Steel ER316L AW-GMAW
Finish state
UNS S31683 · ASTM A5.9 · JIS YS316L, Y316L · GB H03Cr19Ni12Mo2, H316L · ISO 19 12 3 L, G 19 12 3 L
AW-GMAW = as-welded, MIG deposit
Spool-fed high-deposition welding of plate and tanks; slightly lower toughness than TIG from oxygen pickup.
Values for the AW-GMAW condition
Other ER316L tempers and conditions
ER316L is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at ER316L.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weld metal solution annealed 1040–1100 °C, water quenched | Use when the whole fabrication is solution annealed (e.g. hygienic vessels, forged-and-welded parts): softer, fully austenitic, maximum corrosion resistance. | 260 | 520 | 50 | 150 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
As-welded, submerged-arc deposit with basic flux | Choose for thick-section, long, high-productivity seams; properties depend strongly on flux and heat input. | 400 | 550 | 35 | 175 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
AW-GMAWThis page As-welded, MIG deposit | Spool-fed high-deposition welding of plate and tanks; slightly lower toughness than TIG from oxygen pickup. | 415 | 565 | 38 | 180 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Default reporting condition: undiluted as-deposited weld metal with 3–10 FN ferrite, no PWHT. | 420 | 570 | 40 | 9 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
As-welded, TIG deposit | Pick for cleanest, highest-toughness deposits — root passes, tubing, cryogenic and high-purity service. | 435 | 580 | 42 | 170 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
What is ER316L AW-GMAW?
ER316L AW-GMAW is ER316L supplied in the AW-GMAW condition — spool-fed high-deposition welding of plate and tanks; slightly lower toughness than TIG from oxygen pickup. ER316L AW-GMAW has a yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 565 MPa (81.9 ksi) — weaker than 56% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi). ER316L AW-GMAW has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 94% of steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; AW-GMAW is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 71/100, better than 100% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 38%, better than 98% of steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 145 MPa·√m (132 ksi·√in), better than 95% of steel grades
- High service temperature — 550°C (1,022 °F), better than 95% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 93% of steel grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 15 W/m·K (8.67 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 — 5.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 97% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 37/100, worse than 81% of steel grades
ER316L AW-GMAW properties
Typical room-temperature values for ER316L AW-GMAW; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ER316L reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
ER316L AW-GMAW has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 94% of steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F).
Mechanical17
ER316L AW-GMAW has a yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 565 MPa (81.9 ksi) — weaker than 56% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
ER316L AW-GMAW is rated for continuous service to 550°C (1,022 °F). It conducts heat at 15 W/m·K (8.67 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 98% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ER316L AW-GMAW conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, worse than 98% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (71/100), better than 100% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ER316L AW-GMAW takes about 72 MJ of energy and emits 5.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 97% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability8
ER316L AW-GMAW's machinability is fair (37/100, worse than 81% of steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability good (68/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ER316L AW-GMAW
Is ER316L easy to machine?
Weld deposits machine like 316L — slow speeds, positive-rake sharp carbide, heavy rigid setups and flood coolant to fight work hardening and gumminess.
Can ER316L be welded?
Weld with pure Ar (GTAW) or Ar+2%O₂ / Ar+1–3%CO₂ (GMAW), interpass ≤150 °C, low heat input, back-purge root passes; no preheat and normally no PWHT.
Can ER316L be formed, bent or molded?
Deposited metal is very ductile and can be cold formed or planished, but it work hardens fast and springs back more than carbon steel.
What surface finishes work on ER316L?
Grind/pickle-passivate or electropolish welds (ASTM A380/A967) to remove heat tint and restore chloride pitting resistance; do not use carbon-steel tools or brushes.
ER316L 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 to resist sensitization | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Cr | 18 – 20 | 19 |
| Ni | 11 – 14 | 12.3 |
| Mopitting resistance | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Mn | 1 – 2.5 | 1.7 |
| SiER316LSi variant raises Si to 0.65–1.00 | 0.3 – 0.65 | 0.45 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | 0.15 |
| Fe | balance | — |
ER316L AW-GMAW — frequently asked
What is ER316L AW-GMAW used for?
ER316L AW-GMAW is typically used for chemical processing equipment, marine fabrication, pharmaceutical vessels and pulp and paper equipment. In short: standard 316L matching filler; better chloride pitting resistance than ER308L; low-carbon, sensitization resistant.
What is the yield strength of ER316L AW-GMAW?
ER316L AW-GMAW has a typical yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 565 MPa (81.9 ksi) — weaker than 56% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ER316L AW-GMAW easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (37/100, worse than 81% of steel grades). Weld deposits machine like 316L — slow speeds, positive-rake sharp carbide, heavy rigid setups and flood coolant to fight work hardening and gumminess.
Can ER316L AW-GMAW be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Weld with pure Ar (GTAW) or Ar+2%O₂ / Ar+1–3%CO₂ (GMAW), interpass ≤150 °C, low heat input, back-purge root passes; no preheat and normally no PWHT.
What surface finishes work on ER316L AW-GMAW?
Grind/pickle-passivate or electropolish welds (ASTM A380/A967) to remove heat tint and restore chloride pitting resistance; do not use carbon-steel tools or brushes.
Can ER316L AW-GMAW be formed, bent or molded?
Deposited metal is very ductile and can be cold formed or planished, but it work hardens fast and springs back more than carbon steel.
What is the maximum service temperature of ER316L AW-GMAW?
ER316L AW-GMAW is rated for continuous use to about 550°C (1,022 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ER316L-AW and ER316L AW-SAW?
AW is the default condition — default reporting condition: undiluted as-deposited weld metal with 3–10 FN ferrite, no PWHT. AW-SAW: choose for thick-section, long, high-productivity seams; properties depend strongly on flux and heat input. Yield strength is 420 MPa in AW versus 400 MPa in AW-SAW.
Sources
- AWS A5.9/A5.9M — Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods — American Welding Society (2017)
- ISO 14343 — Welding consumables, wire/strip electrodes for stainless and heat-resisting steels (19 12 3 L) — ISO (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- Böhler / voestalpine EAS 4 M-IG (ER316L) all-weld-metal data — voestalpine Böhler Welding (2023)
- Outokumpu Steel Grade 316L (4404) physical property data — Outokumpu (2022)
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.