AWS Class ER316L/316H/316LSi MIG & TIG
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ER316L / ER316H / ER316LSi MIG & TIG Welding Wire Supplier in Mumbai, India
Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified supplier, importer and stockist of ER316L, ER316H, and ER316LSi TIG filler rods and MIG welding wire in Mumbai, India. Every batch ships with MTC 3.1 per EN 10204, and each wire is supplied per AWS A5.9 and ASME SFA 5.9.
ER316L is an 18Cr-12Ni-2.5Mo austenitic stainless filler metal, which is best known for its pitting resistance. The 2.0-3.0% molybdenum strengthens the passive film against chloride ion penetration, making ER316L the matching filler for AISI 316 and 316L. Three variants cover different service conditions. ER316L (C ≤0.03%) is the standard low-carbon grade that prevents sensitisation and intergranular corrosion in 316/316L fabrication. ER316H (C 0.04-0.08%) is the high-carbon variant for creep service above 425°C on 316H base metal. ER316LSi (Si 0.65–1.00%) adds improved weld pool fluidity and bead cosmetics for MIG welding. Typical ER316L weld deposits have a tensile strength of 593 MPa (86,000 psi) and a yield strength of 393 MPa (57,000 psi). Elongation is about 36%. TIG filler rods are available in 1.6, 2.0, 2.4 and 3.2 mm diameters. MIG welding wire is supplied in 0.8 to 1.6 mm. Suitable base metals include 316, 316L, 316H, 316Ti, CF3M castings and 304-to-316 transition joints.
These consumables are used in chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, marine equipment, food and beverage plants, petrochemical units, power generation, cryogenic and LNG systems and desalination plants, where strong corrosion resistance and dependable welds are essential for safe, long-term operation.
ER316L / ER316H / ER316LSi Welding Wire Specifications
Key welding wire specifications for ER316L, ER316LSi and ER316H are summarised in the table below.
| UNS Number | S31683 |
|---|---|
| Processes | GTAW, GMAW, SAW, PAW |
| Shielding Gas (TIG / MIG) | 100% Ar / Ar+2% O₂ |
| TIG Rod Diameters | 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm |
| MIG Wire Diameters | ER316L: 0.8–1.6 mm ER316LSi: 0.8–1.2 mm ER316H: 0.9–1.2 mm |
AWS Classification Explained: What Do ER316L, ER316LSi, and ER316H Mean?
This table explains the AWS names for 316 welding wires and shows how different carbon and silicon levels affect the weld.
| Classification | Meaning & Composition | Primary Purpose/Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| ER | Electrode or Rod | Bare solid wire for TIG, MIG, SAW, or PAW processes. |
| 316 | 18% Cr, 12% Ni, 2.5% Mo | Standard austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum for corrosion resistance. |
| L | Low Carbon ($\le 0.03\%$) | Prevents carbide precipitation (sensitisation) during welding. |
| LSi | Low Carbon + High Silicon | Enhanced “wetting” and fluid puddle control, specifically for MIG welding. |
| H | High Carbon ($0.04 – 0.08\%$) | Provides superior creep strength for service temperatures above 425°C. |
Weld Deposit Chemical Composition of ER316L, ER316LSi, and ER316H
Weld deposit chemical composition for ER316L, ER316LSi and ER316H is specified below according to AWS A5.9.
| Material | Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Nickel (Ni) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | P / S | Cu / Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ER316L (S31683) | 0.03% max | 18.0–20.0% | 11.0–14.0% | 2.0–3.0% | 0.30–0.65% | 1.0–2.5% | 0.03% max each | 0.75% max / Bal |
| ER316LSi (S31688) | 0.03% max | 18.0–20.0% | 11.0–14.0% | 2.0–3.0% | 0.65–1.00% | 1.0–2.5% | 0.03% max each | 0.75% max / Bal |
| ER316H (S31680) | 0.04–0.08% | 18.0–20.0% | 11.0–14.0% | 2.0–3.0% | 0.30–0.65% | 1.0–2.5% | 0.03% max each | 0.75% max / Bal |
Molybdenum at 2.0-3.0% is the key alloying element in these wires. ER316L and ER316LSi are the same except for their silicon content. ER316LSi has higher silicon (0.65-1.00%) than ER316L (0.30-0.65%).
