E316L-16 vs ER308L: 35% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
E316L-16 vs ER308L
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
E316L-16
Rutile-coated austenitic stainless steel SMAW electrode matching 316L (1.4404). 18.5% Cr, 12% Ni, 2.5% Mo, max 0.03% C. Smooth arc, fine ripple bead, easy slag removal. AC or DCEP. For welding 316, 316L and similar Mo-bearing austenitics in food/pharma/chemical processing. Resistant to intergranular corrosion after welding. Used for tanks, vessels, piping and equipment in contact with acids, chlorides and process media.
ER308L
Low-carbon austenitic stainless steel welding wire — the standard filler for joining 304 and 304L stainless steels. The L (low carbon ≤0.03%) prevents sensitization and intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone. Used for TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) with pure argon or Ar/CO2 shielding. Produces fully austenitic-ferritic weld metal with 5-15 FN (Ferrite Number) for crack resistance. Used for food processing equipment, chemical tanks, pharmaceutical vessels, and architectural stainless fabrication.
| E316L-16 | ER308L | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Welding | Welding |
| Standard | AWS A5.4 | AWS A5.9 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | E316L-16 | ER308L | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.03% | OK |
| Si | ≤ 0.9% | 0.3–0.65% | OK |
| Mn | ≤ 2.5% | 1–2.5% | OK |
| P | — | ≤ 0.03% | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | E316L-16 | ER308L | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 490 | — | MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 320 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 30 | — | % |
Compatibility Assessment
E316L-16 and ER308L have significantly different compositions (35% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E316L-16 the same as ER308L?
E316L-16 and ER308L have a 35% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace E316L-16 with ER308L?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (35% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between E316L-16 and ER308L?
The main differences are in the following elements: Cr, Mo, Ni. E316L-16 is a Welding grade, while ER308L is a Welding grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.