AWS A5.9 / ASME SFA-5.9 · Stainless MIG wire & TIG rod (GMAW / GTAW)

ER316L Stainless MIG Wire and TIG Rod

ER316L is a molybdenum-bearing, extra-low-carbon austenitic stainless steel bare wire or rod classified to AWS A5.9 for MIG and TIG welding of 316 and 316L stainless steels, depositing weld metal with roughly 19 % chromium, 12 % nickel, 3 % molybdenum and about 8 to 10 % ferrite, where the molybdenum provides the resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion that distinguishes 316 from 304.

Austenitic stainless steel, 316 / 316L / 18Cr-12Ni-3Mo
Stainless MIG wire & TIG rod (GMAW / GTAW)
EN ISO 14343-A
5 ESAB grades

Request a Quote Contact Us

Price on request. POFIS is an ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre in Abu Dhabi — quotations include confirmed lead time and delivery terms.

The designation

What ER316L / ER316LSi means

ER: A bare electrode or rod under AWS A5.9, fed continuously as MIG wire or cut as TIG rod. The covered stick electrode equivalent is E316L under AWS A5.4.
316: Nominally 18–20 % chromium, 11–14 % nickel and — the defining addition — 2 to 3 % molybdenum, matched to 316 and 316L parent material.
Mo: Molybdenum is the entire reason 316 exists. Chromium gives general corrosion resistance; molybdenum specifically resists localised pitting and crevice attack by chloride ions. In seawater, produced water and brine that is the difference between a joint that survives and one that perforates.
L: Extra low carbon, 0.03 % maximum for A5.9 bare wire, preventing the chromium carbide precipitation that leaves grain boundaries chromium-depleted and open to intergranular corrosion.
Si: The high-silicon variant. Silicon lowers the pool surface tension so the bead wets out flatter — a substantial benefit for MIG, a smaller one for TIG.
Mn: A separate alloy, not a modifier. ER316LMn carries roughly 7 % manganese with 20 % Cr and 16 % Ni, a fully austenitic non-magnetic deposit for a different set of applications.

Reading the ER316L / ER316LSi designation, left to right.

How it behaves

ER316L / ER316LSi in practice

A 308L wire on 316L parent is a hidden defect

This substitution is common and expensive. An ER308L wire welds 316L perfectly well mechanically: the joint passes bend tests, passes radiography, and looks identical. But the deposit contains no molybdenum, so in chloride service the weld bead pits while the parent plate either side of it does not. The failure surfaces months or years later, in the one place that is hardest to reach. If the parent is 316 or 316L, the wire must be ER316L — pitting resistance has to be continuous through the joint.

Silicon, and when to take it

ER316LSi is the same alloy with more silicon, which lowers surface tension so the pool wets into the joint and the bead lies flatter. On MIG that usually decides it, because it reduces post-weld dressing and improves tie-in at the toes. On TIG the welder controls the pool directly, so the gain is smaller. The cost is slightly more tenacious glassy slag islands on the bead, which must be removed between passes on multi-pass work or they become inclusions.

Ferrite content differs between the MIG and TIG grades

ESAB publishes approximately 8 % ferrite for OK Autrod 316L and 316LSi, and approximately 10 % for OK Tigrod 316L. That ferrite exists to interrupt the continuous austenite grain boundaries along which a solidification hot crack would run. The difference between grades is small but real, and where a procedure specifies a ferrite acceptance range it is worth checking the specific grade rather than assuming the family figure.

ER316LMn is a different animal

OK Autrod 316LMn is not a variant of 316L but a distinct alloy: roughly 7 % manganese, 20 % chromium, 16 % nickel and 3 % molybdenum, giving a fully austenitic, effectively non-magnetic deposit. The high manganese confers good hot cracking resistance without relying on ferrite, which is what makes it useful where ferrite is unwanted — cryogenic work, non-magnetic requirements and some dissimilar joints. It publishes 40 J at −196 °C. Do not treat it as an interchangeable 316L.

Heat tint removal is part of the corrosion performance

The straw and blue oxide either side of a stainless weld is chromium-depleted scale over chromium-depleted metal, and in the chloride service 316L is specified for, that band corrodes first. Pickling removes it and passivation rebuilds the chromium oxide film. A 316L weld left with its heat tint is not performing as 316L, regardless of how sound the joint is.

What POFIS supplies

ESAB ER316L / ER316LSi grades

Every grade below carries the ER316L / ER316LSi classification, which is why a WPS naming ER316L / ER316LSi can be satisfied by any of them. They are not interchangeable in practice — the differences in current type, hydrogen level and impact toughness are what decide which one belongs on your job. Figures are the manufacturer's typical as-welded values.

