Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes Guide

Stainless steel welding electrodes play a vital role in joining and fabricating various stainless steel alloys. These electrodes are specifically designed to withstand the challenges associated with welding stainless steel, such as high temperatures, corrosion resistance, and maintaining the mechanical properties of the base metal.

Stainless steel welding electrodes are formulated with specific alloy compositions to match the base metal and achieve desirable weld characteristics. These electrodes are classified based on their chemical composition, which determines their performance and suitability for different stainless steel grades and welding applications. Common stainless steel welding electrode classifications include E308, E309, E316, and E347, among others.

Each stainless steel welding electrode has its own unique composition and is designed for specific purposes. Some electrodes are suitable for welding similar stainless steel alloys, while others are specifically formulated for dissimilar metal welding. The choice of electrode depends on factors such as the base metal composition, required mechanical properties, desired corrosion resistance, and the welding process being used.

Commonly used Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes

E209 Welding Rod

This electrode is composed of 20% Cr, 6% Ni, 9% Mn, and 0.20% N. It is primarily used to weld AISI Type 219 base metals. E209 is a nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steel known for its high strength and good toughness over a wide temperature range.

It offers resistance to intergranular corrosion and pitting/crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments. E209 electrodes are suitable for joining dissimilar alloys and overlaying mild steel for corrosion applications.

E240 Welding Rod

Comprising 18% Cr, 5% Ni, 12% Mn, and 0.20% N, E240 electrodes are commonly used to weld AISI Type 240 and 241 base metals. These nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steels exhibit high strength and toughness. They offer improved resistance to wear in particle-to-metal and metal-to-metal applications compared to conventional austenitic stainless steels like Type 304.

E240 electrodes provide resistance to intergranular corrosion and pitting/crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments. They are suitable for joining dissimilar alloys and overlaying mild steel for corrosion and wear applications.

E307 Welding Rod

With a nominal composition of 19.8% Cr, 9.8% Ni, 4% Mn, and 1% Mo, E307 electrodes are primarily used for moderate strength welds with good crack resistance between dissimilar steels, such as austenitic manganese steel and carbon steel forgings or castings.

E308 Welding Rod

Composed of 19.5% Cr and 10% Ni, E308 electrodes are commonly used to weld base metals with similar compositions, such as AISI Types 301, 302, 304, and 305.

E308H Welding Rod

Similar to E308, but with restricted carbon content (0.04-0.08%), E308H electrodes provide higher tensile and creep strengths at elevated temperatures. They are used for welding Type 304H base metal, with weld metal ferrite content targeted at 5 FN to minimize the effect of sigma embrittlement in high-temperature service.

E308L Welding Rod

The composition of E308L weld metal is the same as E308, except for the carbon content. E308L electrodes (0.04% maximum carbon) reduce intergranular carbide precipitation and increase resistance to intergranular corrosion without using stabilizers like niobium or titanium. They are not as strong as E308H or E347 at elevated temperatures.

E308Mo Welding Rod

Similar to E308, but with the addition of molybdenum, E308Mo electrodes are recommended for welding ASTM CF8M stainless steel castings and wrought materials like Type 316 stainless steel when increased ferrite is desired.

E308LMo Welding Rod

These electrodes are recommended for welding ASTM CF3M stainless steel castings and wrought materials like Type 316L stainless steel when increased ferrite is desired.

E309 Welding Rod

Comprising 23.5% Cr, 13% Ni, and carbon levels allowed up to 0.15%, E309 electrodes are used for welding similar compositions in wrought or cast form. They are also suitable for welding dissimilar steels, such as joining Type 304 to carbon or low-alloy steel, welding Type 304-clad steels, and applying stainless steel sheet linings to carbon steel. E309 electrodes typically exhibit ferrite levels from 3 to 20 FN.

E309H Welding Rod

Similar to E309, but with restricted carbon content, E309H electrodes provide higher tensile and creep strengths at elevated temperatures. They are suitable for welding 24 Cr 12 Ni wrought and cast steels designed for corrosion and oxidation resistance.

E309L Welding Rod

The composition of E309L weld metal is the same as E309, except for the lower carbon content (0.04% maximum). E309L electrodes ensure a higher ferrite content (>8 FN) and increase resistance to intergranular corrosion without using niobium. They are commonly used for welding dissimilar steels and applying stainless steel sheet linings to carbon steel.

E309Nb Welding Rod

Similar to Type 309, but with the addition of niobium and a reduction in carbon content, E309Nb electrodes provide resistance to carbide precipitation, increased intergranular corrosion resistance, and higher strength in elevated-temperature service. They are used for welding Type 347 clad steels or overlaying carbon steel.

E309Mo Welding Rod

Similar to E309, but with the addition of molybdenum and a small reduction in carbon content, E309Mo electrodes are used for welding Type 316 clad steels or overlaying carbon steels.

E309LMo Welding Rod

Weld metal composition similar to E309Mo electrodes, but with lower carbon content to reduce intergranular corrosion and increase ferrite content. Reduces solidification cracking when used on carbon or low-alloy steels.

