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SL316L32P4 - Selectarc E316L-16 Stainless Stick Electrode 3.2mm (5kg)

Packaging: 5kg tube
$45.30/kg $141.55/5kg tube only $28.31/kgSave 38%

In stock

OVERVIEW

Weld 316 Stainless Like a Pro

If you are looking for a stainless stick rod that runs smooth and leaves a bead you can be proud of, the Selectarc E316L-16 is the answer. This 3.2mm (1/8") electrode is designed for welders who demand playability and performance. Whether you are repairing a tank in a food processing plant or fabricating custom marine fittings, this rod delivers a soft, stable arc that makes vertical and overhead welding much more manageable than standard stainless rods. The -16 coating is a rutile blend, which means it strikes easily—even on low open-circuit voltage machines—and restrikes without sticking, saving you frustration during stop-start operations.

One of the biggest headaches with stick welding stainless is the slag. Some rods leave a glass-like slag that fights you every inch of the way. The Selectarc E316L-16 features a slag system that cools quickly and often lifts off by itself as it contracts. A light tap with your chipping hammer is usually all it takes to reveal a shiny, gold-to-silver weld bead with tight, consistent ripples. This reduces the time you spend grinding and polishing, allowing you to move on to the next joint faster. The low spatter levels also mean you won't be spending hours cleaning BBs off your base metal.

This electrode is specifically formulated for 316 and 316L stainless steels, which are common in environments requiring extra corrosion resistance. The 'L' stands for Low Carbon, which protects your weld from rusting from the inside out (intergranular corrosion) over time. It also contains Molybdenum, giving it that extra toughness against salt water and harsh chemicals. You can run this rod on your shop's DC welder or a portable AC buzzer, making it a versatile addition to your rod oven or tool box.

The 5kg tube is the perfect size for medium projects or stocking up your maintenance crib. With a 3.2mm diameter, you have the heat capacity to penetrate 1/8" to 1/4" plate effectively in a single pass, or build up multipass welds on thicker sections. Don't settle for generic rods that fight you; choose Selectarc for a premium welding experience that makes your stainless work look as good as it holds.

Additional Information
Brand:Selectarc
Diameter:3.2mm (1/8")
AWS Spec:E316L-16
Grade:316
Packaging:5 kg Tube
Weld Process:Stick (SMAW)
Polarity:AC/DCEP
Coating Type:Rutile-Basic
Material Composition:Stainless Steel 316L
Welding Position:All positions except vertical down
Current Range:80-110 A
Alloy Type:Cr-Ni-Mo
Packaging Description:5kg tube

INCLUDED

  • 5 kg Plastic Tube of E316L-16 3.2mm Stick Electrodes
  • Instruction Label

APPLICATIONS

  • Chemical and petrochemical processing tanks
  • Food and beverage manufacturing equipment
  • Textile and dyeing industry machinery
  • Pulp and paper mill piping
  • Marine fittings and boat hardware
  • Pharmaceutical storage vessels
  • General maintenance and repair of 316/316L stainless steel

FAQ

The main difference lies in the coating composition. E316L-16 has a rutile-basic coating which offers a good balance of mechanical properties and weldability in all positions. E316L-17 has a silica-titania coating which generally provides a smoother bead and flatter profile but may be slightly less suitable for out-of-position welding compared to the -16.

For a 3.2mm (1/8") E316L-16 electrode, the recommended amperage range is typically between 80 and 110 Amps. Start around 90-95 Amps and adjust based on your travel speed and material thickness.

Yes, you can use E316L to weld 304 stainless steel. The addition of Molybdenum in the 316L rod will not harm the 304 base metal and may slightly increase corrosion resistance at the weld, although it is more expensive than using a standard 308L rod designed for 304.

Stainless electrodes with rutile coatings can absorb moisture. While not as critical as low-hydrogen carbon steel rods, it is highly recommended to store them in a dry place. If they have been exposed to damp conditions, re-drying at 300°C-350°C for 2 hours is recommended to prevent porosity.

Yes, the E316L-16 coating is designed to operate with a stable arc on both AC (Alternating Current) and DC+ (Direct Current Electrode Positive). This makes it compatible with most buzzer-style welding machines.

The 'L' stands for 'Low Carbon'. This indicates that the carbon content is restricted to a maximum of 0.04%. Low carbon is essential for preventing carbide precipitation (sensitization) during welding, which preserves the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel.

Generally, stainless stick electrodes are not recommended for vertical down welding due to slag entrapment risks. Vertical up is the preferred method for vertical joints to ensure proper penetration and slag control.

Yes, 316L is the standard grade for food and pharmaceutical applications due to its high corrosion resistance and cleanability. Ensure the weld is properly cleaned and passivated after welding to maintain sanitary standards.