FabDigitFabDigit

Stainless Steel ER309LSi-SR (Stress relieved)

Heat-treated state

UNS S30983 · EN 23 12 L Si

Condition after PWHT of the carbon/low-alloy side; strength drops slightly and sigma/carbide risk rises above 550 °C.

High cost $$$$

Values for the SR condition

Other ER309LSi tempers and conditions

ER309LSi is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at ER309LSi.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
SRThis page
Stress relieved
Condition after PWHT of the carbon/low-alloy side; strength drops slightly and sigma/carbide risk rises above 550 °C.36056036175 HB2.3 % IACS
As-welded deposit with neutral/basic submerged-arc flux
Use for high-deposition overlay cladding of carbon-steel vessels; flux choice controls ferrite and Si pickup.37056035175 HB2.2 % IACS
As-welded deposit made with TIG rod
Pick for root passes, thin sections and cladding where the cleanest, lowest-oxygen deposit and best toughness are needed.39058040180 HB2.2 % IACS
AWDefault
As-welded deposit
Default condition: undiluted deposit properties used for procedure qualification of dissimilar joints and buttering layers.40059038185 HB2.2 % IACS

What is ER309LSi-SR?

ER309LSi-SR is ER309LSi heat treated to SR — condition after PWHT of the carbon/low-alloy side; strength drops slightly and sigma/carbide risk rises above 550 °C. ER309LSi-SR has a yield strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — weaker than 51% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 36% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). ER309LSi-SR 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; SR is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Readily welded — 92/100, better than 98% of stainless steel grades
  • High service temperature — 950°C (1,742 °F), better than 86% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 80% of stainless steel grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 85 MPa·√m (77.4 ksi·√in), worse than 77% of stainless steel grades
  • High embodied carbon — 5.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades

ER309LSi-SR properties

Typical room-temperature values for ER309LSi-SR; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ER309LSi reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

ER309LSi-SR 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).

Density7.9 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,400°C2,552 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,450°C2,642 °F

Mechanical16

ER309LSi-SR has a yield strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — weaker than 51% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 36% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus200 GPa29 Msi
Shear Modulus77 GPa11.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.28
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)560 MPa81.2 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)360 MPa52.2 ksi
Elongation at Break36%
Reduction in Area47%
Compressive Strength360 MPa52.2 ksi
Shear Strength380 MPa55.1 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)225 MPa32.6 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)85 MPa·√m77.4 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)55 J40.6 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell175 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B87 HRB
Hardness, Vickers184 HV

Thermal6

ER309LSi-SR is rated for continuous service to 950°C (1,742 °F). It conducts heat at 15.5 W/m·K (8.96 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 53% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity15.5 W/m·K9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)16 µm/m·K8.9 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion285 J/g123 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)950°C1,742 °F
Min Service Temperature-100°C-148 °F

Electrical3

ER309LSi-SR conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.3 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity7.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.9 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseweakly magnetic (≈8–15 FN delta ferrite)

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is good (65/100), better than 56% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.1 V
Corrosion ResistanceGood65/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood resistance to oxidizing acids, nitric acid and high-temperature oxidation/sulfidation; low-carbon grade resists sensitization. Not for hydrochloric/hydrofluoric acid, strong chlorides or seawater pitting; avoid long exposure to 425–870 °C (sigma-phase embrittlement).

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of ER309LSi-SR takes about 60 MJ of energy and emits 5.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 70% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)60 MJ/kg25,795 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)5.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water200 L/kg24 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content55%

Manufacturability8

ER309LSi-SR's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability good (58/100).

MachinabilityFair38/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)48%
WeldabilityExcellent92/100
Formability (cold)Good58/100
CastabilityGood60/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood60/100
PolishabilityGood60/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use passivation (ASTM A967) or electropolishing instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with ER309LSi-SR

Is ER309LSi easy to machine?

Weld deposit machines like Type 309: work-hardens fast — use sharp carbide, positive rake, heavy feed and rigid setup; expect ~45% of AISI 1212.

Can ER309LSi be welded?

Designed as filler — GMAW with Ar+1–3%O₂ or Ar+CO₂ (spray/pulse) gives smooth wetting; keep interpass ≤150 °C, heat input moderate, and aim for 8–15 FN to avoid hot cracking on high-dilution first layers.

Can ER309LSi be formed, bent or molded?

Only relevant to the wire: cold-drawn with intermediate anneals; deposit is very ductile (≈38% elongation) and tolerates cold straightening/bending of clad plate.

What surface finishes work on ER309LSi?

Grind/blend with dedicated stainless abrasives, then pickle-passivate (ASTM A967) or electropolish; ferrite in the deposit can etch slightly darker than 304/316 base metal.

ER309LSi 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Clow-carbon 'L' grade≤ 0.030.02
Cr23 – 2524
Ni12 – 1413
Mn1 – 2.51.8
Sihigh-Si variant for arc wetting0.65 – 10.85
Mo≤ 0.750.15
Cu≤ 0.750.2
P≤ 0.030.02
S≤ 0.030.01
Febalance—

ER309LSi-SR — frequently asked

What is ER309LSi-SR used for?

ER309LSi-SR is typically used for robotic and automated cladding of carbon steel, dissimilar-metal MIG welding (carbon steel to 304/316), buffer layers before stainless or nickel-alloy cover passes, stainless-clad plate fabrication, transition welds in process piping and overlay repair of worn carbon-steel surfaces. In short: best-wetting 309 filler; low-carbon dissimilar-metal wire; built for spray-transfer GMAW.

What is the yield strength of ER309LSi-SR?

ER309LSi-SR has a typical yield strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — weaker than 51% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is ER309LSi-SR easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades). Weld deposit machines like Type 309: work-hardens fast — use sharp carbide, positive rake, heavy feed and rigid setup; expect ~45% of AISI 1212.

Can ER309LSi-SR be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Designed as filler — GMAW with Ar+1–3%O₂ or Ar+CO₂ (spray/pulse) gives smooth wetting; keep interpass ≤150 °C, heat input moderate, and aim for 8–15 FN to avoid hot cracking on high-dilution first layers.

What surface finishes work on ER309LSi-SR?

Grind/blend with dedicated stainless abrasives, then pickle-passivate (ASTM A967) or electropolish; ferrite in the deposit can etch slightly darker than 304/316 base metal.

Can ER309LSi-SR be formed, bent or molded?

Only relevant to the wire: cold-drawn with intermediate anneals; deposit is very ductile (≈38% elongation) and tolerates cold straightening/bending of clad plate.

What is the maximum service temperature of ER309LSi-SR?

ER309LSi-SR is rated for continuous use to about 950°C (1,742 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between ER309LSi-AW and ER309LSi-SR?

AW is the default condition — default condition: undiluted deposit properties used for procedure qualification of dissimilar joints and buttering layers. SR: condition after PWHT of the carbon/low-alloy side; strength drops slightly and sigma/carbide risk rises above 550 °C. Yield strength is 400 MPa in AW versus 360 MPa in SR.

Sources

  1. AWS A5.9/A5.9M — Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods — AWS (2017)
  2. EN ISO 14343 (23 12 L Si) — ISO (2017)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol. 1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
  5. 309LSi solid wire all-weld-metal data (Böhler/ESAB/Lincoln class datasheets) — voestalpine Böhler Welding / ESAB / Lincoln Electric (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.