Steel E308L-16-SA
Heat-treated state
JIS D308L
SA = 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.
Values for the SA condition
Other E308L-16 tempers and conditions
E308L-16 is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at E308L-16.
- SA
- AW
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SAThis page 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 | — |
What is E308L-16-SA?
E308L-16-SA is E308L-16 heat treated to 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. E308L-16-SA has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) — weaker than 86% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). E308L-16-SA 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). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SA is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 50%, better than 100% of steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 200 MPa·√m (182 ksi·√in), better than 100% of steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 63/100, better than 100% of steel grades
- High service temperature — 700°C (1,292 °F), better than 99% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 93% of steel grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 16.2 W/m·K (9.36 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 98% of steel grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 2.4 % IACS, worse than 97% of steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 96% of steel grades
- Low strength — 300 MPa (43.5 ksi), worse than 86% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 40/100, worse than 77% of steel grades
E308L-16-SA properties
Typical room-temperature values for E308L-16-SA; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E308L-16 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
E308L-16-SA 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-SA has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) — weaker than 86% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
E308L-16-SA is rated for continuous service to 700°C (1,292 °F). It conducts heat at 16.2 W/m·K (9.36 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-SA conducts electricity at 2.4 % IACS, worse than 97% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (63/100), better than 100% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E308L-16-SA 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-SA's machinability is fair (40/100, worse than 77% of steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability very good (70/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E308L-16-SA
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.
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.
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 | — |
E308L-16-SA — frequently asked
What is E308L-16-SA used for?
E308L-16-SA 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-SA?
E308L-16-SA has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) — weaker than 86% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is E308L-16-SA easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, worse than 77% 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-SA 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-SA?
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-SA 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-SA?
E308L-16-SA is rated for continuous use to about 700°C (1,292 °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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.