AWS Class E308/308L-16 coated electrodes are commonly used in welding applications. These electrodes are made up of a mixture of metals and have several physical and mechanical properties that make them ideal for certain welding jobs. In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into what AWS Class E308/308L-16 coated electrodes are, their composition, properties, uses, heat treatment, and corrosion resistance.
What is AWS Class E308/308L-16 Welding Rod?
AWS E308/308L-16 Welding electrode Rods are an electrode used in welding and fabrication processes. These electrodes are made from low alloy, stainless steel materials and typically contain around 25% ferrite content. This makes them the ideal choice for TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding of mild or low alloy steels containing up to 18% chromium content. They offer superior arc stability, better weld puddle control, and higher deposition rates than standard coated electrode options. Additionally, they have excellent toughness even at temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C).
E308/308L-16 Welding Rod Composition
AWS Class E308/308L-16 electrodes comprise a mixture of filler metals, including chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel. They also contain molybdenum and low carbon content, making them an excellent choice for welding applications requiring high corrosion resistance and high-temperature conditions. These electrodes are coated with a rutile layer, which helps create smooth and consistent welds.
| C | Cr | Ni | Mo | Mn | Si | P | S | Cu |
| 0.04 | 18.0-21.0 | 9.0-11.0 | 0.75 | 0.5-2.5 | 1.00 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.75 |
E308/308L-16 Welding Rod Physical Properties
AWS Class E308/308L-16 Welding Rod have a diameter of 2.5mm and 3.2mm. They can handle a current ranging from 70 to 110 amps and have a maximum operating temperature of up to 350 degrees Celsius. Moreover, they have a tensile strength of 550-600 MPa and a 35-40% elongation. These physical properties make them ideal for welding wire applications involving stainless steel.
E308/308L-16 Welding Rod Mechanical Properties
AWS Class E308/308L-16 coated electrodes have excellent mechanical properties, making them an ideal choice for welding applications. They have a good impact strength, making them ideal for welding situations that require high-impact tolerance. They also have a high fracture strength and low sensitivity to hydrogen, making them ideal for welding high-stress environments.
| Tensile Strength, kpsi: | 75 min |
| Yield Strength, kpsi: | *NS |
| Elongation %: | 35 min |
E308/308L-16 Welding Rod Parameters
| Diameter | Process | Volt | Amps (flat) | Amps (V/OH) | |
| in | (mm) | ||||
| 3/32 | (2.4) | SMAW | 24-28 | 70-85 | 65-75 |
| 1/8 | (3.2) | SMAW | 26-30 | 85-110 | 80-90 |
| 5/32 | (4.0) | SMAW | 28-32 | 110-140 | 100-120 |
| 3/16 | (4.8) | SMAW | 28-32 | 120-160 | 110-130 |
E308/308L-16 Welding Rod Electrodes Trade Names
| Class | UNS | Oxford Alloys | BOHLER | UTP |
| E308/308L-16 | W30813 | Alloy 308/308L-16 | BOHLER FOX E A S 2 E 308L-15 | UTP 68 LC 308L-17 |
E308/308L-16 Welding Rod Uses
AWS Class E308/308L-16 coated electrodes are widely used in welding applications for stainless steel. They are ideal for welding alloy pipes, tubes, and tanks. These filler wire electrodes are also used in welding applications involving food processing, chemical plants, and oil rigs. They are also suitable for outdoor welding due to their high-temperature tolerance capabilities.
E308/308L-16 Welding Rod Heat Treatment
AWS Class E308/308L-16 coated electrodes do not require any heat treatment. However, the weld joint should be properly cleaned and dried before welding. This will ensure that the electrodes provide optimal performance. Once the weld is complete, it should cool slowly to prevent cracking or warping.
E308/308L-16 Welding Rod Corrosion Resistance
AWS Class E308/308L-16 coated electrodes are highly corrosion resistant, making them ideal for welding applications in harsh environments. They provide excellent resistance to corrosion caused by acidic, alkaline, and chlorinated environments. These electrodes are also resistant to pitting corrosion caused by halides and sulfides.
Conclusion
AWS Class E308/308L-16 coated electrodes are popular for welding applications requiring high corrosion resistance and high-temperature tolerance. They are made of various metals, including austenitic stainless steel, molybdenum, and low carbon content, making them an excellent choice for welding applications. Additionally, they have good impact strength and low hydrogen sensitivity, making them ideal for welding in high-stress environments. With their excellent physical and mechanical properties, these electrodes are ideal for welding pipes, tanks, and outdoor welding jobs.
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
