E6010 vs ER308L: 42% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
E6010 vs ER308L
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
E6010
High-cellulose sodium coated SMAW electrode for pipeline welding. Produces a deep penetrating, high-force spray arc with fast-freeze characteristics and minimal slag. The standard electrode for root pass welding in pipeline construction (API 5L X42/X46). DCEP only. Tensile strength 60 ksi (414 MPa), yield 48 ksi (331 MPa). Impact toughness 27J at -30°C. Do NOT rebake — cellulose coating requires 3–7% moisture for proper operation. Also used for field erection, tank repair and welding on dirty/rusty steel.
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.
| E6010 | ER308L | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Welding | Welding |
| Standard | AWS A5.1 | AWS A5.9 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | E6010 | ER308L | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.12% | ≤ 0.03% | OK |
| Si | ≤ 0.4% | 0.3–0.65% | Partial |
| Mn | ≤ 0.6% | 1–2.5% | No overlap |
| P | ≤ 0.035% | ≤ 0.03% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | E6010 | ER308L | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 414 | — | MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 331 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 22 | — | % |
Compatibility Assessment
E6010 and ER308L have significantly different compositions (42% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E6010 the same as ER308L?
E6010 and ER308L have a 42% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace E6010 with ER308L?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (42% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between E6010 and ER308L?
The main differences are in the following elements: Si, Mn. E6010 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.