AWS Class E320LR-16 Welding Electrodess

AWS A5.4 E320LR-16 Welding Electrode Supplier & Stockist in Mumbai

Nicorex Alloys is a dedicated E320LR-16 electrode supplier of coated electrodes based in Mumbai, India. We maintain stock across all standard diameters and ship with EN 10204/3.1B mill test certificates on every batch.

Welding Alloy 20 (UNS N08020) and its variants demands a consumable built to resist microfissuring in a fully austenitic weld deposit. E320LR-16 is that electrode, purpose-built with tightly controlled residuals: low C, Si, P, and S, along with narrowed Nb and Mn ranges that eliminate hot cracking common in standard E320-16 deposits. The classification falls under AWS A5.4 E320LR-16 / ASME SFA 5.4, UNS W88022. ASME Section IX assigns it F-Number F-4 and A-Number A-8. The weld metal is an austenitic stainless steel containing about 20% chromium, 34% nickel, 2.5% molybdenum, 3.5% copper, plus niobium. It is produced with very low impurity levels to help prevent weld cracking. Typical weld properties are tensile strength of 85,000 psi (586 MPa), yield strength of 57,000 psi (393 MPa), and elongation of 34%. This rutile-coated (-16) electrode can be used with AC or DCEP in all welding positions. Available diameters: 2.4 mm (3/32″), 3.2 mm (1/8″), 4.0 mm (5/32″), and 4.8 mm (3/16″).

Primary base metals include Alloy 20 (N08020), Carpenter 20Cb-3, and AISI 320 castings. Industries served range from chemical processing and sulfuric acid plants to petrochemical, fertiliser, and pharmaceutical facilities. Nicorex Alloys holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification.

E320LR-16 Electrode Specifications & Compliance Standards

These specifications define E320LR-16 electrodes for SMAW welding of Alloy 20 and similar austenitic stainless steels in demanding service.

AWS	A5.4 E320LR-16
ASME SFA	5.4 E320LR-16
UNS Number	W88022
ASME Section IX F-Number	F-4
ASME Section IX A-Number	A-8
Base Metal ASME P-Number	P-45 (Alloy 20, UNS N08020)
EN ISO 3581-A	E 20 34 3 Cu L R (approximate)
Welding Process	SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
Polarity	AC or DCEP
Coating Type	Rutile (Titania)
Welding Positions	All positions (F, V, OH, H)
Available Diameters	2.4 mm (3/32″), 3.2 mm (1/8″), 4.0 mm (5/32″), 4.8 mm (3/16″)
Electrode Length	300 mm (12″) for 2.4 mm; 350 mm (14″) for 3.2-4.8 mm
Packaging	Hermetically sealed canisters

Weld Deposit Chemical Composition of E320LR-16 (%)

E320LR-16 weld deposit chemistry is controlled to tighter limits than standard E320 to prevent microfissuring in the fully austenitic deposit.

Property	C	Cr	Ni	Mo	Cu	Nb	Mn	Si	P	S
AWS A5.4 Range	0.03 max	19.0–21.5	32.0–36.0	2.0–3.0	3.0–4.0	8×C min – 0.40 max	1.0–2.5	0.50 max	0.03 max	0.02 max
Typical Value	0.024	19.80	33.90	2.40	3.55	0.19	2.05	0.24	0.011	0.014

High nickel (~34%) gives the matrix strong resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking and sulfuric acid attack. Copper at 3-4% works with molybdenum against reducing acids, particularly dilute and intermediate H₂SO₄. Niobium (8×C min to 0.40% max) stabilises the deposit against intergranular corrosion by binding carbon as niobium carbides. Ultra-tight limits on P (≤0.03%), S (≤0.02%), and Si (≤0.50%) are lower than standard E320 to reduce microfissuring susceptibility.

All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties of E320LR-16

Mechanical properties of the E320LR-16 weld deposit, tested per AWS A5.4, confirm the alloy’s strength and ductility.

Property	Tensile Strength	Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)	Elongation (% in 2″)	Charpy V-Notch Impact	Ferrite Content
AWS A5.4 Minimum	75,000 psi (520 MPa)	Not specified	30%	Not required by AWS	Fully austenitic (FN 0)
Typical Value	85,000 psi (586 MPa)	57,000 psi (393 MPa)	34%	N/A	FN 0

The fully austenitic microstructure (zero ferrite, FN 0) means there’s no ferrite network to arrest solidification cracking. That is precisely why the ‘LR’ composition controls matter: they reduce segregation of low-melting-point phases at grain boundaries.

Base Metal Compatibility & P-Number Matrix for E320LR-16

E320LR-16 electrodes are qualified to join the following base metals, with Alloy 20 (ASME P-45) as the primary application.

Base Metal	UNS	ASME P-No.	Joint Type
Alloy 20 / 20Cb-3 (wrought)	N08020	P-45	Similar (P-45 to P-45)
Alloy 20 castings (CN-7M)	Various	P-45	Similar
AISI 320 stainless steel	S32003	P-45	Similar
316L Stainless (dissimilar)	S31603	P-8	Dissimilar
Carbon Steel (overlay)	Various	P-1	Overlay cladding

For dissimilar welds between Alloy 20 and carbon steel, E320LR-16 is recommended on the Alloy 20 side. A butter layer of E309L-16 or ENiCrMo-3 on the carbon steel face manages dilution. Joints to higher alloys (C-276, Alloy 22) call for ENiCrMo-3 or ENiCrMo-10 filler.

Welding Parameters & Procedure Guidance for E320LR-16

Low heat input is mandatory when welding with E320LR-16 to prevent solidification cracking in the fully austenitic deposit.