E310 Welding Rod

Weld metal composition consists of 26.5% chromium and 21% nickel. Primarily used for welding base metals with similar composition.

E310H Welding Rod

Weld metal composition similar to E310 electrodes, but with carbon content ranging from 0.35% to 0.45%. Used for welding high-alloy heat and corrosion-resistant castings (Type HK) with high strength at temperatures over 1700°F [930°C]. Not recommended for high-sulfur environments or severe thermal shock.

E310Nb Welding Rod

Weld metal composition similar to E310 electrodes, but with the addition of niobium and a reduction in carbon content. Used for welding heat-resisting castings, Type 347 clad steels, or overlaying carbon steels.

E310Mo Welding Rod

Weld metal composition similar to E310 electrodes, but with the addition of molybdenum and a reduction in carbon content. Used for welding heat-resisting castings, Type 316 clad steels, or overlaying carbon steels.

E312 Welding Rod

Weld metal composition consists of 30% chromium and 9% nickel. Originally designed for welding cast alloys with similar composition, but also useful for welding dissimilar metals, especially when one is a high-nickel stainless steel. Provides a two-phase weld deposit with substantial ferrite content in an austenitic matrix. Recommended for service temperatures below 800°F [420°C] to avoid formation of brittle phases.

E316 Welding Rod

Weld metal composition consists of 18.5% chromium, 12.5% nickel, and 2.5% molybdenum. Used for welding Type 316 and similar alloys, particularly in high-temperature applications. Molybdenum provides creep resistance and increased ductility at elevated temperatures. Care should be taken to prevent rapid corrosion under specific conditions.

E316H Welding Rod

Similar to E316, but with restricted weld metal carbon content (0.04% to 0.08%). Provides higher tensile and creep strengths at elevated temperatures. Used for welding 316H base metal.

E316L Welding Rod

Similar to E316, but with maximum carbon content of 0.04%. Reduces the possibility of intergranular carbide precipitation and increases resistance to intergranular corrosion without stabilizers. Used for welding low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing austenitic alloys.

E316LMn Welding Rod

Weld metal composition consists of 19.5% chromium, 16.5% nickel, 6.5% manganese, 3% molybdenum, and 0.2% nitrogen. Fully austenitic alloy with maximum ferrite content of 0.5%. Used for joining cryogenic steels and corrosion-resistant applications. Exhibits good corrosion resistance in acids and seawater.

E317 Welding Rod

Weld metal composition with higher alloy content than E316 electrodes, particularly in molybdenum. Used for welding alloys with similar composition in severely corrosive environments.

E317L Welding Rod

Similar to E317, but with maximum carbon content of 0.04%. Reduces the possibility of intergranular carbide precipitation and increases resistance to intergranular corrosion without stabilizers. Not as strong at elevated temperatures as niobium-stabilized alloys.

E318 Welding Rod

Similar to E316, but with the addition of niobium. Provides resistance to intergranular carbide precipitation and increased resistance to intergranular corrosion. Used for welding base metals with similar composition.

E320 Welding Rod

Weld metal composition consists of 20% chromium, 34% nickel, 2.5% molybdenum, 3.5% copper, with added niobium for improved resistance to intergranular corrosion. Used for welding base metals with similar composition in applications requiring resistance to severe corrosion.

E320LR (Low Residuals) Welding Rod

Similar to E320, but with lower maximum levels of certain elements and controlled ranges for niobium and manganese. Reduces weld metal fissuring while maintaining corrosion resistance. Used for welding ferrite-containing austenitic stainless steels.

E330 Welding Rod

Weld metal composition consists of 35% nickel and 15.5% chromium. Used for applications requiring heat and scale resistance above 1800°F [980°C]. May be adversely affected by high-sulfur environments at elevated temperatures.

E330H Welding Rod

Similar to E330, but with carbon content ranging from 0.35% toI apologize, but I don’t have any information on the specific welding electrode classifications you mentioned.

E349 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Steels of Similar Composition

Composition: 19.5% Cr, 9% Ni, 1% Nb, 0.5% Mo, 1.4% W
Used for welding steels like AISI Type 651 or 652
Provides good high-temperature rupture strength

Contains ferrite for increased crack resistance

E383 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Stainless Steel with Low Hot Cracking

Composition: 28% Cr, 31.5% Ni, 3.7% Mo, 1% Cu

Used to weld similar compositions and other stainless steel grades
Recommended for sulfuric and phosphoric acid environments
Low levels of C, Si, P, and S minimize hot cracking and fissuring

E385 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Corrosion-Resistant Materials

Composition: 20.5% Cr, 25% Ni, 5% Mo, 1.5% Cu
Used for Type 904L materials handling sulfuric acid and chloride-containing media

Can join Type 317L and other stainless grades
Low levels of C, Si, P, and S minimize hot cracking and fissuring

E409Nb Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Ferritic Stainless Steels

Composition similar to E410 but with added niobium
Used for welding Types 405 and 409 stainless steels
Also used for welding Type 410 clad stainless steel and overlaying carbon and low-alloy steels

