ER16-8-2 Welding Wire

ER16-8-2 Welding Wire Supplier — Lean Austenitic 16Cr-8Ni-2Mo Filler | AWS A5.9 | UNS S16880

Name: ER16-8-2 Welding Wire
Brand: Nicorex Alloys

Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified importer, stockist, and supplier of ER16-8-2 welding wire based in Mumbai, India. We supply ER16-8-2 TIG rods and MIG spools manufactured to AWS A5.9 / ASME SFA-5.9.

ER16-8-2 is a lean austenitic stainless steel filler that delivers ferrite below 5 FN yet resists hot cracking under heavy restraint. Classified as UNS S16880, this 16-8-2 filler metal carries a deliberately lean composition of approximately 15.5Cr-8.5Ni-1.5Mo. That lean balance places the weld deposit in the FA (Ferrite-Austenite) solidification zone, where primary ferrite solidification converts almost entirely to austenite on cooling. The FA solidification path is what gives ER16-8-2 its crack resistance at low ferrite. Typical all-weld-metal tensile strength reaches 620 MPa (90,000 psi) with a yield strength of 420 MPa (61,000 psi) and elongation of 37–40%. The matching SMAW electrode is E16-8-2-16 per AWS A5.4.

TIG cut lengths are available from 1.6 to 4.8 mm; MIG spools from 0.8 to 1.6 mm. GTAW, GMAW, and SAW processes are all supported, with all-position capability on DCEN (TIG) or DCEP (MIG). ER16-8-2 welds base metals including Types 316, 316H, 321, 321H, 347, 347H, 304H, and all 3XX/3XXH series austenitic grades for high-temperature service. Because the low-ferrite deposit has almost no ferrite available to convert into sigma phase, weld metal maintains toughness during prolonged service at 500–800°C. Service extends down to −196°C for cryogenic applications, making this one of the widest service temperature ranges of any stainless filler. ASME Code Section III recognises ER16-8-2 for nuclear construction. Every shipment carries EN 10204/3.1B mill test certificates.

ER16-8-2 Filler Wire Specifications

The ER16-8-2 specification table below lists classification, process, diameter, shielding gas, and service temperature details.

AWS Classification	ER16-8-2
UNS Number	S16880
Welding Processes	GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), SAW
Polarity	(GMAW): DCEP (GTAW): DCEN
Welding Positions	All (F, V, H, OH)
TIG Rod Diameters	1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2, 4.8 mm
TIG Rod Length	914 mm (36″)
MIG Wire Diameters	0.8, 0.9, 1.14, 1.6 mm
MIG Spool Size	25–60 lb spools
Shielding Gas	(GTAW): 100% Argon (GMAW): Ar + 2% O₂ or 98Ar/2CO₂

Understanding the ER16-8-2 Classification

This section decodes every element of the ER16-8-2 classification, explaining each symbol and its role:

Designator	Meaning
ER	Electrode/Rod that is a bare filler for GTAW and GMAW
16-8-2	Composition: 16% Chromium, 8% Nickel, 2% Molybdenum

ER 16-8-2 is a “lean austenitic” designation, deliberately reduced in Cr and Ni compared to ER316L (16 vs 18% Cr, 8 vs 12% Ni). UNS S16880 is the unified numbering system designation for the wire deposit.

The lean composition is not a deficiency. It is calculated to position the weld deposit in the FA solidification zone on the WRC-1992 diagram. In FA mode, the weld solidifies as primary delta ferrite, then converts almost entirely to austenite during cooling. This solidification path resists both solidification cracking and hot cracking, even under heavy restraint (a property that fully austenitic fillers solidifying in the A or AF mode cannot match).

Weld Deposit Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of ER16-8-2 weld deposits per AWS A5.9 is listed below. The deliberately lean Cr-Ni balance is the basis for FA solidification and low ferrite.

Specification	Carbon (C)	Silicon (Si)	Manganese (Mn)	Chromium (Cr)	Nickel (Ni)	Molybdenum (Mo)	Copper (Cu)	Phosphorus (P)	Sulphur (S)
AWS A5.9 Requirement (wt%)	0.10 max	0.30–0.65	1.0–2.0	14.5–16.5	7.5–9.5	1.0–2.0	0.75 max	0.03 max	0.03 max
Typical (%)	0.05	0.45	1.7	15.5	8.5	1.5	—	0.02	0.01

The Cr/Ni equivalent ratio at these levels positions the deposit in the FA solidification zone on the WRC-1992 diagram. Primary ferrite solidification provides crack resistance, while near-complete conversion to austenite on cooling yields a final ferrite number of <5 FN. The controlled silicon range of 0.30–0.65% is tighter than most stainless fillers, reflecting the sensitivity of this alloy’s properties to composition balance. Corrosion resistance is lower than that of 316L weld metal in aggressive media; where severe corrodants are present, surface layers should be deposited with a more corrosion-resistant filler.

All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties

ER16-8-2 all-weld-metal mechanical properties, like tensile and yield strength, elongation, and Ferrite number, in the as-welded condition, are given below.

