SMAW · Stainless steel
E316L-16
The molybdenum-bearing stainless rod chosen when the service environment contains chlorides or acids that would pit an ordinary 18-8 deposit.
What the designation means
- E
- Covered electrode for shielded metal arc welding.
- 316
- An austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum deposit, with molybdenum added for pitting resistance in chloride environments.
- L
- Controlled low carbon content to limit carbide precipitation in the heat affected zone.
- -16
- Titania bearing covering, run on alternating current or direct current electrode positive.
At a glance
| Process | SMAW |
|---|---|
| Family | Stainless steel |
| Positions | All positions |
| Polarity | DCEP, or AC |
| Shielding | Self-shielded by the covering |
| Minimum tensile strength | 70 ksi |
Typical uses
- Welding 316 and 316L piping and vessels in chemical process plant
- Marine and coastal equipment exposed to chlorides
- Pharmaceutical and process lines requiring improved pitting resistance
How it runs
- Slightly more sluggish than the 308 family because of the molybdenum
- Brittle slag layer that lifts as the bead cools and contracts
- Fine rippled bead with a dull grey to straw finish depending on heat input
- Benefits from stringer beads and low interpass temperature
Storage and handling
Keep sealed and dry in a warm cabinet; stainless coverings absorb moisture quickly once the container is opened.
Compare with
SMAWE308L-16The default stainless rod for welding the common 18-8 grades, giving a low carbon austenitic deposit with enough ferrite to resist hot cracking.SMAWE347-16A stabilised stainless rod that keeps its corrosion resistance even after long exposure in the carbide precipitation range, which low carbon grades alone cannot always do.GMAWER316LThe molybdenum-bearing stainless filler used wherever chlorides or process acids would pit an ordinary 18-8 deposit, matched to the 316 and 316L base metals.