AWS Class E308LT1-1/T1-4 Flux Core
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E308LT1-1/T1-4 Stainless Steel Flux Cored Wire Supplier in India
Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified supplier and stockist of E308LT1-1/T1-4 stainless steel flux cored wire based in Mumbai, India. We provide these cored wires classified under AWS A5.22 and ASME SFA 5.22. We are also an importer of FCAW consumables from global mills.
E308LT1-1/T1-4 Stainless Steel Flux Core Wire has about 19.5% chromium and 10% nickel, with very low carbon (up to 0.04%). This low carbon level stops chromium carbides from forming, which helps protect the weld from intergranular corrosion. For fabrication shops welding Type 304 and 304L stainless steel at production speed, AWS A5.22 E308LT1-1/T1-4 flux cored wire delivers deposition rates and all-position versatility that solid wire and stick electrodes cannot match. This gas-shielded rutile-type tubular wire carries dual designations, E308LT1-1 for 100% CO2 shielding and E308LT1-4 for 75-80% Ar / 20-25% CO2 mixed gas (UNS W30831 / W30835). The weld meets the AWS minimum tensile strength of 520 MPa (75,000 psi), and in practice it usually reaches about 85,000–88,000 psi, with a minimum elongation of 35%. The cored electrode produces low spatter, self-releasing slag, and a ferrite content of 8-12 FN for crack resistance. Available diameters are 0.9 mm (0.035″), 1.2 mm (0.045″), and 1.6 mm (1/16″). Welding runs on DCEP in all positions.
Compatible base metals span AISI 301, 302, 304, 304L, 308, 308L, 321, 347, and CF-3/CF-8 castings. Industries served include food and beverage, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, nuclear, and marine. Every spool ships with MTC 3.1 per EN 10204.
E308LT1-1/T1-4 Flux Cored Wire Specifications
The following E308LT1 specifications apply to gas-shielded stainless steel flux-cored wire for FCAW:
| AWS Specification | AWS A5.22/A5.22M:2012 |
|---|---|
| ASME SFA Specification | SFA 5.22 |
| UNS Number | W30831 (T1-1) / W30835 (T1-4) |
| Welding Process | FCAW-G (Gas Shielded) |
| Flux Type | Rutile (Titania-based) |
| Polarity / Current | DCEP (DC Electrode Positive) |
| Welding Positions | All positions (Flat, Horizontal, Vertical-Up, Overhead) |
| Shielding Gas | (T1-1): 100% CO2, flow rate 35-50 cfh (15-25 L/min) (T1-4): 75-80% Ar / 20-25% CO2, flow rate 35-50 cfh (15-25 L/min) |
| Available Diameters | 0.9 mm (0.035″), 1.2 mm (0.045″), 1.6 mm (1/16″) |
| Spool Sizes | 5 kg, 12.5 kg (28 lb), 15 kg (33 lb) |
| Deposition Efficiency | ~80-88% |
AWS Classification: What E308LT1-1 and E308LT1-4 Mean
This guide explains the AWS classification E308LT1-1 and E308LT1-4 and what each symbol means for stainless flux-cored wires.
| Symbol / Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AWS A5.22 | Specification for stainless steel flux-cored and metal-cored electrodes |
| E | Electrode |
| 308L | Weld deposit matching 18Cr-8Ni low-carbon stainless steel |
| L | Low carbon, maximum 0.04% C |
| T | Tubular (flux cored) electrode |
| 1 (after T) | All-position capability (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead) |
| 0 (after T) | Flat and horizontal positions only |
| -1 (after dash) | Classified for use with 100% CO₂ shielding gas |
| -4 (after dash) | Classified for use with 75–80% Ar / 20–25% CO₂ gas mixture |
Products with dual designation E308LT1-1/T1-4 meet AWS requirements under both gases. For WPS purposes, the shielding gas designator is an essential variable per ASME Section IX QW-408.
Chemical Composition of E308LT1 Weld Deposit (%)
The chemical composition of the E308LT1 weld deposit per AWS A5.22 is mentioned in the table below:
| Element | Carbon (C) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Chromium (Cr) | Nickel (Ni) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) | Copper (Cu) | Iron (Fe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS A5.22 Requirement | 0.04 max | 0.50-2.50 | 1.00 max | 18.0-21.0 | 9.0-11.0 | 0.75 max | 0.04 max | 0.03 max | 0.75 max | Balance |
| Typical (75/25 Ar/CO2) | 0.03 | 1.87 | 0.75 | 19.50 | 10.30 | 0.18 | 0.014 | 0.016 | — | Balance |
| Typical (100% CO2) | 0.02 | 1.40 | 0.53 | 19.12 | 10.07 | — | 0.018 | 0.011 | — | Balance |
Low carbon at 0.04% max prevents chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries. The balanced 19-20% Cr and 10% Ni maintain a stable austenitic structure with controlled delta ferrite.
Mechanical Properties of E308LT1 Weld Deposit
The all-weld-metal mechanical properties of E308LT1, tested in the as-welded condition per AWS A5.22, are as follows:
| Property | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2%) | Elongation (%) | Reduction of Area (%) | Ferrite Number (FN) | Charpy V-Notch +20°C | Charpy V-Notch -20°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS A5.22 Requirement | ≥75,000 psi (520 MPa) | Not specified by AWS | ≥35% | Not specified | Not specified (3-20 FN rec.) | Not required by AWS | Not required by AWS |
| Typical (75/25 Ar/CO2) | 88,600 psi (611 MPa) | 67,750 psi (467 MPa) | 38% | — | 10-12 FN | 60 J | 51 J |
| Typical (100% CO2) | 77,883 psi (537 MPa) | 59,062 psi (407 MPa) | 42% | 49% | 8-9 FN | — | — |
The Ar/CO2 mixture yields higher tensile and yield strengths because argon reduces oxidation losses in the weld pool. Ferrite in the 3-20 FN range (per WRC-1992 diagram) balances crack resistance with corrosion performance.
Base Metal Compatibility & ASME P-Number Matrix
E308LT1-1/T1-4 is designed for joining P-8 Group 1 austenitic stainless steels. The following matrix helps WPS developers select the correct filler.
| Base Metal | AISI / UNS | ASME P-Number | Service Temp. Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 301 | UNS S30100 | P-8 Group 1 | No restriction |
| Type 302 | UNS S30200 | P-8 Group 1 | No restriction |
| Type 304 | UNS S30400 | P-8 Group 1 | No restriction |
| Type 304L | UNS S30403 | P-8 Group 1 | No restriction |
| Type 304LN | UNS S30453 | P-8 Group 1 | No restriction |
| Type 305 | UNS S30500 | P-8 Group 1 | No restriction |
| Type 308 | UNS S30800 | P-8 Group 1 | No restriction |
| Type 308L | UNS S30803 | P-8 Group 1 | No restriction |
| Type 321 | UNS S32100 | P-8 Group 1 | ≤260°C (500°F) |
| Type 347 | UNS S34700 | P-8 Group 1 | ≤260°C (500°F) |
| CF-3 (Cast) | J92500 | P-8 Group 1 | No restriction |
| CF-8 (Cast) | J92600 | P-8 Group 1 | No restriction |
E308LT1 may weld stabilised grades 321 and 347, provided service stays below 260°C (500°F). Above that, use E347T filler to prevent knife-line attack. ASME Section IX assigns F-Number F-6 and A-Number A-8 (18Cr-8Ni deposit).
E308LT1 is not recommended for dissimilar stainless-to-carbon-steel joints; use E309LT1. It is also not suitable for Mo-bearing grades (316, 316L, 317L), use E316LT1 or E317LT1.
Recommended Welding Parameters for AWS Class E308LT1-1/T1-4 Flux Core
The following parameters cover all available diameters and standard positions on DCEP polarity with gas flow of 35-50 cfh (15-25 L/min). For the Ar/CO2 mixed gas, reduce the voltage by approximately 2V from the CO2 values shown.
| Diameter | Position | Wire Feed (ipm) | Current (A) | Voltage (V) | CTWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.035″ (0.9 mm) | Flat / Horizontal | 365 | 130-140 | 24-25 | 1/2-3/4″ |
| 0.035″ (0.9 mm) | Vertical-Up | 310 | 110-120 | 22-23 | 1/2-3/4″ |
| 0.035″ (0.9 mm) | Overhead | 320 | 120-130 | 23-24 | 1/2-3/4″ |
| 0.045″ (1.2 mm) | Flat / Horizontal | 215-550 | 140-380 | 23-35 | 1/2-1″ |
| 0.045″ (1.2 mm) | Vertical-Up | 325 | 150-170 | 24-26 | 5/8-3/4″ |
| 0.045″ (1.2 mm) | Overhead | 425 | 175-195 | 25-27 | 5/8-3/4″ |
| 1/16″ (1.6 mm) | Flat / Horizontal | 125-615 | 150-410 | 24-36 | 5/8-1.25″ |
| 1/16″ (1.6 mm) | Vertical-Up | 220 | 190-210 | 25-26 | 5/8-3/4″ |
| 1/16″ (1.6 mm) | Overhead | 235 | 200-220 | 25-26 | 5/8-3/4″ |
Preheat is not required; keep base metal at a minimum of 10°C (50°F). Maximum interpass temperature is 175°C (350°F). Stringer beads are preferred for vertical-up. Clean base metal free of oil, grease, and oxide using stainless steel wire brushes only. PWHT is generally not required for 304/304L.
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Industrial Welding Applications of E308LT1-1/T1-4 Flux Cored Wire
E308LT1-1/T1-4 stainless steel welding wire finds wide application wherever austenitic stainless fabrication demands high productivity and reliable corrosion performance across the following 7 sectors.
- Food, Dairy & Beverage Processing: Mixing tanks, pasteurisers, CIP lines, brewing vessels, and dairy storage tanks need welds that can be ground smooth for hygiene.
- Chemical Processing & Petrochemical: Reactor vessels, distillation columns, heat exchangers, and storage tanks.
- Pulp, Paper & Textile Industries: Digesters, bleach washers, liquor tanks, and headboxes are exposed to chlorides and caustic liquor.
- Pharmaceutical & Water Treatment: Purified water systems, WFI piping, bioreactor vessels, and filtration housings.
- Nuclear Power Generation: Auxiliary piping, spent fuel pool liners, and radioactive waste storage tanks use 304L joined with E308LT1.
- Structural Stainless Steel & Architectural Fabrication: Handrails, cladding panels, facade systems, and structural members in corrosive environments are welded per AWS D1.6.
- Shipbuilding, Marine & Offshore Fabrication: Seawater piping, ballast tanks, galley equipment, and exhaust systems use E308LT1 for high-volume shipyard fabrication.
Storage, Handling & Moisture Control for E308LT1 Flux Core Welding Wire
Store sealed spools at 15-25°C (59-77°F) with humidity below 60%. Once the vacuum seal is broken, use the spool within 1-2 weeks or place it in a heated cabinet at 40-50°C (100-120°F). Moisture causes porosity, arc instability, and potential hydrogen cracking. Unlike SMAW electrodes, flux core wire cannot be re-dried by baking. Handle spools with clean, dry gloves and reject damaged packaging. Nicorex Alloys supplies spools in vacuum-sealed moisture-barrier packaging.
How to Order E308LT1-1/T1-4 from Nicorex Alloys
To order E308LT1-1/T1-4 Stainless Steel Flux Cored Wire, follow these 8 important details:
- AWS Classification - E308LT1-1, E308LT1-4, or Both
- Wire Diameter - 0.9 mm / 1.2 mm / 1.6 mm
- Quantity - In kilograms
- Spool Size Preference - 5 kg / 12.5 kg / 15 kg / 25 kg / Drum
- Third-Party Approvals - DNV / ABS / BV / Lloyds Register / TUV / CWB
- Test Certificate Requirements - MTC 3.1 per EN 10204 (included with every batch)
- Delivery Address & Timeline - Specify city, country, and required delivery date
- Whether matching consumables are needed (E308L-16 electrodes, ER308L TIG/MIG wire)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of E308LT1-1/T1-4 Flux Cored Wire per Kg in India?
E308LT1-1/T1-4 typically costs about ₹800–₹1,500 per kg in India, varying with diameter, spool size, quantity, approvals, and alloy market prices.
What is the difference between E308LT1-1 and E308LT1-4 designations?
E308LT1-1 is classified with 100% CO2 shielding gas, while E308LT1-4 is classified with a 75–80% Ar / 20–25% CO2 gas mixture that usually gives a smoother arc and slightly better properties.
Can E308LT1 be used for Welding Type 321 and 347 Stainless Steel?
Yes, E308LT1 can weld 321 and 347 stainless steels for service temperatures up to 260°C (500°F), but E347T is preferred above this.
What spool sizes and packaging options are available for E308LT1-1/T1-4?
It is available on 5 kg, 12.5 kg (28 lb), 15 kg (33 lb), and 25 kg (55 lb) plastic spools in D200/D300, plus 200–250 kg drums, all vacuum-sealed in moisture-barrier packaging.
Why does the Ar/CO2 Gas Mixture produce different mechanical properties than 100% CO2 with E308LT1?
The Ar/CO2 mix reduces oxidation of Cr and Ni, preserving alloy content, raising tensile and yield strength, and giving a smoother, lower-spatter arc than 100% CO2.
Can E308LT1-1/T1-4 Flux Cored Wire replace ER308L solid MIG Wire for 304 Stainless Steel?
E308LT1 can replace ER308L when higher deposition rates and positional welding are needed, whereas ER308L is better for thin material and slag-free, cleaner welds.
When should you not use E308LT1-1/T1-4 Flux Cored Wire?
Do not use E308LT1 for stainless-to-carbon steel, Mo-bearing grades (316, 316L, 317L), 321/347 above 260°C, or cryogenic service below –196°C without specific impact-test approval.