Mechanical Properties of ER316L, ER316LSi, and ER316H
Typical as-welded mechanical properties of ER316L, ER316LSi and ER316H are summarised below, along with AWS A5.9 minimum requirements.
| Property | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2%) | Elongation | Ferrite Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS A5.9 Min | 520 MPa (75 ksi) | — | 30% min | — |
| ER316H (Typical) | 620–650 MPa | 380–440 MPa | 32–36% | 8–13 FN |
ER316L weld metal is stronger than 316L base metal (minimum UTS 485 MPa as per ASTM A240), so when the joint is pulled until it breaks, it fails in the base metal, not in the weld.
Base Metal Compatibility and P-Number Matrix for ER316L / ER316LSi / ER316H
The suitable base metals for ER316L, ER316LSi, and ER316H are listed below using ASME Section IX P-Number classifications.
| Classification | Meaning & Composition | Primary Purpose/Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| ER | Electrode or Rod | Bare solid wire for TIG, MIG, SAW, or PAW processes. |
| 316 | 18% Cr, 12% Ni, 2.5% Mo | Standard austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum for corrosion resistance. |
| L | Low Carbon ($\le 0.03\%$) | Prevents carbide precipitation (sensitisation) during welding. |
| LSi | Low Carbon + High Silicon | Enhanced “wetting” and fluid puddle control, specifically for MIG welding. |
| H | High Carbon ($0.04 – 0.08\%$) | Provides superior creep strength for service temperatures above 425°C. |
Recommended Welding Parameters for ER316L / ER316LSi / ER316H Filler Wire
Here are recommended welding settings for ER316L, ER316LSi, and ER316H wires when using TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) processes.
GMAW Parameters (Ar+2%O₂, DCEP)
| Diameter | Current (A) | Voltage (V) | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 mm | 80–150 | 14–17 | 100% Ar |
| 2.4 mm | 150–250 | 15–20 | 100% Ar |
| 3.2 mm | 200–375 | 16–20 | 100% Ar |
GMAW (MIG) — Short Circuit, DCEP
| Diameter | Current (A) | Voltage (V) | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 mm | 40–120 | 16–20 | Ar + 2% O₂ |
| 0.9 mm | 60–140 | 16–22 | Ar + 2% O₂ |
| 1.2 mm | 100–200 | 19–24 | Ar + 2% O₂ |
| Wire Diameter | Current Range (Amps) | Voltage Range (Volts) | Shielding Gas Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 mm (0.035″) | 150 – 225 A | 23 – 26 V | 98% Ar + 2% $O_2$ |
| 1.2 mm (0.045″) | 200 – 325 A | 24 – 28 V | 98% Ar + 2% $O_2$ |
| 1.6 mm (1/16″) | 230 – 350 A | 27 – 31 V | 98% Ar + 2% $O_2$ |
No preheat needed. Keep interpass temperature below 175°C (350°F). Use stringer beads. Back-purge root passes with argon.
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Industrial Welding Applications of ER316L / ER316LSi / ER316H TIG & MIG Wire
ER316L is selected when welds must resist chloride pitting and corrosion from acids that would damage molybdenum-free 308 stainless steel welds.
- Chemical Processing & Pharmaceutical: Used for reactors, mixing tanks, agitators, and heat exchangers handling chlorides and strong acids in chemical plants.
- Marine & Offshore: Found in seawater heat exchangers, deck hardware, ballast systems, desalination plants and offshore piping that are constantly exposed to salty marine conditions.