Requires preheat and postweld heat treatments for adequate ductility

E410 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Air-Hardening Steel

Composition: 12% Cr

Used for welding similar alloy compositions and surfacing carbon steels
Requires preheat and postheat treatments for adequate ductility

E410NiMo Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for CA6NM Castings and Type 410S

Modified composition with less chromium and more nickel than E410
Used for welding CA6NM castings, Type 410, 410S, and 405 base metals
Eliminates ferrite for improved mechanical properties

Requires postweld heat treatment below 1150°F (620°C)

E430 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Balanced Corrosion Resistance and Ductility

Composition: 15-18% Cr

Provides corrosion resistance and ductility
Requires preheat and postheat treatments
Heat treatment following welding is necessary for optimum properties

E430Nb Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Ferritic Stainless Steel

Composition similar to E430 with added niobium
Produces ferritic microstructure with fine grains

Requires preheat and postweld heat treatments for adequate ductility
Used for welding Type 430, Type 405, and Type 410 clad steels

E630 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel

Composition: 16.4% Cr, 4.7% Ni, 3.6% Cu
Designed for ASTM A 564, Type 630, and other precipitation-hardening stainless steels
Modified to prevent ferrite networks in the martensite microstructure

Can be used as-welded, precipitation hardened, or solution treated and precipitation hardened

E16-8-2 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for High-Pressure, High-Temperature Piping Systems

Composition: 15.5% Cr, 8.5% Ni, 1.5% Mo

Used for welding stainless steel like Types 16-8-2, 316, and 347
Low Ferrite Number for reduced cracking under high-restraint conditions
Can be used in as-welded or solution-treated condition

Corrosion resistance may be lower than Type 316, additional corrosion-resistant layers recommended for severe environments.

E2209 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Duplex Stainless Steel

Composition: 22.5% Cr, 9.5% Ni, 3% Mo, 0.15% N

Used for welding duplex stainless steels like UNS S31803, S32205, S32101, and S32304
Deposited weld metal has a duplex microstructure with an austenite-ferrite matrix
Combines increased tensile strength with improved resistance to pitting corrosive attack and stress corrosion cracking

Requires a higher annealing temperature than the duplex base metal if postweld annealing is necessary

E2307 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Lean Duplex Stainless Steels

Composition: 24% Cr, 8% Ni, 0.15% N

Used for welding lean, low-molybdenum duplex stainless steels like UNS S32101 and S32304
Deposited weld metal has a duplex microstructure with an austenite-ferrite matrix
Offers increased strength and improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking compared to austenitic stainless steel weld metals

E2553 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Duplex Stainless Steels

Composition: 25.5% Cr, 7.5% Ni, 3.4% Mo, 2% Cu, 0.17% N
Used for welding duplex stainless steels containing approximately 25% chromium

Deposited weld metal has a duplex microstructure with an austenite-ferrite matrix
Provides increased tensile strength and improved resistance to pitting corrosive attack and stress corrosion cracking

E2593 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Duplex Stainless Steels

Composition: 25% Cr, 9.5% Ni, 3.4% Mo, 2.5% Cu, 0.2% N
Used for welding duplex stainless steels containing approximately 25% chromium
Deposited weld metal has a duplex microstructure with an austenite-ferrite matrix

Offers increased tensile strength and improved resistance to pitting corrosive attack and stress corrosion cracking
Requires a higher annealing temperature than E2553 or the duplex base metal if postweld annealing is necessary

E2594 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Super-Duplex Stainless Steel

Composition: 25.5% Cr, 10% Ni, 4% Mo, 0.25% N
Weld metal has a Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) of at least 40, making it a “super-duplex stainless steel”
Used for welding Type 2507 super-duplex stainless steels and similar compositions

Can also be used for welding carbon and low-alloy steels to duplex stainless steels
Offers increased tensile strength and improved resistance to pitting corrosive attack and stress corrosion cracking

E2595 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Super-Duplex Stainless Steel

Composition: 25.5% Cr, 9% Ni, 3.8% Mo, 0.7% Cu, 0.7% W, 0.25% N
Weld metal has a Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) of at least 40, making it a “super-duplex stainless steel”
Used for welding super-duplex stainless steels like UNS S32550, S32750, S32760, and similar compositions

Can also be used for welding carbon and low-alloy steels to duplex stainless steels
Offers increased tensile strength and improved resistance to pitting corrosive attack and stress corrosion cracking

E3155 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Corrosion and Heat-Resistant Applications

Composition: 21.25% Cr, 19.75% Co, 20% Ni, 3% Mo, 2.5% W
Used for welding parts with similar or dissimilar compositions that require corrosion and heat resistance
Commonly used in aerospace applications for tailpipes, exhaust manifolds, turbine blades, and more

Possesses inherent high-temperature properties without the need for age hardening

E33-31 Welding Rod

Welding Electrode for Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloy

Composition: 31% Ni, 32% Fe, 33% Cr, 1.6% Mo, low carbon

Used for welding nickel-chromium-iron alloy (UNS R20033) and carbon steel
ASTM specifications include B625, B649, B366, B472, B564, B619, B622, and B626
Typically used in the flat position