Steel E309L-16 PWHT
Heat-treated state
PWHT = post-weld heat treated
Used when the carbon-steel side of a dissimilar joint requires code-mandated stress relief; expect slight strength gain and lower toughness from ferrite transformation.
Values for the PWHT condition
Other E309L-16 tempers and conditions
E309L-16 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at E309L-16.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solution annealed deposit | Rarely specified; only for all-stainless fabrications solution annealed after welding, giving a softer, more ductile and fully corrosion-restored deposit. | 300 | 540 | 45 | 170 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Standard condition for dissimilar-metal joints and cladding transition layers; use as deposited, no heat treatment. | 410 | 580 | 38 | 200 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
PWHTThis page Post-weld heat treated | Used when the carbon-steel side of a dissimilar joint requires code-mandated stress relief; expect slight strength gain and lower toughness from ferrite transformation. | 420 | 600 | 33 | 205 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
What is E309L-16 PWHT?
E309L-16 PWHT is E309L-16 heat treated to PWHT — used when the carbon-steel side of a dissimilar joint requires code-mandated stress relief; expect slight strength gain and lower toughness from ferrite transformation. E309L-16 PWHT has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — weaker than 53% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 33% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi). E309L-16 PWHT has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 87% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; PWHT is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 63/100, better than 100% of steel grades
- High service temperature — 650°C (1,202 °F), better than 99% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 33%, better than 96% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 87% 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 — 2.2 % IACS, worse than 98% of steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 96% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 33/100, worse than 86% of steel grades
E309L-16 PWHT properties
Typical room-temperature values for E309L-16 PWHT; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E309L-16 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
E309L-16 PWHT has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 87% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical16
E309L-16 PWHT has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — weaker than 53% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 33% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
Thermal6
E309L-16 PWHT is rated for continuous service to 650°C (1,202 °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 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E309L-16 PWHT conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 98% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (63/100), better than 100% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E309L-16 PWHT takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 5 kg of CO₂ — more than 94% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability6
E309L-16 PWHT's machinability is poor (33/100, worse than 86% of steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability fair (50/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E309L-16 PWHT
Is E309L-16 easy to machine?
Weld deposit is tough and work-hardening — use sharp carbide, rigid setup, positive rake, generous coolant and avoid dwelling; grinding is often preferred for dressing.
Can E309L-16 be welded?
AC/DC+ SMAW electrode; redry 250–300 °C/1 h, keep interpass below ~150 °C, short arc and stringer beads to hold 8–15 FN ferrite and avoid hot cracking; ideal for buttering carbon steel before joining to 304/316.
Can E309L-16 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a formable product form — deposit only; joint geometry set by groove design, with buffer/buttering layers 3–6 mm thick for cladding transitions.
What surface finishes work on E309L-16?
Remove slag fully, then wire-brush with stainless brushes, pickle and passivate; expect the deposit to be slightly magnetic and to polish darker than 304 base metal.
E309L-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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cextra-low carbon | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| Cr | 22 – 25 | 23.5 |
| Ni | 12 – 14 | 13 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.5 |
| Si-16 rutile/lime-titania coating | ≤ 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Moresidual | ≤ 0.75 | 0.15 |
| Curesidual | ≤ 0.75 | 0.1 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Fe | balance | — |
E309L-16 PWHT — frequently asked
What is E309L-16 PWHT used for?
E309L-16 PWHT is typically used for dissimilar metal welding, stainless steel cladding and overlay repair. In short: standard dissimilar-joint stick electrode; dilution-tolerant 8–15 FN deposit; higher service temperature than 308L.
What is the yield strength of E309L-16 PWHT?
E309L-16 PWHT has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — weaker than 53% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is E309L-16 PWHT easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (33/100, worse than 86% of steel grades). Weld deposit is tough and work-hardening — use sharp carbide, rigid setup, positive rake, generous coolant and avoid dwelling; grinding is often preferred for dressing.
Can E309L-16 PWHT be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). AC/DC+ SMAW electrode; redry 250–300 °C/1 h, keep interpass below ~150 °C, short arc and stringer beads to hold 8–15 FN ferrite and avoid hot cracking; ideal for buttering carbon steel before joining to 304/316.
What surface finishes work on E309L-16 PWHT?
Remove slag fully, then wire-brush with stainless brushes, pickle and passivate; expect the deposit to be slightly magnetic and to polish darker than 304 base metal.
Can E309L-16 PWHT be formed, bent or molded?
Not a formable product form — deposit only; joint geometry set by groove design, with buffer/buttering layers 3–6 mm thick for cladding transitions.
What is the maximum service temperature of E309L-16 PWHT?
E309L-16 PWHT is rated for continuous use to about 650°C (1,202 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E309L-16-AW and E309L-16-SA?
AW is the default condition — standard condition for dissimilar-metal joints and cladding transition layers; use as deposited, no heat treatment. SA: rarely specified; only for all-stainless fabrications solution annealed after welding, giving a softer, more ductile and fully corrosion-restored deposit. Yield strength is 410 MPa in AW versus 300 MPa in SA.
Sources
- AWS A5.4/A5.4M — Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for SMAW — AWS (2012)
- GB/T 983 — (A062) — SAC (2012)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- Stainless SMAW electrode all-weld-metal datasheets (E309L-16) — Böhler Welding / ESAB / (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.