AWS Class ER308L/308LSi/308H MIG & TIG

ER308L / ER308LSi / ER308H MIG & TIG Welding Wire Supplier in Mumbai, India

Name: AWS Class ER308L/308LSi/308H MIG & TIG
Brand: Nicorex Alloys

Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified stockist and supplier of ER308L, ER308LSi, and ER308H TIG filler rods and MIG welding wire in Mumbai, India. All three grades provided are manufactured in accordance with AWS A5.9 / ASME SFA 5.9.

ER308L (UNS S30883) has very low carbon (maximum 0.03%), which helps prevent intergranular corrosion. ER308LSi (UNS S30888) has the same low carbon but higher silicon (0.65-1.00%), giving a smoother, more stable weld pool and better-looking welds in MIG welding. ER308H (UNS S30880) has higher carbon (0.04-0.08%), which increases strength at high temperatures above 425°C. Each classification deposits fully austenitic weld metal with a controlled delta-ferrite content of 5-15 FN, which prevents hot cracking while maintaining ductility and corrosion resistance. TIG rods are available from 1.0 to 3.2 mm in 1000 mm lengths. MIG wire is supplied on spools from 0.8 to 1.6 mm in 5, 12.5, and 15 kg packs. ER308L and its variants, the silicon-rich ER308LSi and the high‑carbon ER308H, are the standard filler metals for 18Cr‑8Ni austenitic stainless steels. Together, ER308L, ER308LSi, and ER308H cover almost all welding needs for Type 304, 304L, 304H, 302, 301, and 308 stainless steels.

These wires are mainly used in applications like food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical processing, petrochemical, power generation, nuclear, water treatment, architecture, and automotive exhaust. Every shipment from Nicorex Alloys carries a Mill Test Certificate 3.1 per EN 10204 with full traceability documentation.

ER308L / ER308LSi / ER308H Welding Wire Specifications

Comparative specifications for all three 308-type welding wire grades per AWS A5.9 are mentioned in the table below:

UNS Number	S30883 (ER308L), S30888 (ER308LSi), S30880 (ER308H)
Welding Processes	GTAW, GMAW, SAW, PAW (ER308L, ER308LSi, ER308H)
Shielding Gas – GTAW (TIG)	100% Argon
Shielding Gas – GMAW (MIG)	Ar + 1–2% O₂ or Ar + 2–5% CO₂
TIG Rod Diameters	1.0, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm (ER308L); 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm (ER308LSi, ER308H)
MIG Wire Diameters	0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6 mm (ER308L, ER308LSi)

AWS Classification Explained: What Do ER308L, ER308LSi, and ER308H Mean?

The AWS A5.9 designation for each grade breaks down as follows.

Designation Element	Meaning
ER	Electrode/Rod: bare solid wire for GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), SAW, and PAW
308	18Cr-8Ni austenitic stainless steel; designed to weld Type 304 base metal; over-alloyed in Cr/Ni to achieve 5-15 FN ferrite
L (ER308L)	Low Carbon (C ≤ 0.03%): prevents chromium carbide precipitation at 425-850°C
LSi (ER308LSi)	Low Carbon + High Silicon (Si 0.65-1.00%): superior weld pool fluidity and bead appearance for GMAW
H (ER308H)	High Carbon (C 0.04-0.08%): creep rupture strength at 425-815°C for 304H service

Weld Deposit Chemical Composition of ER308L, ER308LSi, and ER308H

Weld deposit chemistry of ER308L, ER308LSi and ER308H per AWS A5.9 are listed in the table below:

Material	Carbon (C)	Chromium (Cr)	Nickel (Ni)	Silicon (Si)	Manganese (Mn)	Molybdenum (Mo)	Phosphorus (P)	Sulphur (S)	Copper (Cu)	Iron (Fe)
ER308L (S30883)	0.03% max	19.5-22.0%	9.0-11.0%	0.30-0.65%	1.0-2.5%	0.75% max	0.03% max	0.03% max	0.75% max	Balance
ER308LSi (S30888)	0.03% max	19.5-22.0%	9.0-11.0%	0.65-1.00%	1.0-2.5%	0.75% max	0.03% max	0.03% max	0.75% max	Balance
ER308H (S30880)	0.04-0.08%	19.5-22.0%	9.0-11.0%	0.30-0.65%	1.0-2.5%	0.75% max	0.03% max	0.03% max	0.75% max	Balance

The only difference between ER308L and ER308LSi is the silicon range: 0.30-0.65% versus 0.65-1.00%. ER308H is the only variant with a minimum carbon requirement (0.04%). Cr and Ni are intentionally higher than AISI 304 (18% Cr, 8% Ni) to compensate for dilution and hold the weld at 5-15 FN.

