AWS Class E310-16 Welding Electrodes
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AWS E310-16 Welding Electrode Supplier in Mumbai, India
Nicorex Alloys is a trusted supplier of AWS E310-16 heat-resistant stainless steel welding electrodes in Mumbai, India. The weld deposit carries 25-28% Cr and 20-22.5% Ni with controlled carbon (0.08-0.15%), providing creep strength essential for high-temperature load-bearing.
E310-16 deposits a high-alloy chromium‑nickel austenitic weld metal with a fully austenitic 25Cr‑20Ni microstructure and zero ferrite. This creates a dense, self‑healing Cr₂O₃ oxide scale that maintains weld integrity in continuous oxidising service up to about 1100-1150°C. It serves furnace fabricators, cement plants, petrochemical refineries, and power stations that operate critical equipment above 800°C. Classified under AWS A5.4 / ASME SFA 5.4 (UNS W31010), E310-16 is a rutile-coated austenitic SMAW electrode for 25Cr-20Ni heat-resistant steels, HK/HT/HP cast alloys, and dissimilar metal joints. Minimum tensile strength is 550 MPa (80 ksi), typical 604 MPa, with a minimum 30% elongation and ferrite number absolute zero. Available diameters are 2.5, 3.15, 4.0, and 5.0 mm on AC or DCEP, all-position for diameters up to 4.0 mm, classified ASME Section IX F-5 / A-8.
A second defining capability is dissimilar metal joining. E310-16 welds hardenable chromium steels (410, 420, 440), Cr-Mo steels (P5, P9, P11, P22 to stainless), and austenitic manganese steels without mandatory preheat or PWHT; the austenitic deposit absorbs hydrogen and resists ferritic consumable failure modes. Nicorex Alloys supplies E310-16 with EN 10204 / 3.1B mill test certificates, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, and full batch traceability. Third-party approvals: BHEL, CE, CIB-MP, and PDIL.
E310-16 Coated Electrode Specifications & Standards
Detailed technical data describing the performance, composition, and operating characteristics of E310-16 heat-resistant stainless steel coated welding electrode are provided below:
| AWS Classification | E310-16 |
|---|---|
| ASME SFA Specification | SFA 5.4 |
| UNS Number | W31010 |
| Welding Process | SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) |
| Current / Polarity | AC or DCEP (DC electrode positive) |
| Welding Positions | All positions (F, V-up, OH, H); 5.0 mm flat & horizontal only |
| Available Diameters | 2.5, 3.15 (3.2), 4.0, 5.0 mm |
| Electrode Length | 300-350 mm |
What Does E310-16 Mean? — AWS Classification Breakdown
Under AWS A5.4 classification rules, each symbol in the E310-16 designation encodes a distinct and specific technical characteristic:
| Symbol | E | 310 | -16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Electrode, designed for electric arc welding (SMAW process) | Nominal weld deposit type; 25% Chromium, 20% Nickel (AISI 310 equivalent) | Rutile (TiO₂-based) coating; AC or DCEP polarity, all-position capability, smooth arc, easy slag removal |
The -15 suffix indicates a basic (CaF₂) coating, DCEP only, preferred for critical joints where toughness takes priority. The -17 variant uses a rutile-silicate coating for enhanced bead appearance. All three variants deposit identical weld metal chemistry per AWS A5.4. “310” refers to the deposit nominal type, not the electrode wire core.
E310-16 (carbon 0.08-0.20%) must not be confused with E310L-16 (≤0.03% C) or E310H-16 (0.25-0.45% C). E310L sacrifices creep strength for intergranular corrosion resistance; E310H maximises it for cast alloy welding. Specifying E310L for high-temperature service is a common specification error.
Chemical Composition of E310-16 Weld Deposit (%)
As defined by AWS A5.4, E310-16 weld chemistry produces a fully austenitic structure with strong oxidation resistance; typical values follow.
| Composition | Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Nickel (Ni) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) | Copper (Cu) | Iron (Fe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS A5.4 Range (wt%) | 0.08-0.15 | 25.0-28.0 | 20.0-22.5 | 1.0-2.5 | 0.90 max | 0.75 max | 0.03 max | 0.03 max | 0.75 max | Balance |
| Typical Deposit | 0.17 | 25.8 | 21.0 | 2.40 | 0.50 | — | 0.020 | 0.020 | — | Balance |
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties of E310-16
E310-16 weld metal is fully austenitic 25Cr-20Ni, offering high ductility, strong oxidation resistance, and strength tailored for elevated temperatures.