Specification	Tensile Strength	Yield Strength (0.2%)	Elongation	Ferrite Number
Typical Value	620 MPa (90,000 psi)	420 MPa (61,000 psi)	37–40%	<5 FN

Note that these values are not specified as per the AWS A5.9 but are the typical values of the grade ER16-8-2.

Base Metal Compatibility

ER16-8-2 lean austenitic filler wire is compatible with a wide range of 300-series austenitic base metals, and it is the preferred choice for H-grade (high-carbon) materials in elevated-temperature service.

Base Metal	UNS	P-No.	ER16-8-2 Use
16-8-2 type	—	P-8	Matching filler
316 / 316L / 316H	S31600 / S31603 / S31609	P-8	High-temp piping, sigma-resistant weld
321 / 321H	S32100 / S32109	P-8	Elevated-temp service
347 / 347H	S34700 / S34709	P-8	Catalytic crackers, steam piping
304H	S30409	P-8	High-temp structural
3XX series (general)	Various	P-8	Dissimilar austenitic joints

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Industrial Applications

Low-ferrite, sigma-resistant weld deposits from ER16-8-2 serve four industries where thick-wall, high-temperature stainless piping and long-term microstructural stability are critical.

Thick-wall main steam lines, hot reheat piping, superheater headers, and manifolds operate at sustained temperatures where ER316L welds develop sigma phase embrittlement.
Catalytic crackers, reformer piping, and hydrogen service piping require weld deposits that keep toughness after years of elevated-temperature exposure.
High-temperature reactor vessels, heat exchangers, and furnace parts operating at 500–800°C benefit from the stable austenitic microstructure of 16-8-2 weld metal. The weld is usable in both as-welded and solution-annealed conditions
ASME Code Section III recognises ER16-8-2 for nuclear construction. Reactor coolant piping and steam generator components use this filler where low ferrite, crack resistance under restraint, and long-term microstructural stability are all mandatory

Available Forms

ER16-8-2 welding wire is stocked in 3 product forms to cover GTAW, GMAW, and SAW requirements.

Form	Diameter Range	Packaging
TIG Rods (cut lengths)	1.6–4.8 mm, 914 mm (36″) length	10 lb tubes
MIG Spools	0.8–1.6 mm	25–60 lb spools
SAW Wire	1.6–4.0 mm	Drums/coils

How to Order ER16-8-2 Welding Wire from Nicorex Alloys

To order ER16-8-2 lean austenitic filler wire, provide the following details for a quotation within 24 hours:

AWS Classification (ER16-8-2)
Product Form (TIG rod, MIG spool, SAW wire)
Diameter (mm or inches)
Quantity (kg or number of spools/tubes)
Spool/Package Size
Required Approvals (DNV, ABS, Lloyds, ASME III nuclear if applicable)
Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204/3.1B)
Delivery Destination (domestic / export)

Matching consumable sets (ER16-8-2 wire + E16-8-2-16 electrode) are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does ER16-8-2 Resist Hot Cracking at Such Low Ferrite (<5 FN)?

The lean 16Cr-8Ni-2Mo composition places the weld deposit in the FA solidification zone on the WRC-1992 constitution diagram. FA mode means the weld solidifies as primary ferrite, then converts to austenite. This solidification path provides inherent resistance to solidification cracking and hot cracking, even at very low final ferrite numbers.

What is the Difference Between ER16-8-2 and ER316L for High-Temperature Piping?

ER316L produces 5–15 FN ferrite. During prolonged service at 500–800°C, this ferrite converts to sigma phase, causing embrittlement. ER16-8-2 produces <5 FN, leaving minimal ferrite to convert. The result is ER16-8-2 maintains toughness and ductility in long-term high-temperature service where ER316L welds may embrittle.

Can ER16-8-2 be Used for Cryogenic Service?

Yes. Despite its low ferrite, ER16-8-2 provides good impact toughness at cryogenic temperatures down to −196°C. This gives it one of the widest service temperature ranges of any stainless filler, from cryogenic to approximately 800°C.

What is the F-Number and A-Number of ER16-8-2?

F-Number of ER16-8-2 is 6 (stainless steel bare wire per QW-432). A-Number is 8 (lean austenitic Cr-Ni-Mo deposit per QW-442).

Is ER16-8-2 Qualified for Nuclear Construction?

Yes. ASME Code Section III recognises ER16-8-2 for nuclear construction, including flux-cored variants designated as EXXXT-G with 16-8-2 chemistry.

What Base Metals can ER16-8-2 Weld?

ER16-8-2 can weld base metals, like 316/316H, 321/321H, 347/347H, 304H, and other 3XX-series austenitic grades. It is especially specified for H-grade (high-carbon) base metals in elevated-temperature piping where long-term creep strength and sigma resistance are required.

Does ER16-8-2 Require Post-Weld Heat Treatment?

No. The weld metal is usable in either the as-welded or solution-annealed condition. If the design code requires stress relief, ER16-8-2 tolerates it well due to its low-ferrite, sigma-resistant microstructure.