AWS Classification of E308HT1-1/T1-4 Flux Core
The breakdown of each character in the E308HT1-1/T1-4 designation presents a specific meaning in tabular form below.
| Designator |
Meaning |
| E |
Electrode: flux-cored, current-carrying electrode for arc welding. |
| 308H |
Deposit: 18%Cr-9%Ni austenitic stainless; higher C (0.04-0.08%) than 308L (≤0.04%) for better creep strength above 399°C (750°F). |
| T |
Tubular, flux-cored wire (not ER solid, not covered rod). |
| 1 (before dash) |
All-position use: flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead. |
| -1 |
Tested with 100% CO₂ shielding gas. |
| /T1-4 |
Also qualified with 75-80% Ar/balance CO₂ (M21/C25). |
In full, E308HT1-1/T1-4 designates a gas-shielded, all-position, rutile-type flux-cored electrode depositing a high-carbon 18Cr-9Ni weld metal per AWS A5.22. The dual gas classification (T1-1/T1-4) gives shops flexibility to qualify under either CO₂ or Ar/CO₂ without changing the filler metal.
Weld Deposit Chemical Composition — per AWS A5.22
The chemical composition requirements for E308HT1-1/T1-4 along with its proportion, are specified in the table below.
| Element |
Carbon (C) |
Chromium (Cr) |
Nickel (Ni) |
Manganese (Mn) |
Silicon (Si) |
Phosphorus (P) |
Sulfur (S) |
Molybdenum (Mo) |
Copper (Cu) |
| AWS A5.22 Requirement (wt%) |
0.04 – 0.08 |
19.0 – 21.0 |
9.0 – 11.0 |
0.5 – 2.5 |
1.0 max |
0.04 max |
0.03 max |
0.75 max |
0.75 max |
| Typical Deposit (wt%) [Ar/CO₂] |
0.05 – 0.07 |
19.0 – 20.5 |
9.5 – 10.5 |
1.2 – 1.7 |
0.5 – 0.8 |
≤ 0.025 |
≤ 0.018 |
≤ 0.3 |
≤ 0.15 |
The 0.04-0.08% C range is the key differentiator from E308LT1-1 (≤0.04% C), trading sensitisation resistance for elevated-temperature creep strength. Typical as-welded FN falls in the 3-9 range per the WRC-1992 diagram. With 100% CO₂, carbon trends toward the upper limit; an Ar/CO₂ mix gives a more consistent mid-range deposit.
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties — E308HT1-1/T1-4
The mechanical properties of E308HT1-1/T1-4 Flux Core Wire, including tensile strength, elongation and tensile strength, are listed in the table below.
| Property |
Tensile Strength |
Yield Strength (0.2%) |
Elongation (50 mm) |
Charpy V-Notch Impact |
Ferrite Number (FN) |
Hardness |
| AWS A5.22 Minimum |
80 ksi (550 MPa) |
58 ksi (400 MPa) |
35% minimum |
Not required* |
Not specified |
Not specified |
| Typical (Ar/CO₂, As-Welded) |
87-93 ksi (600-640 MPa) |
65-72 ksi (450-495 MPa) |
40-47% |
Not specified |
3-9 FN typical (WRC-1992) |
~HRB 85-92 (informational) |
*AWS A5.22 does not mandate a Charpy impact test for 308H-type stainless FCAW. If sub-zero toughness is required, specify E308LT1-1/T1-4 for cryogenic service. For service above 550°C long-term, restrict FN to 3-5 to limit sigma-phase risk.
Base Metal Compatibility of AWS Class E308HT1-1/T1-4 Flux Core
Per ASME IX, E308HT1-1/T1-4 (F-6, A-8) qualifies WPSs for all P-8 base metals, subject to essential variables.