- Petrochemical & Refinery: Used in naphtha columns, amine units, sour water strippers, and refinery piping that must resist chloride-caused cracking.
- Food & Beverage Processing: Used for dairy tanks, brewery vessels, and food equipment that need smooth, hygienic, easy-to-clean welds.
- Power Generation: ER316H can be used for welds on 316H parts above 425 °C in HRSG and steam systems.
- Cryogenic & LNG: Used for tanks, transfer lines, and equipment handling LNG and other very cold fluids
- Pulp & Paper: applied in bleach plant equipment, recovery boilers, and washing systems that face chlorides and acidic chemicals.
- Desalination: Used for RO housings, brine lines and evaporator parts that handle very high-chloride solutions.
Storage and Handling of ER316L / ER316LSi / ER316H Filler Wire
All three grades are bare solid wire, so moisture is not a problem. Store the wire at 15-35°C and below 60% relative humidity. Keep stainless wire completely separate from carbon steel. Cross-contamination can cause iron pick-up and failed corrosion tests. Use only dedicated stainless steel brushes and iron-free grinding or cutting discs.
Available Forms, Diameters and Packaging of ER316L / ER316LSi / ER316H Wire
Stocked forms of ER316L / ER316LSi / ER316H Wire across all three 316-type grades, in multiple diameters, and packaging options:
| Form | Grade(s) | Diameters | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIG Rod | ER316L, ER316LSi, ER316H | 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm | 5 kg tubes; 915/1000 mm lengths |
| MIG Spool | ER316L, ER316LSi | 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6 mm | 5, 12.5, 15, 25 kg spools |
| SAW Wire | ER316L, ER316H | 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm | 25 kg coils; 200–250 kg drums |
| Strip | ER316L | 0.5×30 mm, 0.5×60 mm | Coils |
How to Order ER316L / ER316LSi / ER316H Welding Wire from Nicorex Alloys
Provide the details below in your order:
- Wire Type: (GMAW/GTAW ER316L / ER316LSi / ER316H)
- Size: (0.8-4.0 mm, spool or cut length)
- Current Type: DCEN (TIG), DCEP (MIG)
- Welding Position: (Flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead)
- Material Grade: (316L / 316H, UNS S31603/S31600)
- Quantity: 5 kg, 12.5 kg spool or pack
- Standard: AWS A5.9 / ASME SFA-5.9
- Documentation: EN 10204 3.1 MTC, test reports
- Packaging: Vacuum foil bag, silica gel
- Delivery Destination: Domestic or international
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of ER316L welding wire per Kg in India?
The price of ER316L welding wire varies with wire size, form (TIG rod or MIG spool), order quantity, and approvals. Contact Nicorex Alloys for a competitive quote and quick delivery from Mumbai.
Why does ER316L contain molybdenum, and what does it do in the weld deposit?
The 2.0-3.0% molybdenum makes the protective film stronger against chloride attack. ER316L has PREN about 27 vs 20 for ER308L.
When should ER316H be specified instead of ER316L?
Use ER316H only when the base metal is 316H, and the part runs above 425°C in creep service. The higher carbon helps stop grain-boundary creep cracking.
What is the ferrite number of ER316L weld deposits, and why does it matter?
Standard ER316L weld deposits typically contain 8–13 FN. This ferrite ties up sulfur and phosphorus during solidification and helps prevent hot cracking.
What shielding gas should be used for MIG welding with ER316L or ER316LSi?
For corrosion service, 98% argon with 2% oxygen is recommended. For general fabrication, argon with 2-5% CO₂ is acceptable, but pure CO₂ is not. For TIG welding, shielding is always 100% argon.
What is the difference between ER316L and ER317L welding wire?
ER316L has 2.0-3.0% molybdenum (Mo). ER317L has 3.0-4.0% molybdenum and more nickel (13.0–17.0% Ni). Use ER317L when welding 317/317L stainless steel or when you need higher pitting resistance (higher PREN).