Stainless Steel ER316-SA
Heat-treated state
UNS S31680 · EN 19 12 3
SA = weld metal solution annealed 1040–1100 °C, water quenched
Pick when the fabrication is post-weld solution annealed for maximum corrosion resistance and ductility; strength drops toward base-metal annealed levels.
Values for the SA condition
Other ER316 tempers and conditions
ER316 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at ER316.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SAThis page Weld metal solution annealed 1040–1100 °C, water quenched | Pick when the fabrication is post-weld solution annealed for maximum corrosion resistance and ductility; strength drops toward base-metal annealed levels. | 260 | 540 | 48 | 155 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
As welded, submerged-arc deposit with basic flux | Pick for heavy-section, high-productivity longitudinal/circumferential seams; properties depend strongly on flux choice. | 400 | 570 | 34 | 185 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
As welded, TIG deposit | Pick for thin sections, root passes and cleanest, lowest-oxygen deposits with best toughness. | 410 | 585 | 40 | 180 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Default reference condition: undiluted all-weld-metal properties as deposited, no PWHT. | 420 | 590 | 38 | 185 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
As welded, MIG deposit | Pick for higher-deposition spray/pulse welding of plate; slightly higher strength and lower toughness than TIG. | 430 | 600 | 35 | 190 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Cold drawn | The consumable itself as sold: bright cold-drawn, cleaned wire — strength here describes the wire, not the joint. | 650 | 850 | 20 | 23 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
What is ER316-SA?
ER316-SA is ER316 heat treated to SA — pick when the fabrication is post-weld solution annealed for maximum corrosion resistance and ductility; strength drops toward base-metal annealed levels. ER316-SA has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 84% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 48% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi). ER316-SA has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 85% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; 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 — 85/100, better than 95% 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
- Good corrosion resistance — 74/100, better than 78% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 260 MPa (37.7 ksi), worse than 84% of stainless steel grades
ER316-SA properties
Typical room-temperature values for ER316-SA; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ER316 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
ER316-SA has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 85% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F).
Mechanical16
ER316-SA has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 84% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 48% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
Thermal6
ER316-SA is rated for continuous service to 760°C (1,400 °F). It conducts heat at 16.3 W/m·K (9.42 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 68% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ER316-SA conducts electricity at 2.4 % IACS, better than 67% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (74/100), better than 78% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ER316-SA takes about 75 MJ of energy and emits 5.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 84% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability7
ER316-SA's machinability is fair (43/100, better than 81% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (95/100); formability excellent (85/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ER316-SA
Is ER316 easy to machine?
Weld metal machines like 316 (≈36 % of AISI 1212): sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy rigid setups, flood coolant, avoid dwell to prevent work hardening.
Can ER316 be welded?
Designed as the consumable — DCEN TIG or spray/pulse MIG with Ar (+1–2 % O₂ or ≤2.5 % CO₂), interpass ≤150 °C, keep heat input low and avoid excess CO₂ to limit carbon pickup; no preheat or PWHT needed.
Can ER316 be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied cold-drawn; the deposited joint cold forms like 316 with high work hardening and generous bend radii — post-weld cold work should be followed by pickling.
What surface finishes work on ER316?
Pickle/passivate (nitric-HF paste) or electropolish to restore the chromium oxide film; brush only with dedicated stainless wire brushes to avoid iron contamination; no anodizing.
ER316 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C0.08 max; use ER316L for ≤0.03 | ≤ 0.08 | 0.05 |
| Cr | 18 – 20 | 19 |
| Ni | 11 – 14 | 12 |
| Mopitting/crevice resistance | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Mn | 1 – 2.5 | 1.7 |
| Siwetting/arc stability | 0.3 – 0.65 | 0.45 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | 0.2 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Fe | balance | — |
ER316-SA — frequently asked
What is ER316-SA used for?
ER316-SA is typically used for chemical process equipment, marine fittings and 316 stainless piping. In short: molybdenum-bearing austenitic filler; standard 316 matching wire; better pitting resistance than 308.
What is the yield strength of ER316-SA?
ER316-SA has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 84% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is ER316-SA easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (43/100, better than 81% of stainless steel grades). Weld metal machines like 316 (≈36 % of AISI 1212): sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy rigid setups, flood coolant, avoid dwell to prevent work hardening.
Can ER316-SA be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (95/100). Designed as the consumable — DCEN TIG or spray/pulse MIG with Ar (+1–2 % O₂ or ≤2.5 % CO₂), interpass ≤150 °C, keep heat input low and avoid excess CO₂ to limit carbon pickup; no preheat or PWHT needed.
What surface finishes work on ER316-SA?
Pickle/passivate (nitric-HF paste) or electropolish to restore the chromium oxide film; brush only with dedicated stainless wire brushes to avoid iron contamination; no anodizing.
Can ER316-SA be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied cold-drawn; the deposited joint cold forms like 316 with high work hardening and generous bend radii — post-weld cold work should be followed by pickling.
What is the maximum service temperature of ER316-SA?
ER316-SA is rated for continuous use to about 760°C (1,400 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ER316-AW and ER316-CD?
AW is the default condition — default reference condition: undiluted all-weld-metal properties as deposited, no PWHT. CD: the consumable itself as sold: bright cold-drawn, cleaned wire — strength here describes the wire, not the joint. Yield strength is 420 MPa in AW versus 650 MPa in CD.
Sources
- AWS A5.9/A5.9M — Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods — AWS (2017)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part C, SFA-5.9 — ASME (2023)
- GB/T 29713 (H03Cr19Ni12Mo2) — SAC (2017)
- EN ISO 14343 — Welding consumables, wire and strip for stainless steels (19 12 3) — ISO (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 6: Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- Stainless filler wire all-weld-metal data (Böhler/voestalpine, Sandvik, Lincoln Electric) — various (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.