ER308LSi cost?
ER308LSi 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.
ER308LSi — frequently asked
What is ER308LSi used for?
ER308LSi is typically used for automated MIG welding of 304L, stainless sheet metal fabrication, food, dairy and beverage equipment, stainless tanks and pressure vessel seams, robotic welding cells for 304/304L assemblies and handrail, frame and enclosure weldments. In short: default automated MIG wire; low-carbon, high-wetting deposit; 425 °C service limit.
What is the yield strength of ER308LSi?
ER308LSi has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is ER308LSi easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades). Machining applies to the finished deposit only — it work-hardens like 304L, so use sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy feed, rigid setup and flood coolant; avoid dwelling.
Can ER308LSi be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (95/100). Designed for GMAW spray/pulsed transfer on 304/304L with Ar + 1–3 % CO₂ or Ar + 1–2 % O₂; keep interpass below ~150 °C and target 5–10 FN to avoid hot cracking; also usable for GTAW and SAW.
What surface finishes work on ER308LSi?
Remove the silica slag islands between passes with a stainless wire brush, then pickle/passivate or electropolish; the ferrite-bearing bead will remain slightly magnetic and can etch a shade darker than 304L base metal.
Can ER308LSi be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as bright cold-drawn, layer-wound spooled wire; maintain 25–40 mm cast and low helix and use U-groove drive rolls plus a low-friction liner to prevent birdnesting.
What is the maximum service temperature of ER308LSi?
ER308LSi is rated for continuous use to about 425°C (797 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ER308LSi-AW and ER308LSi PWHT-SA?
AW is the default condition — default condition for design: undiluted deposit properties straight off the arc, with 5–10 FN ferrite retained. PWHT-SA: use when the fabrication is post-weld solution annealed (e.g. cladding or full-vessel treatment); ferrite is largely dissolved, strength drops and ductility rises. Yield strength is 400 MPa in AW versus 290 MPa in PWHT-SA.
How much does ER308LSi cost?
ER308LSi 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 A5.9/A5.9M — Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods — American Welding Society (2017)
- ISO 14343 (19 9 L Si) — Welding consumables, wire and rod electrodes for stainless steels — ISO (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ER308LSi solid wire datasheets (Lincoln Electric, ESAB OK Autrod 308LSi, Böhler EAS 2-IG) — various 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.