AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux is a grade of welding filler wire and flux used in welding applications that require high corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties. It is an austenitic stainless steel containing molybdenum, enhancing its corrosion resistance, especially in chlorides and acids. In this blog, we will explore the AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux in detail, looking at its composition, physical and mechanical properties, heat treatment, corrosion resistance, and uses.
What is AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux?
AWS ER316/316L SAW & Flux combines two different welding processes. Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) utilizes an electric arc between a consumable electrode and the workpiece while covered by an inorganic flux material. This creates a layer of weld metal that can resist corrosion and high temperatures. Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) uses an arc between a consumable electrode with flux within its core or sheath and the workpiece to create stronger welds than SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding). Combining these two welding processes produces resistant welds for food processing, chemical processing, offshore oil rigs, power plants and marine environments.
ER316/316L SAW & Flux Welding Wire Composition
AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux primarily comprises iron, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. Adding molybdenum enhances the alloy’s resistance to pitting corrosion caused by chloride ions. The alloy’s chemical composition conforms to the AWS A5.9/ASME SFA 5.9 standards for welding consumables, indicating that it meets the requirements for classifying the coated electrode and flux.
| C | Cr | Ni | Mo | Mn | Si | P | S | Cu |
| 0.03 | 18.0-20.0 | 11.0-14.0 | 2.0-3.0 | 1.0-2.5 | 0.30-0.65 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.75 |
ER316/316L SAW & Flux Coated Wire Physical Properties
AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux exhibits excellent physical properties, like density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and electrical resistivity. Its density is about 7.9 g/cm3. The specific heat of the alloy is about 0.5 J/g K, the thermal conductivity is about 15 W/m K, and the electrical resistivity is about 7.5 µΩ-m. The alloy’s thermal expansion coefficient decreases upon cooling, making it more resistant to thermal stress.
ER316/316L SAW & Flux Welding Wire Mechanical Properties
AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux exhibits excellent mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. It has a yield strength of 230 MPa, tensile strength of 580 MPa, and elongation of 35%. These properties make it an ideal filler metal for welding electrode applications that require high strength, toughness, and elongation.
| Tensile Strength, ksi: | 80* |
| Yield Strength, ksi: | 55* |
| Elongation %: | 40* |
ER316/316L SAW & Flux Coated Wire Trade Name
| Class | UNS | Oxford Alloys |
| ER316/316L | S31683 | Alloy 316/316L |
ER316/316L SAW & Flux Welding Wire Parameters
| Diameter | Process | Volt | Amps | Shielding Gas | |
| in | (mm) | ||||
| .035 | (0.9) | GMAW | 22-23 | 180-210 | Spray transfer 98% Argon/2% Oxygen |
| .045 | (1.2) | GMAW | 23-25 | 195-260 | Spray transfer 98% Argon/2% Oxygen |
| 1/16 | (1.6) | GMAW | 25-28 | 260-390 | Spray transfer 98% Argon/2% Oxygen |
| .035 | (0.9) | GMAW | 19-23 | 55-170 | Short Circuiting Transfer 90% Helium/ 7 ½% Argon / 2 ½% CO2 |
| .045 | (1.2) | GMAW | 19-23 | 100-185 | Short Circuiting Transfer 90% Helium/ 7 ½% Argon / 2 ½% CO2 |
| .035 | (0.9) | GTAW | 13-16 | 70-120 | 100% Argon |
| .045 | (1.14) | GTAW | 13-16 | 70-120 | 100% Argon |
| 1/16 | (1.6) | GTAW | 14-18 | 90-130 | 100% Argon |
| 3/32 | (2.4) | GTAW | 15-20 | 120-175 | 100% Argon |
| 1/8 | (3.2) | GTAW | 15-20 | 150-220 | 100% Argon |
ER316/316L SAW & Flux Welding Wire Uses
AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux fabricate chemical processing equipment, heat exchangers, aerospace components, and oil and gas applications. It is also used in cryogenic applications where low-temperature toughness is required. Because of its excellent corrosion resistance, the alloy is commonly used to fabricate components that come into contact with corrosive materials, such as acids and seawater.
ER316/316L SAW & Flux Coated Wire Heat Treatment
AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux can be heat treated like other austenitic stainless steels. The alloy is annealed at 1010-1120°C (1850-2050°F) for 30 minutes per inch of thickness and then quenched rapidly in water. This process helps remove stresses in the material and improves its resistance to corrosion and cracking.
ER316/316L SAW & Flux Welding Wire Corrosion Resistant
AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux is highly resistant to corrosion caused by various agents, including acids, alkalis, and chlorides. The molybdenum content on the alloy enhances its resistance to pitting corrosion caused by chloride ions, particularly in environments that contain halides. The alloy is also highly resistant to stress corrosion cracking, making it useful in applications where the material is under stress.
Conclusion:
AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux is an excellent welding alloy material known for its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and thermal stability. The alloy’s chemical composition meets the AWS A5.9/ASME SFA 5.9 standards, making it a reliable welding consumable. The alloy is widely used in many industrial applications and is well-suited to harsh environments where corrosion-resistant materials are required. In conclusion, the AWS Class ER316/316L SAW & Flux is a versatile and important welding material that should be a go-to for many welding professionals.
Rachana is a dedicated and ambitious young woman who has made a name for herself in the metal industry. From her earliest days in the industry, Rachana showed a natural talent for problem-solving and a keen eye for detail. In her free time, She enjoys reading up on the latest advancements in the industry, as well as exploring new ways to innovate and improve upon existing processes.
