Steel E308L-16
JIS D308L
E308L-16 is a low-carbon austenitic stainless SMAW electrode (D308L) with a rutile-type -16 coating for welding 304 and 304L.
Reference datasheet — E308L-16 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
E308L-16 tempers and conditions
E308L-16 is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard. AW is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Post-weld solution annealed ~1040–1100 °C, rapid cooled | Choose when the weldment is solution annealed with the component (e.g. pressure vessels, urea/nitric service) — ferrite is partly dissolved, strength drops and ductility/toughness rise. | 300 | 530 | 50 | 145 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Standard supply/qualification condition: properties of the undiluted deposit with 3–10 FN ferrite, no post-weld heat treatment. | 400 | 560 | 42 | 165 HB | — |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways E308L-16 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
AW-CRYO | As welded, cryogenic-qualified deposit | Certification |
What is E308L-16?
E308L-16 is a low-carbon austenitic stainless SMAW electrode (D308L) with a rutile-type -16 coating for welding 304 and 304L. It is chosen for easy all-position handling on AC or DCEP, stable arc and good slag release; as-welded deposit values are 400 MPa yield, 560 MPa tensile, 42 % elongation and 165 HB (85 HRB), with data also on file for solution-annealed and cryogenic as-welded conditions. Service is limited to about 400 °C and the deposit contains no molybdenum, so chloride pitting resistance is below E316L-16; coatings pick up moisture and need redrying, and all slag must be removed before service. E308L-16 has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 93% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). E308L-16 has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
What is E308L-16 used for?
- stainless steel tanks
- food equipment fabrication
- general stainless steel repair
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 42%, better than 100% of steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 60/100, better than 99% of steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 150 MPa·√m (136.5 ksi·√in), better than 96% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 93% of steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 78% of steel grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 15.5 W/m·K (8.96 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 98% of steel grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 2.3 % IACS, worse than 98% of steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 96% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 35/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
E308L-16 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E308L-16-AW; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
E308L-16 has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 93% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical16
E308L-16 has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
E308L-16 is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 15.5 W/m·K (8.96 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 98% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16.5 µm/m·K (9.17 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E308L-16 conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, worse than 98% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), better than 99% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E308L-16 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 5 kg of CO₂ — more than 94% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability7
E308L-16's machinability is fair (35/100, worse than 84% of steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability good (60/100).
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 steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. E308L-16 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with E308L-16
Is E308L-16 easy to machine?
Deposit machines like 304L — work-hardens fast; use sharp carbide, positive rake, heavy depth of cut, low speed and flood coolant; grind slag/spatter off first.
Can E308L-16 be welded?
AC or DCEP, all positions, short arc with minimal weave; keep interpass ≤150 °C, no preheat and no PWHT normally required; redry electrodes ~250–300 °C /1 h if damp.
Can E308L-16 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product — weld beads are ductile enough for local peening/hammer dressing but forming is governed by the base metal.
E308L-16 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, limits sensitisation | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| Cr | 18 – 21 | 19.5 |
| Ni | 9 – 11 | 10 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.4 |
| Si | ≤ 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Moresidual | ≤ 0.75 | 0.1 |
| Curesidual | ≤ 0.75 | 0.1 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Febalance, undiluted weld metal per AWS A5.4/GB/T 983 | balance |
What surface finishes work on E308L-16?
Remove all slag and heat tint by grinding, pickling paste or blasting with stainless media, then passivate (HNO₃ or citric per ASTM A967) to restore corrosion resistance; polishes to a bright finish.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on 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).
Organic Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Steel E308L-16 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- JIS
- D308L
How much does E308L-16 cost?
E308L-16 is a premium-cost 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.
E308L-16 — frequently asked
What is E308L-16 used for?
E308L-16 is typically used for stainless steel tanks, food equipment fabrication and general stainless steel repair. In short: workhorse 304L stick electrode; all-position AC or DCEP; retains ductility down to cryogenic temperatures.
What is the yield strength of E308L-16?
E308L-16 has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is E308L-16 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, worse than 84% of steel grades). Deposit machines like 304L — work-hardens fast; use sharp carbide, positive rake, heavy depth of cut, low speed and flood coolant; grind slag/spatter off first.
Can E308L-16 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). AC or DCEP, all positions, short arc with minimal weave; keep interpass ≤150 °C, no preheat and no PWHT normally required; redry electrodes ~250–300 °C /1 h if damp.
What surface finishes work on E308L-16?
Remove all slag and heat tint by grinding, pickling paste or blasting with stainless media, then passivate (HNO₃ or citric per ASTM A967) to restore corrosion resistance; polishes to a bright finish.
Can E308L-16 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product — weld beads are ductile enough for local peening/hammer dressing but forming is governed by the base metal.
What is the maximum service temperature of E308L-16?
E308L-16 is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E308L-16-AW and E308L-16-SA?
AW is the default condition — standard supply/qualification condition: properties of the undiluted deposit with 3–10 FN ferrite, no post-weld heat treatment. SA: choose when the weldment is solution annealed with the component (e.g. pressure vessels, urea/nitric service) — ferrite is partly dissolved, strength drops and ductility/toughness rise. Yield strength is 400 MPa in AW versus 300 MPa in SA.
How much does E308L-16 cost?
E308L-16 is a premium-cost 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 A5.4/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)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Stainless SMAW electrode E308L-16 product data — ESAB / Lincoln Electric / (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.