TOKO Welding Consumables Overview

TOKO AWS A5.4 E308L Welding Electrode

TOKO A5.4 E308-16 welding electrode is an AWS-certified stainless steel electrode, ideal for welding 300-series stainless steels like 304 and 304L. It’s widely used in industries needing high corrosion resistance.
TOKO E308L Welding Rods

1. Classification & Compliance

  • AWS A5.4: Conforms to the E308L specification, indicating low carbon content (≤0.04% C) to minimize carbide precipitation and enhance corrosion resistance.
  • Suffix Variants: May include suffixes like -15, -16, or -17 (e.g., E308L-16), which determine coating type and compatible current:
    • -15: Lime-based coating, DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative).
    • -16: Rutile-based coating, AC or DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive).
    • -17: Similar to -16 but with improved vertical/overhead performance.

2. Applications

  • Materials: Primarily used for welding 304/304L, 321, and similar austenitic stainless steels.
  • Industries: Food processing, chemical equipment, architecture, and applications requiring corrosion resistance.
  • Dissimilar Welding: Suitable for joining stainless steel to mild steel in some cases.

3. Chemical Composition (Typical Weld Metal)

  • Chromium (Cr): 19–21%
  • Nickel (Ni): 9–11%
  • Carbon (C): ≤0.04% (L-grade for reduced sensitization).
  • Manganese (Mn), Silicon (Si): Small amounts for deoxidation and arc stability.

4. Operating Characteristics

  • Polarity: Depends on suffix (e.g., -16 uses AC/DCEP, -15 uses DCEN).
  • Positions: All-position welding (if suffix supports it; e.g., -16/17 allow vertical/overhead).
  • Slag Removal: Easy slag detachment with rutile coatings (-16/17); lime coatings (-15) offer deeper penetration.
  • Arc Stability: Smooth arc with minimal spatter.
TOKO E308L Welding Rods

5. Mechanical Properties

  • Tensile Strength: ~550 MPa (80 ksi).
  • Elongation: ~35–40%.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Excellent due to low carbon and austenitic structure.

6. Storage & Handling

  • Storage: Keep in dry conditions to prevent moisture absorption (re-bake if exposed to humidity).
  • Preheat/Post-Weld Heat Treatment: Generally not required for thin sections; follow specific guidelines for thick materials.

7. Diameter & Current Range (Typical)

  • Available Sizes: 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm.
  • Current Range: Varies by diameter (e.g., 3.2 mm: 80–120 A DC).

8. Key Advantages

  • Low carbon content prevents weld decay.
  • Versatile for all-position welding (depending on suffix).
  • Excellent bead appearance and slag removal.
For precise parameters, consult TOKO’s technical datasheet for the specific suffix (e.g., -15, -16) of the electrode.

Technical Documentation

  • 📥 Download Material MTC (PDF)