AWS Class E316L/316H-16 Welding Electrodes
- Home
- Welding Consumables
- Stainless Steel Coated Electrodes
- AWS Class E316L/316H-16
AWS A5.4 E316L-16 / E316H-16 SS Welding Electrode Supplier in Mumbai, India
Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified importer, stockist, and supplier of E316L-16 and E316H-16 stainless steel coated electrodes from Mumbai, India. We provide these welding electrodes as classified under AWS A5.4 / ASME SFA 5.4.
E316L-16 (UNS W31613) and E316H-16 (UNS W31610) are molybdenum-bearing rutile-coated SMAW electrodes. Both grades deposit 2–3% Mo, raising the Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) to ~23–26, above the threshold for chloride pitting in seawater and process environments. The “-16” suffix denotes a titania coating suitable for AC or DCEP in all positions. Carbon content is the sole compositional difference. E316L-16 limits carbon to 0.04% max, preventing chromium carbide precipitation in the weld heat-affected zone for wet chemical, marine, pharmaceutical, and cryogenic service down to −269°C (−452°F). E316H-16 controls carbon at 0.04–0.08% for creep rupture qualification above 500°C (932°F) under ASME design codes. Chromium is 17.0–20.0%, nickel is at 11.0–14.0%, and molybdenum is at 2.0–3.0% for both grades. Available diameters are 2.5, 3.15, 4.0, and 5.0 mm in vacuum-sealed packets. Typical deposits achieve 85–87 ksi (586–600 MPa) tensile strength. Ferrite Number for E316L falls in the FN 3–8 range; cryogenic specifications require FN 2–5 max.
Base metals include 316L, 316, 316H, 318, 319L, 319H, and ASTM CF3M/CF8M castings. ASME Section IX classifies both electrodes as F-Number F-4, A-Number A-8, with base metal P-Number P-8 Group 1. Every shipment from Nicorex Alloys carries an EN 10204/3.1B mill test certificate with verified carbon, molybdenum, and ferrite readings.
E316L-16 and E316H-16 Coated Electrode Specifications
The side-by-side table below compares E316L-16 and E316H-16 across classification, base metal match, carbon content, and service temperature limits:
| AWS Classification | E316L-16 / E316H-16 |
|---|---|
| ASME SFA Standard | SFA 5.4 |
| UNS Number | W31613 / W31610 |
| ASME F-Number / A-Number | F-4 / A-8 |
| Base Metal Match | 316L, 316, 318, 319L, CF3M, CF8M / 316H, 316, 318, 319H |
| Electrode Coating | Titania (rutile) “-16” |
| Current / Polarity | AC or DCEP |
| Welding Positions | All positions (F, V, OH, H) |
| Available Diameters | 2.5, 3.15, 4.0, 5.0 mm |
E316L and E316H are mutually exclusive by carbon. E316L’s maximum (0.04%) equals E316H’s minimum (0.04%), so the two grades are never dual-certified.
Weld Deposit Chemical Composition – E316L-16 vs E316H-16
All-weld-metal chemistry as per AWS A5.4 is identical across both grades except for carbon. The detailed chemical composition of E316L-16 and E316H-16 is provided in the table below:
| Grade | C | Cr | Ni | Mo | Mn | Si | P | S | Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E316L-16 (wt.%) | 0.04 max | 17.0–20.0 | 11.0–14.0 | 2.0–3.0 | 0.5–2.5 | 0.90 max | 0.04 max | 0.03 max | 0.75 max |
| E316H-16 (wt.%) | 0.04–0.08 | 17.0–20.0 | 11.0–14.0 | 2.0–3.0 | 0.5–2.5 | 0.90 max | 0.04 max | 0.03 max | 0.75 max |
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties – E316L-16 vs E316H-16
Mechanical property minimums as per AWS A5.4 and typical mill values in the as-welded condition are listed below. E316H carries a higher AWS tensile minimum (75 ksi vs 70 ksi) due to carbon solid-solution strengthening.
| Condition | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2%) | Elongation | Ferrite Number | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E316L AWS Min | 70 ksi (483 MPa) | Not specified | 30% min | Not specified | Not specified |
| E316L Typical | 85–87 ksi (586–600 MPa) | 57–58 ksi (393–400 MPa) | 36–39% | FN 3–8 | ~160–185 HV |
| E316H AWS Min | 75 ksi (517 MPa) | Not specified | 30% min | Not specified | Not specified |
| E316H Typical | 86 ksi (593 MPa) | 65 ksi (448 MPa) | 41% | FN 3–7 | ~170–200 HV |
E316L’s combination of low carbon, controlled ferrite, and 2–3% Mo provides both cryogenic toughness (tested to −269°C) and chloride pitting resistance. E316H’s higher yield (65 vs 57 ksi typical) and carbon-level creep mechanism suit sustained service above 500°C.