**ER316L / ER316LSi grades supplied by POFIS** — typical as-welded properties. Blank cells are values the manufacturer does not publish for that grade, not zeros.
Grade	Classification	Yield	Tensile	Elong.	Impact (lowest published)
OK Autrod 316LSi POFIS recommends	ER316LSi (AWS A5.9)	400 MPa	560 MPa	37 %	70 J at −110 °C
OK Autrod 316L	ER316L (AWS A5.9)	440 MPa	620 MPa	37 %	55 J at −196 °C
OK Tigrod 316LSi	ER316LSi (AWS A5.9)	500 MPa	630 MPa	33 %	90 J at −196 °C
OK Tigrod 316L	ER316L (AWS A5.9)	470 MPa	600 MPa	32 %	75 J at −196 °C
OK Autrod 316LMn	ER316LMn (AWS A5.9)	400 MPa	600 MPa	40 %	40 J at −196 °C

OK Autrod 316LSi ER316LSi (AWS A5.9)

The default MIG wire for 316 and 316L: high silicon for wetting and a flat bead, 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm, holding 95 J at −60 °C. For most plate, vessel and pipework fabrication.

Diameters: 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm
Alloy type: Austenitic, approx. 8 % ferrite — 19 % Cr, 12 % Ni, 3 % Mo, low C, high Si
Type: Solid MIG wire (GMAW), shielding M12 / M13
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 4-69

OK Autrod 316L ER316L (AWS A5.9)

The strongest MIG grade here at 440 MPa yield and 620 MPa tensile, with the widest diameter range including 1.14 mm. For procedures that limit silicon, and for multi-pass work where slag islands are a nuisance.

Diameters: 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.14 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm
Alloy type: Austenitic, approx. 8 % ferrite — 19 % Cr, 12 % Ni, 3 % Mo, low C
Type: Solid MIG wire (GMAW), shielding M12 / M13
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 4-66

OK Tigrod 316LSi ER316LSi (AWS A5.9)

The strongest grade on this page at 500 MPa yield and 630 MPa tensile, with 175 J at room temperature and 90 J at −196 °C. Silicon helps the pool wet out on thin section and imperfect fit-up.

Alloy type: Austenitic, approx. 8 % ferrite — 19 % Cr, 12 % Ni, 3 % Mo, low C, high Si
Type: TIG rod (GTAW), shielding I1
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 4-93

OK Tigrod 316L ER316L (AWS A5.9)

The plain TIG rod, with a higher nominal ferrite content at approximately 10 %. Holds 175 J at room temperature, 130 J at −60 °C and 120 J at −110 °C under pure argon.

Alloy type: Austenitic, approx. 10 % ferrite — 19 % Cr, 12 % Ni, 3 % Mo, low C
Type: TIG rod (GTAW), shielding I1
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 4-92

OK Autrod 316LMn ER316LMn (AWS A5.9)

A distinct alloy rather than a 316L variant: roughly 7 % Mn, 20 % Cr, 16 % Ni, 3 % Mo, giving a fully austenitic, effectively non-magnetic deposit. Manganese provides hot cracking resistance in place of ferrite. Holds 40 J at −196 °C.

Diameters: 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm
Alloy type: Austenitic — 7 % Mn, 20 % Cr, 16 % Ni, 3 % Mo
Type: Solid MIG wire (GMAW), shielding M12 / M13
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 4-68

Diameters are listed from the manufacturer's deposition data. Ordering part numbers and pack sizes are confirmed with your quotation — send the grade and diameters you need to weldiv@pofis.ae.

Specifying

Which ER316L / ER316LSi grade to specify

For general MIG welding of 316 and 316L

OK Autrod 316LSi is the default: high silicon for wetting, 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm, M12 or M13 shielding, 400 MPa yield and 560 MPa tensile with 120 J at room temperature and 95 J at −60 °C. For most 316L plate, vessel and pipework fabrication this is the wire to quote.

Where a procedure limits silicon

OK Autrod 316L is the plain wire and the strongest of the MIG grades at 440 MPa yield and 620 MPa tensile, with the widest diameter range on the page at 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm including 1.14 mm. It holds 95 J at −60 °C and 55 J at −196 °C.

For TIG roots and manual work

OK Tigrod 316LSi is the strongest TIG grade at 500 MPa yield and 630 MPa tensile, holding 175 J at room temperature and 90 J at −196 °C. OK Tigrod 316L is the plain alternative with a higher nominal ferrite content at approximately 10 %, giving 470 MPa yield and the same 175 J at room temperature with 120 J at −110 °C.

Where ferrite is unwanted or non-magnetic is required

OK Autrod 316LMn gives a fully austenitic deposit at roughly 7 % Mn, 20 % Cr, 16 % Ni and 3 % Mo, in 1.0 and 1.2 mm, with 400 MPa yield, 600 MPa tensile and 40 J at −196 °C. The manganese provides hot cracking resistance in place of ferrite, which is what makes it suitable where a ferrite-bearing deposit is not acceptable.

When 316L is not enough

If the chloride level, temperature or chemistry outruns 316L, the next step is duplex 2205 welded with ER2209 — roughly half as strong again with much better pitting resistance — then super duplex with ER2594, then a nickel alloy. Send the service conditions with the enquiry and we will confirm whether 316L is the right answer before a procedure is qualified around it.