All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties of ER308L, ER308LSi, and ER308H

The mechanical properties of ER308L, ER308LSi and ER308H, along with tensile strength and elongation, are listed below in the table:

Material	Tensile Strength	Yield Strength (0.2%)	Elongation in 50 mm
AWS A5.9 Min	520 MPa (75 ksi)	Not specified	30% min
ER308L (Typical)	596 MPa (86.5 ksi)	407 MPa (59 ksi)	35%
ER308LSi (Typical)	570-600 MPa (83-87 ksi)	380-420 MPa (55-61 ksi)	33-37%
ER308H (Typical)	620-650 MPa (90-94 ksi)	400-450 MPa (58-65 ksi)	30-35%

Base Metal Compatibility and P-Number Matrix for ER308L / ER308LSi / ER308H

The base metal and its compatibility, along with the grade and ASME number, are listed in the table below:

Base Metal	Grade	ASME No.	Notes
Stainless Steel	304L (A240, A312 TP304L, CF3)	P-8 Gr.1	Use ER308L or ER308LSi
Stainless Steel	304 (A240, A312 TP304, CF8)	P-8 Gr.1	Use ER308L or ER308LSi
Stainless Steel	304H (A240, A312 TP304H)	P-8 Gr.1	Use ER308H above 425°C
Stainless Steel	302, 301, 308, 321, 347	P-8 Gr.1	Use ER308L/ER308LSi (non-stabilised only)
Dissimilar Joint	304/304L to Carbon Steel	P-8 to P-1	Use ER309L (avoid ER308L)

All listed materials fall under ASME Section IX P-8 Group 1 with F-6 filler classification and A-8 weld metal grouping. ER308 variants suit general corrosion-resistant applications, while ER308H is preferred for elevated temperature service above 425°C. ER309L is required for stainless-to-carbon steel dissimilar welding to prevent dilution-related cracking.

Recommended Welding Parameters for ER308L / ER308LSi / ER308H Filler Wire

Parameters are identical for all three grades. ER308LSi runs smoother in GMAW.

Process / Diameter	Current (A)	Voltage (V)	Shielding Gas
GTAW — 1.6 mm	60-130	11-15	100% Argon
GTAW — 2.4 mm	100-175	12-17	100% Argon
GTAW — 3.2 mm	150-225	13-18	100% Argon
GMAW — 0.9 mm (short-circuit)	60-130	17-21	Ar + 2% O₂
GMAW — 1.2 mm (spray)	200-300	27-32	98% Ar + 2% O₂

Preheat is not required. Keep interpass below 175°C (350°F). Avoid pure CO₂ or mixes above 5% CO₂ for GMAW. Backpurge pipe root passes with argon at < 500 ppm O₂ (< 100 ppm for pharma per ASME BPE).

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Industrial Welding Applications of ER308L / ER308LSi / ER308H TIG & MIG Wire

ER308L, ER308LSi, and ER308H stainless welding wires deliver reliable corrosion resistance, high‑temperature strength, and clean welds across critical industries.

Food and beverage processing: Used to weld dairy tanks, cleaning (CIP) pipes, and other hygienic 304 stainless steel equipment in food factories.
Pharmaceutical and biotech: Used for WFI (water for injection) piping systems and orbital TIG welding of clean, high‑purity 304/304L stainless steel pipes.
Chemical processing: Joins Type 304 stainless reactor shells and process piping exposed to corrosive chemical media.
Petrochemical & refining: Used for furnace tube hangers and hot‑service 304H components with ER308H filler.
Power generation: Used for 304 stainless parts like condensers, ducts, and plant piping.
Nuclear: Used on 304 stainless containment liners and auxiliary systems per nuclear construction codes.
Water treatment and desalination: Used to weld RO housings and 304 stainless pipes in city and industrial water plants.
Architecture and construction: Used to join handrails, facades, and other decorative 304 stainless steel parts.
Automotive exhaust: ER308LSi is commonly used for robotic MIG welding of 304 stainless exhaust manifolds and pipes.
General fabrication: Provides versatile filler for most 304‑grade stainless fabrications across multiple industries.

