Stainless Steel ER308LSi PWHT-SA
Heat-treated state
UNS S30883 · EN 19 9 L Si
PWHT-SA = 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.
Values for the PWHT-SA condition
Other ER308LSi tempers and conditions
ER308LSi is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at ER308LSi.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PWHT-SAThis page 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 |
What is ER308LSi PWHT-SA?
ER308LSi PWHT-SA is ER308LSi heat treated to 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. ER308LSi PWHT-SA has a yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — weaker than 72% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 48% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi). ER308LSi PWHT-SA 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). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; PWHT-SA is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 95/100, better than 99% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 80/100, better than 93% of stainless steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 200 MPa·√m (182 ksi·√in), better than 86% of stainless steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 48%, better than 85% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 5.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades
ER308LSi PWHT-SA properties
Typical room-temperature values for ER308LSi PWHT-SA; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ER308LSi reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
ER308LSi PWHT-SA 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 PWHT-SA has a yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — weaker than 72% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 48% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
ER308LSi PWHT-SA is rated for continuous service to 425°C (797 °F). It conducts heat at 16 W/m·K (9.24 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 58% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16.5 µm/m·K (9.17 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ER308LSi PWHT-SA conducts electricity at 2.4 % IACS, better than 67% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 63% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ER308LSi PWHT-SA 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 PWHT-SA's machinability is fair (40/100, better than 72% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (95/100); formability very good (80/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ER308LSi PWHT-SA
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.
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.
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 | — |
ER308LSi PWHT-SA — frequently asked
What is ER308LSi PWHT-SA used for?
ER308LSi PWHT-SA 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 PWHT-SA?
ER308LSi PWHT-SA has a typical yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — weaker than 72% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is ER308LSi PWHT-SA easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, better than 72% 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 PWHT-SA 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 PWHT-SA?
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 PWHT-SA 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 PWHT-SA?
ER308LSi PWHT-SA 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.