Storage & handling

Storing and handling ER316L / ER316LSi consumables

Carbon steel contamination defeats the alloy

Iron particles from a shared grinding disc, wire brush, bench or feed roller will rust on the surface and initiate pitting underneath — in a material chosen specifically for its pitting resistance. Dedicate abrasives, brushes and feeder consumables to stainless and keep the fabrication area separate.

Gas, not CO₂

ESAB specifies M12 or M13 for the MIG wires and pure argon I1 for the TIG rods. Stainless MIG is not run on CO₂: carbon pickup from the gas would defeat the low-carbon chemistry the L grade exists to provide. Confirm the gas against the grade before ordering.

Frequently asked

ER316L / ER316LSi — common questions

What is the difference between ER308L and ER316L wire?

Molybdenum. ER316L carries 2 to 3 %; ER308L carries none. That molybdenum resists chloride pitting and crevice corrosion, so in seawater, produced water, brine or acidic service a 316L joint survives where a 308L one pits. Mechanically the two are very similar, which is exactly why substituting one for the other is a mistake that does not show up until the plant is running.

What is the difference between ER316L and ER316LSi?

Silicon content only. Silicon lowers the surface tension of the weld pool so it wets into the joint and the bead lies flatter, which is a substantial benefit for MIG welding and a smaller one for TIG. The cost is slightly more tenacious glassy slag islands, which must be cleaned between passes on multi-pass work.

What is ER316LMn used for?

It is a distinct alloy, not a 316L variant: roughly 7 % manganese, 20 % chromium, 16 % nickel and 3 % molybdenum, giving a fully austenitic and effectively non-magnetic deposit. The manganese provides hot cracking resistance without relying on ferrite, which makes it useful where a ferrite-bearing deposit is not acceptable — cryogenic work, non-magnetic requirements and some dissimilar joints.

Can ER308L wire be used to weld 316L?

Mechanically it will pass; in corrosive service it is a hidden defect. The deposit would contain no molybdenum, so the weld bead pits in chloride service while the 316L parent either side does not — and the failure appears years later in the least accessible part of the joint. If the parent is 316 or 316L, use ER316L.

What shielding gas is used for ER316L MIG wire?

ESAB specifies M12 or M13 — argon with a small oxidising addition — for its stainless MIG wires, and pure argon (I1) for TIG rods. Stainless MIG is not run on pure CO₂, because carbon pickup from the gas would defeat the low-carbon chemistry that the L grade exists to provide.

How much ferrite is in a 316L weld deposit?

ESAB publishes approximately 8 % for OK Autrod 316L and 316LSi, and approximately 10 % for OK Tigrod 316L. The ferrite is deliberate: it interrupts the continuous austenite grain boundaries along which a solidification hot crack would run. Where a procedure specifies a ferrite acceptance range, check the specific grade rather than assuming a family figure.

Do I need to pickle and passivate a 316L weld?

In corrosive service, yes. The straw and blue heat tint either side of the weld is chromium-depleted scale over chromium-depleted metal, and in chloride service that band corrodes first. Pickling removes it and passivation rebuilds the chromium oxide film. POFIS supplies the pickling and passivation chemistry as well as the consumables.

Where can I buy ER316L stainless wire in Abu Dhabi?

POFIS supplies the full ESAB OK Autrod, OK Tigrod and Exaton stainless ranges from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and the wider GCC, as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre, approved ADNOC vendor and ISO 9001 certified supplier. Tell us the diameter, shielding gas and any impact or ferrite requirement and we will confirm the grade before quoting. Email weldiv@pofis.ae.

Procurement & supply

Buying the ER316L / ER316LSi consumables through POFIS

The ER316L / ER316LSi consumables is supplied from Abu Dhabi by Perfect Oilfield & Industrial Supply LLC as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre. The information below covers what procurement and QA/QC departments normally need before raising a purchase order.

Lead time

Stock items dispatch from Abu Dhabi within 24–48 hours. Indent items are quoted with a confirmed lead time at the time of offer.

Approved vendor status

POFIS is an approved ADNOC vendor and is listed on the approved vendor lists (AVL) of major operators and EPC contractors across the GCC. We can complete supplier registration and prequalification documentation on request.

Payment terms

Standard credit terms are available to registered corporate accounts. LPO, LC and advance payment are all accepted.

Delivery terms

Delivery across the UAE and the wider GCC. Quotations can be issued on EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP terms to suit your project.

Warranty

Full manufacturer warranty, honoured locally. As an ESAB Authorized Service Centre we carry out warranty work and repairs in Abu Dhabi rather than returning equipment abroad.

Service & spares

In-UAE service, commissioning, operator training and spare parts backing for every machine we supply.

ISO 9001 Certified
Approved ADNOC Vendor
ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre

Price on request

Request a quotation for the ER316L / ER316LSi filler metals

Send the form and the POFIS welding division replies with pricing, confirmed lead time, delivery terms and availability. Tell us who you are and what the job is, so the reply can be specific to it rather than a catalogue price list.

Enquire Contact