Storage and Handling of ER308L / ER308LSi / ER308H Filler Wire

All three grades are solid bare wire; moisture absorption is not a concern. Store at 15-35°C, below 60% RH in original packaging. Keep stainless wire separate from carbon steel products. Use dedicated stainless steel brushes and grinding discs.

Available Forms, Diameters and Packaging of ER308L / ER308LSi / ER308H Wire

The available forms, diameter and packaging of ER308L, ER308LSi, and ER308H are listed in the table below:

Form	Diameters	Packaging
TIG Rod (GTAW)	1.0, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm	915/1000 mm tubes; 5 kg packs
MIG Wire (GMAW)	0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6 mm	5, 12.5, 15 kg spools
SAW Wire	1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm	25 kg coils, 200-250 kg drums
Strip (Cladding)	0.5 × 30 mm, 0.5 × 60 mm	Coils

How to Order ER308L / ER308LSi / ER308H Welding Wire from Nicorex Alloys

To order ER308L/ ER308LSi/ ER308H welding wire, follow these 11 important steps:

Wire Type - GTAW (TIG) Solid Cut Lengths / GMAW (MIG) Spools for Austenitic Stainless Steel Welding
Grade - ER308L / ER308LSi / ER308H (distinct carbon / silicon limits)
Size - 0.8 mm / 0.9 mm / 1.0 mm / 1.2 mm (GMAW spools) / 1.6 mm / 2.0 mm / 2.4 mm / 3.2 mm (GTAW cut lengths)
Current Type - DCEN (GTAW) / DCEP (GMAW)
Welding Position - All Positions
Material Grade - Austenitic Stainless Steel Welding Wire / UNS S30880 (ER308L) / AWS A5.9 / W.Nr. 1.4316 (ER308L) / 1.4316 Si (ER308LSi) / 1.4331 (ER308H)
Quantity - Number of spools/packs or total weight in kg
Standard - AWS A5.9 / ASME SFA 5.9, EN ISO 14343-A, ASME Section IX
Documentation - MTC EN 10204 3.1/3.2, PMI, Weld Metal Chemistry, Ferrite Number (FN), Mechanical Properties, TPI Certificate
Packaging - Vacuum-sealed foil bag/spool in moisture-proof carton with silica gel desiccant, ISPM 15 compliant export cartons with full labelling
Delivery Destination - Domestic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ER308L and ER308LSi Welding Wire?

Both grades share identical chemistry except for silicon. ER308L contains 0.30-0.65% Si; ER308LSi contains 0.65-1.00% Si. Higher silicon improves weld pool fluidity, wetting, and bead cosmetics. ER308LSi is preferred for GMAW in food-grade and architectural work. Corrosion resistance is identical.

Can ER308L be used to weld 304 Stainless Steel to Carbon Steel?

No. ER309L or ER309LSi is the correct filler for 304-to-carbon-steel joints. Iron dilution drops Cr and Ni below the austenite stability threshold, forming a brittle martensite zone. ER309L carries higher Cr (23-25%) and Ni (12-14%) to compensate.

What Shielding Gas should be used for ER308L and ER308LSi MIG Welding?

Standard GMAW gas is 98% Argon + 2% O₂ or 98% Ar + 2% CO₂. Do not use pure CO₂ or gas mixes with more than 5% CO₂, because they can add too much carbon to the weld (over the 0.03% limit).

Is Backpurging required when TIG Welding 304 Stainless with ER308L?

Yes. Backpurging with argon is mandatory for pipe root passes to prevent sugaring. Maintain purge gas oxygen below 500 ppm for industrial work, below 100 ppm for pharmaceutical piping per ASME BPE.