AK-E316L-16 Super-Low Carbon Stainless Steel Electrode for Corrosion-Resistant Welding.
A super-low carbon stainless steel electrode designed for welding Cr18Ni12Mo2 steels and dissimilar materials, with excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and crack resistance due to deposited metal carbon content ≤0.04%
Product Overview
AK-E316L-16 is a super-low carbon stainless steel electrode formulated for manual metal arc welding of Cr18Ni12Mo2 steels and dissimilar steels that cannot be post-weld heat treated. The deposited metal carbon content is ≤0.04%, which enhances resistance to intergranular corrosion and improves performance in high-temperature and corrosive environments.
The electrode delivers excellent arc stability, weld pool control, and slag removal characteristics, making it suitable for all-position welding. It meets the EN ISO 3581-A:E (19 12 3 L) R 1 2 and AWS A5.4 E316L-16 classifications, with chemical composition and mechanical properties aligned to these standards.
Application: Used to weld 06Cr18Ni 12Mo2 type steel, dissimilar steels, and high chromium steel which can not be heated after welding.
Key Benefits
Low Carbon Deposited Metal.
The deposited metal carbon content is ≤0.04%, which minimizes the risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion, especially in service environments requiring high corrosion resistance.
Excellent Heat and Corrosion Resistance.
The high chromium and molybdenum content in the deposited metal provides strong resistance to oxidation, scaling, and pitting in aggressive environments, making it suitable for demanding applications.
Good Crack Resistance
The super-low carbon formulation and balanced alloying elements reduce the likelihood of hot cracking during welding, particularly in thick sections or constrained joints.
All-Position Welding Capability
The electrode performs reliably in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions, allowing for consistent weld quality across different joint geometries.
Where It Is Used
- Welding of 06Cr18Ni12Mo2 type stainless steel.
- Joining dissimilar steels where post-weld heat treatment is not possible.
- High-chromium steel applications requiring excellent corrosion and heat resistance.
- Fabrication and maintenance in chemical, petrochemical, and power generation industries.
Who It Is For
- Welding consumable distributors supplying stainless steel electrodes for industrial applications.
- Fabricators working with Cr18Ni12Mo2 and similar stainless steels.
- Maintenance teams in petrochemical and power plants requiring reliable corrosion-resistant welds.
Problems It Solves
- Intergranular corrosion in welded joints due to high carbon content in the deposited metal.
- Cracking in welds when welding high-chromium steels without post-weld heat treatment.
- Inconsistent performance when using standard 316L electrodes with insufficient carbon control.
Specifications
Published by the factory for AK-E316L-16. Values not shown are not published on the datasheet and are marked as such rather than estimated.
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| Classification 1 | EN ISO 3581-A:E (19 12 3 L) R 1 2 |
| Classification 2 | AWS A5.4 E316L-16 |
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| C | 0.04 |
| SI | 1.00 |
| Mn | 0.5-2.50 |
| S | 0.03 |
| P | 0.03 |
| Ni | 11.0-14.0 |
| Cr | 17.0-20.0 |
| Mo | 2.0-3.0 |
| Cu | 0.75 |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength (MPa) | ≥490 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 25 |
| Diameter | Current range |
|---|---|
| 2.5mm | F/H-60-80A V/OH-40-70A |
| 3.2mm | F/H-80-120A V/OH-60-100A |
| 4.0mm | F/H-100-150A V/OH-80-130A |
Technical Features
- Super-low carbon deposited metal with carbon content ≤0.04%
- Chemical composition: C ≤0.04%, Si 1.00%, Mn 0.5–2.50%, S ≤0.03%, P ≤0.03%, Ni 11.0–14.0%, Cr 17.0–20.0%, Mo 2.0–3.0%, Cu 0.75%
- Tensile strength ≥490 MPa, elongation ≥25%
- Supplied in 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, and 4.0 mm diameters with published current ranges for each.
Use Guide
- Select diameter by joint thickness and position: 2.5 mm for thin sections, 3.2 mm for medium, 4.0 mm for thicker sections.
- Use recommended current ranges: 2.5 mm – flat/horizontal 60–80 A, vertical/overhead 40–70 A; 3.2 mm – flat/horizontal 80–120 A, vertical/overhead 60–100 A; 4.0 mm – flat/horizontal 100–150 A, vertical/overhead 80–130 A.
- Clean the joint surfaces thoroughly to remove oil, grease, rust, and moisture before welding.
- Store electrodes in sealed packaging and re-dry if exposed to moisture before use.
- Remove slag completely between passes to prevent inclusions and ensure sound welds.
How It Compares
AK-E316L-16 and standard E316-16 both weld 316L-type stainless steel, but AK-E316L-16 has a super-low carbon content (≤0.04%) which improves resistance to intergranular corrosion. Standard E316-16 may have higher carbon content, increasing the risk of sensitization in service. E316L-16 is preferred for applications requiring maximum corrosion resistance and where post-weld heat treatment is not feasible.
Related Grades
Other welding electrodes in the same family.






AK-E316L-16 Questions
What is the carbon content in the deposited metal?
Which standards does this electrode meet?
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What current ranges are recommended for each diameter?
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