101290 - ER316L Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rods - 2.5mm x 36" - 10lb Tube

Technical Overview: ER316L TIG Welding Filler Metal

The Central Wire ER316L TIG Welding Rod in 2.5 mm diameter is engineered for the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) of austenitic stainless steels. This filler metal is primarily composed of chromium (18-20%), nickel (11-14%), and molybdenum (2-3%), with a carbon content restricted to a maximum of 0.03%. The molybdenum addition is the defining characteristic of the 316 series, providing significantly enhanced resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in halide-containing environments such as seawater or certain chemical acids.

For professional welders, the "L" designation is critical. It signifies a low-carbon chemistry that minimizes the risk of sensitization—the formation of chromium carbides at the grain boundaries in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). This allows the weldment to retain its full corrosion-resistant properties without the need for post-weld solution annealing, which is often impractical for large structures. The 2.5 mm diameter provides excellent deposition rates for root passes in pipe welding or fill passes in plate fabrication, offering good control over the weld puddle.

This rod typically produces a ferrite number (FN) in the range of 3 to 10, which is essential for preventing hot cracking during solidification. The weld metal exhibits excellent toughness even at cryogenic temperatures. It is recommended for use with 100% Argon shielding gas to maintain a clean, oxidation-free weld pool. When welding 316L base metals, using an ER316L filler ensures that the weld metal matches or exceeds the corrosion resistance of the base material.

Metallurgical Properties & Performance

• Tensile Strength: Typically exceeds 70,000 psi (485 MPa).
• Elongation: High ductility allows for forming and stress redistribution.
• Arc Stability: Clean surface finish reduces contamination and promotes a stable, quiet arc.