308-16 Stainless Rod – AWS E308-16 & Stainless Electrodes

The 308-16 stainless steel welding rod is an AWS E308-16 classified stainless steel electrode designed for welding 18% chromium, 8% nickel austenitic stainless steels such as 304 and 304L. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and produces clean, smooth welds suitable for food, chemical, and architectural applications.

This electrode features a rutile-based flux coating that ensures easy arc starting, low spatter, and a stable welding arc, making it a popular choice for both manual and automated welding processes.

Key Features

Corrosion Resistant: Suitable for welding austenitic stainless steels used in harsh environments
Rutile Coating: Smooth arc, easy strike, low spatter for quality weld appearance
All-Position Welding: Capable of welding flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions
Good Mechanical Properties: High tensile strength and ductility for structural integrity
Low Carbon Weld Metal: Prevents carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion
AWS Certified: Meets AWS A5.4/E308-16 specification

Typical Applications

Food processing and pharmaceutical equipment
Chemical processing plants and storage tanks
Architectural stainless steel structures and railings
Pressure vessels and piping systems
General stainless steel fabrication and repair

Specifications

Diameter (mm)	Length (mm)	Recommended Welding Current (AC/DC)	Typical Use
2.5 (3/32″)	350	40 – 80 A	Thin sheets and light welds
3.2 (1/8″)	350	70 – 120 A	General fabrication
4.0 (5/32″)	350	110 – 160 A	Thick sections and pipes

Chemical Composition (Typical Weld Metal %)

Element	C	Mn	Si	Cr	Ni	P	S
Value	0.03	1.2	0.5	19.0	10.5	0.03	0.03

Mechanical Properties (Typical Weld Metal)

Property	Value
Tensile Strength	550 MPa (80,000 psi)
Yield Strength	310 MPa (45,000 psi)
Elongation	40%
Impact Toughness	70 J @ -20°C

Welding Performance

Arc Characteristics: Smooth, stable arc with easy starts and minimal spatter
Penetration: Medium penetration ideal for stainless steel sheet and pipe welds
Slag: Thin, easy-to-remove slag for a clean finish
Polarity: Can be used on AC or DC+ with excellent results
All-Position: Suitable for welding in any position including vertical and overhead

Packaging & Supply

Standard packaging: 5kg, 10kg boxes with moisture-resistant coating
OEM and custom packaging available
Flexible MOQ for small trial orders and large production runs
Fast, reliable shipping worldwide

Why Choose Our 308-16 Stainless Steel Welding Rod?

Produced under strict quality control and AWS specifications
Excellent weld bead appearance with minimal clean-up needed
Competitive pricing from factory-direct supplier
Proven performance in demanding industrial applications
Responsive customer service and technical support

Ready to Order?

Contact our sales team today for quotes, samples, or technical consultation. Ensure your stainless steel welding projects succeed with our high-quality 308-16 welding rods.