Base Metal Compatibility and P-Number Matrix for E316L-16 and E316H-16
The following table identifies approved base metal pairings, P-Number classifications, and electrode grade selections for E316L-16 and E316H-16 covered electrodes, including joints where these grades are not appropriate and alternative electrodes should be specified.
| Base Metal | Spec / UNS | P-No. | Electrode Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316L | S31603, P-8 Gr.1 | P-8, Gr.1 | E316L-16 | PRIMARY application. Standard Mo-bearing austenitic weld joint. |
| 316 | S31600, P-8 Gr.1 | P-8, Gr.1 | E316L-16 | Standard similar joint. |
| CF3M castings | — | — | E316L-16 | Cast equivalent of 316L. |
| CF8M castings | — | — | E316L-16 | Cast equivalent of 316. |
| Carbon steel (2nd layer overlay) | — | P-1 | E316L-16 | Second-layer overlay on carbon steel. After a higher-alloyed first layer, E316L-16 provides undiluted 316L chemistry on the surface. |
| 316H | S31609, P-8 Gr.1 | P-8, Gr.1 | E316H-16 | PRIMARY application. Carbon-matched for ASME creep qualification. |
| 316 | S31600 | P-8 | E316H-16 | Acceptable where elevated-temperature service above 500°C is anticipated. |
| 316 to carbon steel (dissimilar) | — | — | NOT E316L/H | Requires a higher-alloyed Mo-bearing dissimilar-joint electrode. |
| 304/304L similar joints | — | P-8 | 304-type electrode | Mo is unnecessary and adds cost; use matching 304-type electrode. |
| Duplex 2205 | — | P-10H | Duplex-specific electrode | Requires duplex-specific electrode. |
| 317/317L | — | P-8 | Higher-Mo electrode | Requires higher-Mo electrode. |
Do not use E316L/H for 316-to-carbon-steel dissimilar joints, 304/304L similar joints (Mo unnecessary), duplex 2205 joints, or 317/317L joints (requires higher Mo).
Recommended Welding Parameters for E316L-16 and E316H-16 Electrodes
Parameters listed here are identical for both E316L-16 and E316H-16 electrodes. The table below gives information on the current range, polarity, and weld position based on dimensions:
| Diameter (mm) | Diameter (in) | Length (mm) | Current Range (A) | Polarity | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 3/32 | 300 | 70–85 | AC/DCEP | All |
| 3.15 | 1/8 | 350 | 85–110 | AC/DCEP | All |
| 4.0 | 5/32 | 350 | 110–140 | AC/DCEP | All |
| 5.0 | 3/16 | 350 | 120–160 | AC/DCEP | F, H |
Use dedicated stainless steel brushes, grinding discs, and cutting tools for joint preparation and interpass cleaning. Carbon steel contamination introduces free iron that destroys Mo-based pitting resistance.
Premium Industrial Materials
Get E316L-16 / E316H-16 SS Welding Electrode at Competitive Prices
ISO Certified
Custom Sizes
Fast Delivery
Industries and Welding Applications of E316L-16 and E316H-16 Electrodes
E316L-16 is the standard SMAW electrode wherever 316/316L stainless steel is fabricated or repaired and chloride pitting resistance, crevice corrosion resistance, or marine-grade performance is needed. E316H-16 serves the high-temperature subset where 316H base metal requires carbon-matched weld deposits for ASME creep qualification.
- 316L is specified wherever process streams carry chlorides or reducing acids (H₂SO₄, HCl). E316L-16 deposits 2–3% Mo (PREN ~25–27), protecting pressure vessels, process piping, and heat exchanger tube-to-tubesheet welds against chloride pitting.
