TOKO AWS A5.4 E308L Stainless Steel Welding Electrode
Low-carbon (E308L) rutile-coated electrode for welding austenitic stainless steels such as 304L, 304, and 321. Designed to provide excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion and deliver smooth, stable arc characteristics with self-detaching slag.
Key Advantages
- AWS A5.4 / SFA-5.4 compliant — full traceability and certified chemistry/mechanicals.
- Low carbon (≤0.04% C) — minimizes carbide precipitation, preserving corrosion resistance in the weld zone.
- All-position capability — flat, horizontal, vertical-up, and overhead with E308L-16 variant.
- Rutile coating (E308L-16) — smooth arc, easy slag removal, and fine bead appearance.
- High corrosion resistance — ideal for food processing, chemical equipment, and architectural applications.
- Available diameters: 2.5mm (3/32"), 3.2mm (1/8"), 4.0mm (5/32") — in hermetically sealed packaging.
Performance Benefits for Stainless Steel Welding
- Arc Stability: Smooth, stable arc with minimal spatter on AC or DCEP.
- Slag Removal: Self-detaching slag, reducing post-weld cleaning time.
- Weld Appearance: Fine ripple, uniform wetting, and minimal undercut.
- Corrosion Resistance: Low carbon ensures resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
- Versatility: Suitable for thin to medium sections, single or multi-pass.
Primary Industrial Applications
Trusted in industries where hygiene, durability, and corrosion resistance are paramount.
Food Processing
Tanks, piping, and equipment requiring clean, corrosion-resistant welds.
Chemical Equipment
Reactors, storage vessels, and piping for mild chemical environments.
Architectural
Handrails, facades, and structural stainless steel components.
General Fabrication
Dairy equipment, pharmaceutical machinery, and brewery installations.
Additional Applications
- Welding of 304L / 304 stainless steel
- Dissimilar joints (stainless to mild steel with buttering)
- Repair of stainless steel castings
- Pressure vessel linings
- Shipbuilding (interior fittings, railings)
- Cryogenic equipment (down to -196°C)
Technical Specifications
Chemical Composition (Typical, Weld Metal)
| Element | Value (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.04 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0 – 21.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.0 – 11.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.5 – 2.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.75 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 0.75 |
Mechanical Properties (As-Welded)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ≥ 550 (typical 580-620) |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 350 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 35 |
| Hardness (HB) | ~ 180 |
Welding Parameters (E308L-16, DCEP or AC)
| Diameter (mm) | Current (A) | Voltage (V) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 60 – 90 | 21 – 24 |
| 3.2 | 80 – 120 | 22 – 26 |
| 4.0 | 110 – 160 | 24 – 28 |
DCEP (DC+) recommended for optimal arc stability. Use short arc and preheat only if required by base metal thickness.
Storage & Re-drying
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Unopened packaging | Store in dry place (<60% RH) |
| Opened electrodes | Use within 8 hours or store at 100-150°C |
| Re-drying (if damp) | 250-300°C for 1 hour |
Certifications & Technical Docs
Download batch-specific material certificates, SDS, and welding procedure guidelines.
All certifications are third-party verified and comply with AWS A5.4 / ASME SFA-5.4.