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101290 - ER316L Stainless TIG Welding Rod 1/16" - 10lb Tube

Packaging: 10lb tube
$17.70/lb $110.60/10lb tube only $11.06/lbSave 38%

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OVERVIEW

Technical Overview of Central Wire ER316L TIG Rod

The Central Wire ER316L is a premium quality austenitic stainless steel TIG welding rod designed to meet the rigorous demands of industrial fabrication. Classified under AWS A5.9 as ER316L, this filler metal is engineered for joining Type 316 and 316L stainless steels. The 'L' designation indicates a low carbon content, restricted to a maximum of 0.03%, which is critical for preventing sensitization and intergranular corrosion (carbide precipitation) in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) during the welding process. This feature eliminates the need for post-weld annealing in many applications, preserving the structural integrity and corrosion resistance of the base material.

A defining characteristic of the ER316L alloy is the addition of Molybdenum (2.0% – 3.0%). This alloying element significantly enhances the material's resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in environments containing chlorides, such as marine atmospheres or chemical processing plants. Furthermore, Molybdenum improves the alloy's creep strength at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for high-temperature service applications where standard 304/308 grades might fail.

This 1.6mm (1/16 inch) diameter rod is manufactured to precise tolerances to ensure consistent feeding and arc stability. The chemical composition typically includes 18-20% Chromium and 11-14% Nickel, providing a balanced austenitic microstructure with a small amount of ferrite to prevent hot cracking during solidification. The rods are supplied in 36-inch cut lengths, cleaned and packaged in a 10lb protective tube to prevent contamination from moisture, oil, or shop dust. Traceability is maintained through lot numbers, ensuring compliance with ISO and AWS quality management standards.

Technical Specifications:

  • AWS Classification: ER316L
  • Tensile Strength: Typically 85,000 PSI (depending on base metal and dilution)
  • Elongation: Approx. 35-40%
  • Shielding Gas: 100% Argon is recommended for TIG (GTAW) processes to prevent oxidation and ensure a clean weld deposit.
Additional Information
Packaging Description:10lb tube
Weld Process:TIG
AWS Spec :ER316L
Packaging:10lb tube
Grade:316
Diameter:1.6mm
Polarity:DC+
Brand:Central Wire
Material Composition:Molybdenum Bearing, Stainless Steel 316L
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon
AWS Classification:AWS A5.9, ER316L
Welding Position:All Position
----- new values below ----
Material Composition:Stainless Steel 316L, Molybdenum Bearing
Rod Length:36 inches
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon
AWS Classification:AWS A5.9, ER316L
Welding Position:All Position
Brand:Central Wire
AWS Spec:ER316L
Diameter:1.6mm
Grade:316
Packaging:10lb tube
Weld Process:TIG
Polarity:DC-

INCLUDED

  • 10lb Tube of 1.6mm (1/16") ER316L Stainless Steel TIG Rods
  • Product Label with Heat Number/Lot Traceability

APPLICATIONS

  • Food and Beverage Industry: Welding sanitary tubing, tanks, and processing equipment where hygiene and corrosion resistance are paramount.
  • Marine Fabrication: Repairing and fabricating boat fittings, railings, and hardware exposed to saltwater environments.
  • Chemical Processing: Construction of vessels, pumps, and valves handling corrosive acids and chlorides.
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: High-purity piping systems requiring smooth, cleanable weld surfaces.
  • Architectural Stainless: Decorative structures and handrails where bead appearance and weather resistance are critical.

FAQ

ER308L is designed for welding 304 stainless steel, while ER316L contains Molybdenum and is designed for welding 316 stainless steel. You can use 316L on 304, but you should not use 308L on 316 base metal as it lacks the necessary corrosion resistance.

For TIG (GTAW) welding with ER316L, 100% Argon is the standard shielding gas. It provides excellent arc stability and prevents oxidation of the weld pool.

The 'L' stands for 'Low Carbon'. This indicates that the carbon content is restricted to a maximum of 0.03%, which prevents carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion in the weld area.

Stainless steel TIG welding is almost exclusively performed using DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative), also known as straight polarity. This concentrates the heat in the work piece for deeper penetration.

No, ER316L is not recommended for dissimilar metal joining (mild steel to stainless). For that application, you should use ER309L, which is designed to handle the dilution of the two different base metals.

These rods have a diameter of 1.6mm, which is approximately 1/16 of an inch.

The count varies by exact density and length tolerance, but a 10lb tube of 1/16" (1.6mm) stainless TIG rod typically contains approximately 280 to 300 rods.

Yes, this product is manufactured to meet the chemical and physical requirements of AWS A5.9 / ASME SFA 5.9 for classification ER316L.