- 316L is the standard marine-grade austenitic stainless steel. E316L-16 is the required filler for seawater piping, desalination evaporators, marine exhaust systems, and coastal architectural elements exposed to salt spray.
- 316L is preferred in pharmaceutical reactors, WFI systems, and food processing tanks where chloride-containing sanitisers (sodium hypochlorite, chlorinated CIP agents) contact weld surfaces during repeated cleaning at 60–85°C.
- E316L-16 provides Mo-bearing cryogenic weld deposits for LNG storage tanks at coastal terminals.
- E316H-16 is specified for welding 316H (UNS S31609) in superheater tubes, boiler headers, and petrochemical reactor internals at 500–800°C (932–1472°F).
- Bleach plant washers, towers, and piping face chlorine dioxide and hypochlorite solution. E316L-16 deposits Mo-bearing weld metal that resists chlorine-compound attack.
Storage, Handling and Re-Drying Procedures for E316L-16 / E316H-16 Electrodes
Unopened vacuum-sealed packets require no re-drying. After opening, store in a heated holding oven at 100–150°C (212–300°F). If exposed to humidity, re-bake at 250–300°C (480–572°F) for 1 hour. Limit re-baking to 3 cycles maximum. The “-16” titania coating tolerates moisture better than “-15” basic coatings, but absorbed moisture still causes porosity.
Nicorex Alloys supplies both grades in vacuum-sealed packets with MTC 3.1 per EN 10204.
How to Order E316L-16 / E316H-16 Welding Electrodes from Nicorex Alloys
Contact Nicorex Alloys and provide the following details for a quotation of E316L-16 / E316H-16 welding electrodes:
- AWS classification (E316L-16 or E316H-16, never interchangeable)
- Diameter(s) (in mm)
- Quantity (in kg)
- Packaging (Vacuum-sealed packaging)
- Third-party approvals if needed (DNV, Lloyd’s, ABS, BV, TUV)
- MTC 3.1 per EN 10204
- Ferrite number requirement
- Carbon/Mo verification on the test certificate.
For a complete 316L fabrication package, pair E316L-16 with ER316L TIG/MIG wire. For 316H high-temperature service, pair E316H-16 with ER316H wire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between E316L-16 and E316H-16 Electrodes?
Carbon content is the only compositional difference. E316L limits carbon to 0.04% max to prevent sensitisation for wet chemical, marine, pharmaceutical, and cryogenic service. E316H controls carbon at 0.04–0.08% for creep rupture strength above 500°C. All other chemistry is identical. E316H carries a higher AWS tensile minimum (75 ksi vs 70 ksi). The two grades are not interchangeable.
Why does E316L-16 Contain Molybdenum and What does it do?
Molybdenum at 2–3% is the defining element separating the 316 family from the 304 family. Mo raises the PREN from ~19–21 (Mo-free) to ~25–27, crossing the threshold for chloride pitting resistance in seawater and process chlorides. Mo also stabilises the passive film in oxygen-depleted crevices and improves resistance to reducing acids such as H₂SO₄ and HCl in moderate concentrations, and improves pitting resistance in chlorides.
What Ferrite Number does E316L-16 Typically Produce?
E316L-16 typically produces FN 3–8. Mo is a ferrite-promoting element, so E316L deposits run slightly higher ferrite than equivalent Mo-free deposits at the same Cr/Ni ratio, making ferrite control during procurement more critical for cryogenic applications.
Can E316L-16 be Used for Welding CF3M and CF8M Stainless Steel Castings?
Yes. E316L-16 is the standard electrode for welding ASTM CF3M (cast equivalent of wrought 316L) and CF8M (cast equivalent of wrought 316). The 2–3% Mo in the E316L deposit matches CF3M/CF8M chemistry, maintaining corrosion resistance continuity across the weld joint. For repair welding of pump casings, valve bodies, and fittings, E316L-16 is the default choice.
What are the ASME F-Number and A-Number for E316L-16 and E316H-16?
Both grades are classified as F-Number F-4 as per ASME Section IX Table QW-432 and A-Number A-8 as per QW-442. A welder qualified with any F-4 electrode can weld with E316L-16 or E316H-16 without requalification as per QW-433. Base metal P-Number for all 316-type steels is P-8, Group 1.