Welding has come a long way over the years, with advanced technologies and techniques making it possible to fabricate various products in various industries. One of the materials used in welding is AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG. If you have been wondering what the fuss is about this welding wire or are considering using it for your next project, this blog post is for you. We will explore everything you need to know about AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG, including its properties, composition, uses, heat treatment, and corrosion resistance.
What is AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG?
AWS Class ER308/308H is a group of stainless steel filler metals commonly used for welding austenitic alloys, such as types 301, 302, 304, 305 and 308. The most common composition of AWS Class ER308/308H consists of 19-22% chromium (Cr), 9-11% nickel (Ni) and 3.0-5.0% molybdenum (Mo). These MIG and TIG welding processes can provide great weld strength with low distortion levels even when welding thick sections. In addition to their superior mechanical properties, these materials provide good corrosion resistance in many aggressive atmospheres, making them useful in many applications.
ER308/308H MIG & TIG Welding Wire Composition
AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG electrode is made up of austenitic stainless steel and is a popular wire used in several welding applications. This wire contains a high amount of chromium and nickel, which makes it an excellent choice for welding materials that require high resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Other elements found in AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG include carbon and manganese.
| c | 0.05 |
| si | 0.46 |
| Mn | 1.65 |
| Cr | 20.45 |
| Ni | 9.85 |
| Other | – |
ER308/308H MIG & TIG Welding Wire Physical Properties
AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG welding alloy has excellent physical properties. Its tensile strength ranges between 75,000 to 84,000 psi, while its yield strength is around 45,000 psi. This wire also has a high melting point of 2,500 to 2,550 degrees Fahrenheit. Its density is 0.29 Ibs/in3; the melting range is 2,500°F-2,550°F and electrical conductivity is 30 %IACS.
ER308/308H MIG & TIG Welding Wire Mechanical Properties
AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG welding wire has great mechanical properties, making it ideal for welding applications. It has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means it can withstand changes in temperature without cracking. The wire also maintains its strength and stiffness even at elevated temperatures.
| Yield Strength | 61,000 psi |
| Tensile Strength | 90,000 psi |
| Elongation | 41% |
ER308/308H MIG & TIG Welding Wire Trade Names
| Class | UNS | Oxford Alloys |
| ER308/308H | S30880 | Alloy 308/308H |
ER308/308H MIG & TIG Welding Wire Parameters
| Recommended Welding Parameters | ||||||
| GMAW “Mig Process” | Reversed Polarity | |||||
| Wire Diameter | Wire Feed | Amps | Volts | Shielding Gas | Gas CFH | |
| Short Arc Welding | .030 | 13-26 | 40-120 | 16-20 | Argon+2% O2 | 25 |
| .035 | 13-26 | 60-140 | 16-22 | Argon+2% O2 | 25 | |
| Spray Arc Welding | .035 | 20-39 | 140-220 | 24-29 | Argon+2% O2 | 38 |
| .045 | 16-30 | 160-260 | 25-30 | Argon+2% O2 | 38 | |
| 1/16 | 10-16 | 230-350 | 27-31 | Argon+2% O2 | 38 | |
ER308/308H MIG & TIG Welding Wire Uses
AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG filler metal is an excellent wire for welding materials such as austenitic stainless steel grades like 304, 304L, 308L, and 347. It is also commonly used for welding dissimilar metals such as mild steel to stainless steel. AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG welding wire is suitable for welding piping systems, food processing machinery, and power plants.
ER308/308H MIG & TIG Welding Wire Heat Treatment
Post-weld annealing is not required when using AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG wire. It can also withstand high-temperature environments without experiencing any detrimental effects on its mechanical properties.
ER308/308H MIG & TIG Welding Wire Corrosion Resistant
AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG filler metal is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it an excellent choice for welding materials exposed to harsh environments. This wire also has excellent resistance to acids, bases, and salt solutions, making it ideal for applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Conclusion
In summary, AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG is a fantastic wire for welding applications. It has excellent physical, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, making it an indispensable material in various industries. Its uses include welding piping systems, food processing machinery, power plants, etc. Whether you are a professional welder or a DIY enthusiast, AWS Class ER308/308H MIG & TIG is a welding wire you can trust to produce quality welds that will last long.
Hey, I’m Krutik, a casual blogger expert in the metal industry. I am passionate about providing valuable information to my readers. With a background in engineering and construction, I like playing Cricket & watching Netflix shows in my free time. Thank you for visiting my blog, and I hope you find my information helpful!