Diameter (mm / in)	Amperage (Flat)	Amperage (V & OH)	Voltage (V)
2.4 mm (3/32″)	70–85 A	65–75 A	24–28 V
3.2 mm (1/8″)	85–110 A	80–90 A	26–30 V
4.0 mm (5/32″)	110–140 A	100–120 A	28–32 V
4.8 mm (3/16″)	120–160 A	110–130 A	28–32 V

Polarity: AC or DCEP. No preheat required. Interpass temperature: 100°C (212°F) preferred max; 150°C absolute ceiling. Target heat input below 1.5 kJ/mm in flat, up to 2.0 kJ/mm in vertical. Use narrow stringer beads only; no weaving. PWHT isn’t generally required. Solution annealing at 940-1010°C (1725-1850°F) with water quench may be specified for elevated-temperature service. Clean all joints with stainless steel tools only.

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Critical-Service Welding Applications of E320LR-16 Electrode

E320LR-16 SMAW electrodes serve 5 industry sectors where Alloy 20 construction handles aggressive acid and chloride environments.

Sulfuric Acid Processing & Pickling Plants: E320LR-16 is the primary SMAW consumable for sulfuric acid equipment: storage tanks, heat exchangers, agitators, and mixing vessels.
Chemical Processing & Heavy Chemical Manufacturing: Chemical plants select E320LR-16 for reactor vessels, distillation columns, and process piping handling phosphoric acid, mixed acids, and chloride solutions.
Fertiliser & Phosphoric Acid Production: Fertiliser plants processing wet-process phosphoric acid use Alloy 20 extensively. E320LR-16 welds evaporator bodies, concentrator vessels, and scrubber internals. The niobium-stabilised deposit resists intergranular attack at elevated temperatures.
Pharmaceutical & Food Processing: E320LR-16 welds pharmaceutical reactors, bioreactor jacketing, and acidic-product food equipment.
Oil & Gas - Sour Service & Refinery Equipment: Alloy 20 components in sour crude, H₂S-containing streams, and mixed acid refinery conditions. Applications include heat exchanger bundles and sulfur recovery unit piping.

Storage, Handling & Re-Drying of E320LR-16 Electrodes

Store E320LR-16 in original sealed packaging, minimum 5°C above dew point, RH below 50%. Re-dry at 350°C (660°F) for 60 minutes if moisture is suspected. After opening, hold in an oven at 100-150°C. Maximum exposure outside the oven: 4 hours. Re-drying is permitted up to 3 times.
Nicorex Alloys supplies these stick electrodes in hermetically sealed canisters, so no re-drying is needed on first use if the packaging stays intact. Handle with clean, dry gloves using stainless steel brushes and tools only; carbon steel contamination poses a serious risk for Alloy 20 welds.

How to Order E320LR-16 Welding Electrode from Nicorex Alloys

To order E320LR-16 Welding Electrode, follow these 10 important details:

AWS Classification: E320LR-16 per AWS A5.4 / ASME SFA-5.4
Diameter: 2.4 mm / 3.2 mm / 4.0 mm / 4.8 mm
Quantity: Specify kg or number of canisters
Testing / Certification: MTC 3.1/3.2; FN Report; IGC per ASTM A262; TPI
Base Metal: UNS N08020 or dissimilar joint
Material Grade: Alloy 20; UNS N08020; W.Nr. 2.4660; EN ISO 3581-A: E 20 25 5 Cu N L R
Packaging & Cert Scope: Hermetic tin cans/vacuum foil packs; silica gel; ISPM 15
Applicable Code: ASME VIII, IX, B31.3 — specify
Delivery: Domestic / International — specify port or address
Remarks: Confirm LR grade; low C / low Si — reduced sensitisation risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between E320-16 and E320LR-16?

“LR” means Low Residuals. Compared with E320, E320LR limits carbon (0.03% vs 0.07%), silicon (0.30% vs 0.60%), phosphorus (0.02% vs 0.04%), and sulfur (0.015% vs 0.03%) much more tightly. These stricter residual controls prevent microfissuring in the fully austenitic (zero ferrite) weld deposit, making E320LR the preferred choice for new construction.

Why is Low Heat Input critical when welding with E320LR-16?

E320LR-16 deposits weld metal with zero ferrite (FN 0). Without ferrite to absorb solidification strain, excessive heat causes hot cracking. Keep heat input below 1.5 kJ/mm (flat) and 2.0 kJ/mm (vertical), use stringer beads only, and hold interpass temperature at 100°C max (150°C absolute ceiling).

What is the ASME P-Number for Alloy 20 Base Metal Welded with E320LR-16?

Alloy 20 (N08020) is classified as P-Number 45 per ASME Section IX Table QW-422. This grouping is separate from austenitic stainless steels (P-8). A P-8 WPS does not cover P-45; a separate qualification is required. E320LR-16 carries F-4 and A-8.

What is the Re-Drying Temperature for E320LR-16 Electrodes?

Re-dry at 350°C (660°F) for 60 minutes. Transfer to a holding oven at 100-150°C afterwards. Maximum exposure outside the oven: 4 hours. Re-drying up to 3 times.

Does E320LR-16 comply with NACE MR0175 for Sour Service?

Alloy 20 is listed in NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 as acceptable for sour service (annealed, ≤32 HRC). E320LR-16 deposits meet sour service requirements when applied with low heat input and no PWHT (unless specified).

What is the price of E320LR-16 Welding Electrode per kg in India?

E320LR-16 pricing varies by diameter, order size, packaging, and approvals. This high‑nickel (34%) premium electrode costs more than standard stainless consumables. Contact Nicorex Alloys for current Mumbai stock prices.