AK-ER385 High-Performance Stainless Steel Welding Wire for Corrosive Environments.
A 20%Cr-25%Ni-4%Mo-2%Cu stainless steel wire with ultra-low carbon content, designed for superior resistance to pitting, crevice, and stress corrosion in aggressive chemical environments.
Product Overview
AK-ER385 is a solid stainless steel welding wire classified under EN ISO 14343-A:G 20 25 Cu L and AWS A5.9 ER385, with a chemical composition of 20% chromium, 25% nickel, 4% molybdenum, and 2% copper, and a carbon content of 0.025%. This formulation provides excellent resistance to corrosion across a wide range of temperatures and acid concentrations.
The wire is specifically engineered to resist pitting, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, and general corrosion in environments containing halides and acetic acid under normal pressure, making it suitable for demanding applications in chemical processing and storage systems.
Application: Towers, tanks, pipelines and storage and transportation containers for welding, manufa- cturing and shipping strong acids.
Key Benefits
Exceptional Corrosion Resistance
The high chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and copper content ensures resistance to pitting, crevice, and stress corrosion, even in chloride-containing environments and acetic acid at any concentration and temperature.
Ultra-Low Carbon for Reduced Sensitization.
With a carbon content of 0.025%, the wire minimizes the risk of carbide precipitation at grain boundaries, maintaining corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone.
High Mechanical Strength and Toughness.
The deposited metal achieves a tensile strength of 585 MPa, elongation of 30%, and impact energy of 90 J at 0 degrees C, ensuring reliable performance under mechanical and thermal stress.
Compliant with International Standards.
AK-ER385 meets EN ISO 14343-A:G 20 25 Cu L, AWS A5.9 ER385, and GB/T 29713 S385, ensuring consistency and traceability across global projects.
Where It Is Used
- Welding of towers, tanks, and pipelines in chemical and petrochemical industries.
- Manufacture and repair of storage and transportation containers for strong acids.
- Fabrication of equipment exposed to halide-rich or acetic acid environments.
- Applications requiring resistance to stress corrosion cracking and pitting.
Who It Is For
- Welding consumable distributors serving chemical and process industries.
- Fabricators of pressure vessels and storage tanks for aggressive media.
- Contractors working on pipelines and equipment in corrosive service environments.
- Maintenance teams requiring reliable filler metal for critical welds in acid service.
Problems It Solves
- Pitting and crevice corrosion in stainless steel welds exposed to halides and acetic acid.
- Stress corrosion cracking in high-strength, high-alloy welds under tensile stress.
- Loss of corrosion resistance due to sensitization from high carbon content in the weld metal.
- Inconsistent performance when using non-standard or non-certified filler metals in critical applications.
Specifications
Published by the factory for AK-ER385. Values not shown are not published on the datasheet and are marked as such rather than estimated.
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| Classification 1 | EN ISO 14343-A:G 20 25 Cu L AWS A5.9 ER385 |
| Classification 2 | GB/T 29713 S385 |
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| C | 0.025 |
| Si | 0.50 |
| Mn | 1.0-2.5 |
| S | 0.03 |
| P | 0.02 |
| Ni | 24.0-26.0 |
| Mo | 4.2-5.2 |
| Cr | 19.5-21.5 |
| Cu | 1.2-2.0 |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 585 |
| Elongation (%) | 30 |
| Impact values (J) | 90J/0℃ |
Technical Features
- Chemical composition: 19.5-21.5% Cr, 24.0-26.0% Ni, 4.2-5.2% Mo, 1.2-2.0% Cu, 0.025% C, 0.50% Si, 1.0-2.5% Mn, 0.03% S, 0.02% P.
- Tensile strength of 585 MPa.
- Elongation of 30%
- Impact toughness of 90 J at 0 degrees C.
- Supplied in accordance with EN ISO 14343-A:G 20 25 Cu L, AWS A5.9 ER385, and GB/T 29713 S385.
Use Guide
- Select wire diameter based on joint thickness and welding position; ensure proper shielding gas (typically Ar/CO2 or pure Ar) is used for the process.
- Clean base metal surfaces thoroughly from oil, grease, rust, and moisture before welding to prevent contamination and porosity.
- Maintain proper interpass temperature to avoid cracking and ensure consistent mechanical properties.
- Store wire in sealed packaging to prevent moisture absorption; re-dry if exposed to humid conditions before use.
How It Compares
AK-ER385 is a high-alloy stainless steel wire with superior resistance to chloride-induced pitting and stress corrosion compared to standard 316L or 304L wires. While 316L offers good general corrosion resistance, it lacks the molybdenum and copper content needed for halide environments. AK-ER385 is not a direct substitute for low-alloy or carbon steel wires, as its high alloy content requires specific welding parameters and shielding gas selection.
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