59626 - Avesta E309L-17 Stainless Steel Stick Electrode 3.2mm

Premium Avesta E309L-17 Stainless Steel Electrodes

The Avesta E309L-17 (3.2mm) is a high-alloy stick electrode designed specifically for welding dissimilar joints and creating buffer layers. Engineered by Avesta (a Voestalpine brand), this consumable meets the AWS E309L-17 classification, making it the industry standard for joining stainless steels (such as AISI 304) to mild or low-alloy steels. The 'L' designation indicates a low carbon content (maximum 0.04%), which significantly reduces the risk of carbide precipitation and subsequent intergranular corrosion.

This electrode features a rutile-acid coating that provides excellent weldability on both AC and DC+ currents. It is characterized by a smooth, stable spray-type arc, low spatter generation, and excellent slag detachability—often self-releasing. The deposited weld metal offers a high ferrite content (FN 12-20), providing superior resistance to hot cracking, which is critical when welding restrained joints or dissimilar materials with different thermal expansion coefficients.

Industrially, the Avesta 309L is indispensable for cladding applications. It serves as an ideal buffer layer on mild steel before filling with 308L or 316L, preventing dilution of the corrosion-resistant properties of the top layers. It is widely used in petrochemical, power generation, and general fabrication sectors where transition joints are common.