| Condition | Ultimate Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | Elongation | Charpy Impact | Hardness | Ferrite Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS A5.4 Minimum | 550 MPa (80 ksi) | — | 30% | Not applicable | — | — |
| Typical (D&H Secheron) | 604 MPa | ~425 MPa (61.5 ksi) | 32% | — | ~180-220 HB | 0 (zero) |
| Industry Range | 590-650 MPa | 380-450 MPa | 30-38% | — | — | 0 |
Charpy V-notch testing is not applicable; fully austenitic deposits with zero ferrite have no ductile-to-brittle transition temperature. The 30%+ elongation accommodates thermal expansion mismatch in dissimilar metal joints and cyclic high-temperature service.
Base Metal Compatibility & Welding Applications Matrix for E310-16
E310-16 joins a wide range of base metals, from matching 25Cr-20Ni stainless steels to dissimilar combinations that no other single electrode class addresses as effectively.
| Base Metal / Joint Type | UNS / AISI | Welding Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 310 Stainless Steel | S31000 | Compatible for similar high-temperature stainless steel welding |
| AISI 310S Stainless Steel | S31008 | Low-carbon version; suitable for corrosion-resistant weld joints |
| AISI 314 Stainless Steel | S31400 | Used for high-temperature oxidation-resistant components |
| HK-40 Cast Alloy | J94204 | Suitable for reformer tubes and high-temperature cast components |
| HT Cast Alloy | J94605 | Used in furnace fixtures and heat-treatment equipment |
| HP Cast Alloy | — | Suitable for ethylene furnace tube repair welding |
| Dissimilar Joint Combinations | — | Typical applications |
| Carbon Steel to Stainless Steel | — | Higher temperature capability than E309L for mixed joints |
| Cr-Mo Steels to Austenitic Stainless | P5, P9, P11, P22 | Preheat 150–260 °C (300–500 °F) on the Cr-Mo side |
| Hardenable Chromium Steels | 410, 420, 440 | Austenitic weld metal absorbs hydrogen; usually no PWHT required |
| Austenitic Manganese Steel (Hadfield) | — | Use low heat input and stringer beads |
| Tool Steels / Spring Steels | — | Suitable for repair welding where preheat or PWHT is impractical |
E310-16 is ASME Section IX F-5 / A-8. For pressure vessel code work, verify the P-Number grouping from QW-422 for the specific base metal heat number.
Recommended Welding Parameters for E310-16 Electrode
Optimum welding parameters for E310-16 require controlled heat input; the fully austenitic, zero-ferrite deposit is susceptible to hot cracking under excessive heat.
| Parameter | 2.5 mm | 3.15 (3.2) mm | 4.0 mm | 5.0 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 300-350 | 350 | 350 | 350 |
| Flat (A) | 60-80 | 80-110 | 110-150 | 140-190 |
| V/OH (A) | 50-70 | 70-100 | 100-130 | Flat/H only |
| Voltage (V) | 22-26 | 22-28 | 24-30 | 24-32 |
| Polarity | AC or DCEP | AC or DCEP | AC or DCEP | AC or DCEP |
- Preheat: Not required for matching 310 joints; 150-260°C for Cr-Mo and hardenable Cr steel dissimilar joints.
- Interpass Temperature: ≤150°C (300°F); mandatory against hot cracking.
- Technique: Short arc length; stringer beads only; no weaving beyond 3× electrode diameter.
- PWHT: Not required and not recommended for 310-type deposits.
- AC Operation: Power source OCV ≥55-60 V for reliable arc initiation.
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Industries & Welding Applications of E309LMo-16 Electrodes
E309LMo-16 serves as the essential transition electrode wherever 316-grade stainless steel interfaces with carbon steel. The molybdenum content keeps pitting resistance intact in the dilution-affected first weld pass across petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, marine, and pulp and paper sectors.
- Furnace & Heat Treatment Equipment: E310-16 is used for furnace internals and components operating at 900–1150°C because its Cr₂O₃ scale resists thermal cycling that quickly damages E309L welds.
- Cement & Ceramics Production: E310-16 is chosen for kiln, clinker cooler, preheater, and calciner repairs above 1000°C, where its 25Cr-20Ni deposit withstands severe thermal shock better than E309L.