Similar Metal Joints (P-8 to P-8)
| AISI Type |
UNS |
P-No. / Group |
Notes |
| 304H |
S30409 |
P-8 Group 1 |
Primary base metal for this consumable |
| 304 |
S30400 |
P-8 Group 1 |
Use 308H for service above 399°C |
| 302 |
S30200 |
P-8 Group 1 |
Less common; verify service temperature |
| 308/308H |
S30800/S30809 |
P-8 Group 1 |
Matching composition weld |
| 321/321H |
S32100/S32109 |
P-8 Group 1 |
Use 308H above 399°C for improved ductility vs ER347 |
| 347/347H |
S34700/S34709 |
P-8 Group 1 |
Use 308H above 750°F for better ductility — verify project spec |
E308HT1-1 is not preferred for dissimilar joints between P-8 stainless and P-1/P-3/P-4/P-5 steels. For P-1 to P-8 joints, use E309LT1-1/T1-4. For P-8 to P-5A high-temperature dissimilar joints, consider ENiCrFe-3.
E308HT1-1/T1-4 Flux Core Wire Welding Parameters
Parameters below are guidelines from AWS A5.22 and manufacturer datasheets. Always verify against the qualified WPS.
| Parameter |
1.2 mm (0.047″) |
1.6 mm (1/16″) |
| Current — Flat/Horizontal |
100-200 A |
150-280 A |
| Current — Vertical-Up |
100-160 A |
140-200 A |
| Current — Overhead |
100-160 A |
140-190 A |
| Arc Voltage (flat) |
22-26 V |
24-30 V |
| Arc Voltage (positional) |
20-24 V |
22-26 V |
| Polarity |
DCEP |
DCEP |
| Wire Feed Speed |
3.5-7.5 m/min |
2.5-6.0 m/min |
| Electrode Extension (CTWD) |
16-20 mm |
18-22 mm |
| Shielding Gas Flow |
12-16 L/min |
14-20 L/min |
| Travel Speed |
250-450 mm/min |
200-380 mm/min |
Preheat is not normally required for P-8 base metals. On sections exceeding 25 mm, light preheating to 100°C may reduce hydrogen cracking risk. Maximum interpass temperature is 150°C (302°F): exceeding this increases ferrite in successive passes and accelerates sigma-phase formation during elevated-temperature service.
PWHT is not recommended for E308HT1-1/T1-4 deposits. Solution annealing at 1050-1100°C plus water quench is the only viable treatment, and is generally impractical for fabricated assemblies. Never apply carbon steel PWHT temperatures (600-700°C) to 308H deposits: these sit in the sensitisation and sigma embrittlement range.
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Industrial Welding Applications of E308HT1-1/T1-4 Flux Core Wire
E308HT1-1/T1-4 serves 4 industry sectors where 304H components operate above 399°C and require high deposition-rate FCAW with a creep-resistant deposit.
Storage, Handling and Moisture Control
E308HT1-1/T1-4 is not classified as a low-hydrogen electrode, but moisture in the flux core still causes porosity and hydrogen pickup.
- Storage Conditions: Store spools in their original vacuum-sealed packaging in a clean, dry room at 15-30°C with RH ≤55%. This is especially important in Mumbai and coastal shops during the monsoon.
- Opened Spool Handling: After opening, keep spools in a humidity-controlled cabinet or sealed bag with desiccant. Use within 7-14 days above 70% RH or up to 30 days below 55% RH, and never leave the wire on the feeder uncovered overnight.
- Re-Drying (If Required): Re-drying (only if needed): If you see rust-like discolouration on the wire or get porous welds, gently re-dry the wire at 150–250°C for 1–2 hours. AWS A5.22 does not require a full re-bake, and overheating can damage the flux core, so always follow the temperature limits in the manufacturer’s datasheet.
- Packaging: Spools are vacuum-sealed in bags and packed in cardboard cartons in 5 kg (D200), 12.5 kg, and 15 kg (D300/BS300) sizes. Sealed shelf life is 24 months under proper storage conditions.
How to Order E308HT1-1/T1-4 Flux Core Wire from Nicorex Alloys
To receive an accurate quotation with MTC 3.1 documentation, include these details in your RFQ.
Nicorex Alloys also supplies matching consumables: ER308H TIG rods and E308H-16 SMAW electrodes, enabling single-source procurement for all 308H welding procedure qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions