AWS Class E312-16 Welding Electrodes
E312-16 Welding Electrode Supplier in Mumbai, India
Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified stockist and supplier of E312-16 stainless steel welding electrodes in Mumbai, India. We maintain a supply of E312-16 stainless steel welding electrodes according to AWS A5.4 and ASME SFA 5.4 specifications to ensure consistent product quality.
E312-16 is a rutile-coated covered electrode for SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding). The weld deposit is a ferritic-austenitic metal containing about 29% chromium, 9% nickel, 1.8% manganese and 0.12% carbon. This two-phase structure gives the weld excellent resistance to hot cracking on difficult-to-weld steels. The deposit work-hardens when it is loaded, increasing from about 220-240 HB in the as-welded condition to higher hardness values in service. The electrodes are available in diameters from 2.0 mm (5/64″) to 4.8 mm (3/16″) and in lengths of 300 mm and 350 mm, supplied in sealed cans and vacuum-packed cartons. E312-16 can be used with AC or DCEP in all welding positions.
E312-16 is mainly used in joining dissimilar steels, repairing tools and dies, welding armour plate, repairing manganese steel, carrying out emergency repairs on unknown steels, and applying buffer layers before hardfacing. Limit service to below 420°C (800°F) due to potential 475°C embrittlement. Every batch from Nicorex Alloys ships with MTC 3.1 per EN 10204, certified to AWS A5.4 and EN ISO 3581-A E 29 9 R 3 2.
E312-16 Welding Electrode Specifications
This table shows key E312-16 electrode details, such as type, coating, usable positions, sizes, current, hardness, temperature limit and deposition efficiency.
| AWS Classification | E312-16 |
|---|---|
| ASME SFA | SFA 5.4 |
| Process | SMAW (Stick Welding) |
| Coating | Rutile-Titania |
| Current / Polarity | AC or DCEP |
| Positions | All (F, H, V-Up, OH) |
| Diameters | 2.0, 2.5, 3.2, 4.0, 4.8 mm |
| Length | 300 mm (12″) / 350 mm (14″) |
| Hardness (as-welded) | 220–240 HB |
| Deposition Efficiency | ~60–65% |
AWS Classification Explained: What Does E312-16 Mean?
The AWS A5.4 E312-16 designation breakdown of E312-16 character by character is provided in the following table.
| Designator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E | Electrode — covered consumable for SMAW |
| 312 | Weld deposit: ~29–32% Cr, 8–10.5% Ni |
| -1 | All-position welding capability |
| -6 | Rutile-titania coating; AC or DCEP |
E312-17 (silica-titania) gives flatter beads on horizontal fillets. E312-15 (basic/lime, DCEP only) suits low-hydrogen critical work. All three deposit the same 29Cr-9Ni weld metal.
Weld Deposit Chemical Composition of E312-16 (%)
This table shows the usual chemical composition of E312-16 weld metal, focusing on chromium, nickel and other elements that help prevent cracking.
| Specification | C | Cr | Ni | Mn | Si | Mo | P | S | Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Requirement (%) | 0.15 max | 28.0–32.0 | 8.0–10.5 | 0.5–2.5 | 1.00 max | 0.75 max | 0.04 max | 0.03 max | 0.75 max |
| Typical (%) | 0.08–0.12 | 29.0–30.0 | 9.0–9.5 | 1.5–1.8 | 0.5–0.7 | – | <0.025 | <0.025 | – |
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties of E312-16
This table shows the strength, elongation, and hardness of E312-16 weld metal as per AWS A5.4 requirements.
| Property | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2%) | Elongation in 50 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Minimum | 95 ksi (655 MPa) | Not specified | 22% |
Base Metal Compatibility and P-Number Matrix for E312-16
This table shows E312-16 compatibility with various base metals, including carbon, low-alloy, stainless, tool, manganese, high-carbon, armour, and unknown steels.
| Base Metal Group | P-No. | Typical Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | P-1 | SA516 Gr.70, SA36 |
| Low Alloy (Cr-Mo) | P-4, P-5A | SA335 P11, P22 |
| Austenitic Stainless | P-8 | 304, 316, 321, 347 |
| Tool Steels | Various | H13, D2, A2, O1 |
| Manganese Steels | P-6 | Hadfield (11–14% Mn) |
| High Carbon Steels | P-1 to P-4 | AISI 1045, 1060, 1080 |
| Armour Plate | P-11A | MIL-A-12560, MIL-A-46100 |
| Unknown Steels | Unknown | Any unidentified ferrous metal |
Recommended Welding Parameters for E312-16
The table below shows the recommended current and voltage ranges for E312-16 electrodes when welding in flat, vertical, and overhead positions.
| Diameter | Amps (Flat) | Amps (V & OH) | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 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 |
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Industrial Applications of E312-16 Welding Electrodes
E312-16 is used when you need a strong, crack-free weld on difficult steels, dissimilar metals, or unknown base metals.
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO): Fix cracked dies, worn shafts, gears, and unknown castings used in manufacturing and mining.
- Dissimilar Metal Joining in Fabrication: Used to join stainless steel to carbon steel and stainless steel to low-alloy steel in pressure vessels and heat exchangers.
- Tool and Die Repair: Build up H13, D2, A2, and O1 tool steels and forging dies, using a preheat of 200–315°C and cooling them slowly after welding.
- Armour Plate and Ballistic Steel Welding: Used to weld MIL-A-12560 and MIL-A-46100 armour steels in vehicles and blast-resistant structures.
- Manganese Steel Repair and Joining: Used on Hadfield manganese steel (11–14% Mn) in crusher jaws and railway crossings; use low heat and keep interpass below 150°C.
- Wear-Resistant Build-Up and Hardfacing Buffer: Use buffer layers on carbon or low-alloy steel before hardfacing to reduce cracking and spalling.
Storage, Handling and Conditioning of E312-16 Electrodes
Store E312-16 electrodes in their original sealed packs in a clean, dry place, at least 5°C above the dew point and under 50% humidity. After opening, keep electrodes in a rod oven or holding cabinet at 100-150°C to avoid moisture pickup. If in contact with moisture, re-bake at 300-350°C for 1 hour, then cool slowly in the oven (maximum 2-3 cycles). Protect the flux coating from cracks or chips to prevent porosity and arc problems.
Available Forms, Diameters and Packaging of E312-16 Electrodes
The table below shows the available sizes, lengths, and packaging options for E312-16 welding electrodes.
| Diameter | Length | Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 mm (5/64″) | 300 mm (12″) | 5 kg sealed cans |
| 2.5 mm (3/32″) | 300 mm (12″) | 5 kg sealed cans |
| 3.2 mm (1/8″) | 350 mm (14″) | 5 kg cans / 20 kg cartons |
| 4.0 mm (5/32″) | 350 mm (14″) | 5 kg cans / 20 kg cartons |
| 4.8 mm (3/16″) | 350 mm (14″) | 5 kg cans / 20 kg cartons |
Matching ER312 TIG rods and MIG wire are also available.
How to Order E312-16 Welding Electrodes from Nicorex Alloys
Provide the following details to receive a quotation from Nicorex Alloys.
- Wire / Electrode Type: SMAW-E312-16
- Size: mm electrodes
- Current Type: DCEP
- Welding Position: All positions
- Material Grade: Stainless Steel / S31803 / AWS A5.4
- Quantity: Hermetically sealed can, 2.5 or 5 kg
- Standard: AWS / ASME SFA
- Documentation: MTC EN 10204 3.1 + Ferrite Number (FN) report
- Packaging: Hermetically sealed can
- Delivery Destination: Domestic / International
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of E312-16 welding electrodes per Kg in India?
Pricing depends on diameter, quantity and brand. As a 29Cr-9Ni speciality electrode, E312-16 costs more than E308L-16 or E309L-16.
Why does E312-16 produce the highest tensile strength among stainless SMAW electrodes?
The two-phase weld metal, with 30-40% ferrite, 28-32% chromium, and up to 0.15% carbon, gives extra strength that fully austenitic stainless electrodes cannot achieve.
Can E312-16 be used to weld unknown or unidentified steels?
Yes. This 29Cr-9Ni weld handles many steel types; high ferrite controls hydrogen, and high chromium prevents brittle martensite.
What is the maximum service temperature for E312-16 welds?
The maximum service temperature for E312-16 is 420°C; above this, the weld can turn brittle.
What is the difference between E312-16, E312-17, and E312-15?
All three rods give the same 29Cr-9Ni weld. E312-16 is the most common, E312-17 produces flatter beads, and E312-15 is used for critical, low-hydrogen work on DCEP.
What pre-heat is required for E312-16 on tool steels?
Preheat between 150°C and 315°C (300-600°F), depending on the carbon equivalent of the steel. For D2 and A2 tool steels, use a higher preheat of 250-315°C. For spring steels, use 200-260°C. In all cases, use stringer beads rather than wide weave beads.
Does E312-16 require post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)?
Do not use post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on E312-16 above 420°C. At higher temperatures, a brittle sigma phase can form between 600°C and 900°C. If you must do stress relieving, use E309L-16 instead of E312-16.
Can E312-16 be used as a buffer layer before hardfacing?
Yes. Apply one or two layers between the base metal and the hardfacing layer (such as Stellite or chromium carbide) to help prevent cracking.
When should you not use E312-16?
Do not use E312-16 for applications above 420°C, for cryogenic service below -50°C, on stainless steels that require controlled nitrogen and ferrite levels, or in environments that need corrosion resistance comparable to E316L.