- Petrochemical & Chemical Processing: E310-16 performs well in high-temperature, sulphur-free equipment such as reformers, catalyst supports, and steam-cracking outlet sections. In sulphur-containing services (with H₂S or SO₂), nickel-base alloys are recommended instead.
- Power Generation: E310-16 is used on boiler, superheater, reheater, and FBC components to form a protective, oxidation-resistant layer between Cr-Mo steels and hot flue gases at temperatures close to 1000°C.
- Dissimilar Metal Joints & Maintenance Welding: E310-16 welds hardenable Cr steels, Cr-Mo to stainless transitions, manganese steels, tool steels, and armour plate without preheat or PWHT, while providing a non-magnetic austenitic overlay.
- Food, Beverage & Pharmaceutical (Emerging): E310-16 is used in high-temperature sterilisation, pasteurisation, and bakery equipment where welds must survive repeated cycling above 1000°C without scaling.
Storage, Handling & Re-Drying of E310-16 Stick Electrodes
Storing the electrodes correctly keeps them dry and helps prevent pores, blowholes, and hydrogen cracking in E310-16 welds, which are fully austenitic.
Store in original hermetically sealed cans at 15-25°C, relative humidity below 50%. Transfer to a holding oven at 70-130°C once opened. Re-dry at 250-300°C for 1 hour if moisture is suspected; maximum 3 reconditioning cycles. Field exposure: 4 hours below 50% RH; reduce to 2 hours above 60% RH. Nicorex Alloys supplies E310-16 in hermetically sealed cans of 2.5 kg and 5.0 kg with vacuum-sealed cartons for export.
How to Order E310-16 Welding Rod from Nicorex Alloys
To request a quotation for E310-16 heat-resistant stainless steel welding electrodes, provide these details:
- Electrode Type: SMAW; AWS A5.4 / ASME SFA-5.4: E310-16
- Size: 2.4 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.8 mm; electrodes
- Current Type: DCEP or AC
- Welding Position: All positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 6G)
-
Material Grade: 310; UNS S31000; W.Nr. 1.4845; EN ISO 3581-A: E 25 20 R
- Quantity: Specify number of cans or total kg required
-
Standard: AWS A5.4 / ASME SFA-5.4; EN ISO 3581; ASME Section IX
- Documentation: MTC EN 10204 3.1/3.2; FN Report; NACE MR0175; TPI certificate
- Packaging: Hermetically sealed metal cans; ISPM 15 compliant export cartons
- Delivery Destination: Domestic / International; specify port or delivery address
Request ER310 GTAW filler rod and ER310 GMAW wire alongside E310-16 for multi-process WPS qualification. Standard stock dispatches within 2-5 business days from Mumbai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between E309LMo-16 and E309L-16?
The only difference is molybdenum. E309LMo-16 contains 2.0–3.0% Mo; E309L-16 allows 0.75% max (typically <0.3%). After 30–40% dilution on carbon steel, E309LMo-16 retains 1.2–1.8% Mo for 316-equivalent pitting resistance. E309L-16 produces a deposit resembling 304 stainless steel with no pitting resistance.
Why is E309LMo-16 Required as the First Layer for 316L Weld Overlay on Carbon Steel?
The first pass dilutes 30–40% carbon steel into the deposit, reducing Cr, Ni, and Mo. E309LMo-16 starts with 22–25% Cr, 12–14% Ni, and 2–3% Mo. After 35% dilution, the deposit retains ~17% Cr, ~8.5-9% Ni, and ~1.5% Mo (316-equivalent). E309L (no Mo) produces a diluted pass with virtually zero Mo, failing 316 corrosion requirements. The second layer (E316L-16) is undiluted and matches 316L directly.
What does the ‘-16’ Suffix Mean in E309LMo-16?
In AWS A5.4, the suffix indicates coating type: The “-16” suffix means a titania/rutile (AC or DCEP, smooth arc, easy slag removal, all-position).
What Ferrite Number does E309LMo-16 Produce, and Why does it Matter?
E309LMo-16 produces 8–15 FN as per the WRC-1992 diagram, which is higher than E309L (5–10 FN) because Mo promotes ferrite. A minimum of 5 FN prevents solidification cracking, while excessive ferrite above 15 FN reduces corrosion performance and risks 475°C embrittlement. Many specifications require a defined range (e.g., 5–12 FN) — verify against your WPS.