E316L-16 vs ER316L: 78% composition overlap. Some similarities but notable differences in alloying elements.
E316L-16 vs ER316L
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.
ER316L
Low-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel welding wire — the standard filler for joining 316 and 316L stainless steels. 2-3% Mo provides superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance versus ER308L, especially in chloride environments. Low carbon (≤0.03%) prevents sensitization. Used for TIG and MIG welding of chemical processing equipment, marine hardware, pharmaceutical vessels, pulp & paper digesters, and offshore piping. Also used for dissimilar joints between 304 and 316 grades.
| E316L-16 | ER316L | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Welding | Welding |
| Standard | AWS A5.4 | AWS A5.9 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | E316L-16 | ER316L | 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 | ER316L | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 490 | — | MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 320 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 30 | — | % |
Compatibility Assessment
E316L-16 and ER316L share some characteristics (78% overlap) but have notable differences. They may be substitutable in some applications but not all. Verify suitability carefully.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E316L-16 the same as ER316L?
E316L-16 and ER316L have a 78% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace E316L-16 with ER316L?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (78%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between E316L-16 and ER316L?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. E316L-16 is a Welding grade, while ER316L 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.