Stainless Steel Welding Rods

Available Grades & Their Details

The table below provides a quick-reference metallurgical comparison of all six welding rod grades we supply, followed by individual grade descriptions with applications:

Grade-Wise Details, Applications & Uses

1. 316L Stainless Steel Welding Rods

Grade 316L welding rods are the low-carbon variant of the standard 316 rod, with carbon kept at ≤ 0.03% to prevent carbide precipitation during welding. The addition of 2–3% molybdenum provides outstanding resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion, making 316L the first choice for marine, chemical, and pharmaceutical welding. Available as bare TIG wire (ER316L) and coated MMA electrode (E316L-16), in diameters 1.6 mm to 5.0 mm.

Applications: Chemical process equipment, pharmaceutical reactors, marine components, food-grade piping, heat exchangers, desalination plant hardware, and coastal architectural steelwork.

2. 347 Stainless Steel Welding Rods

Grade 347 rods contain niobium (columbium) at a minimum of 8× the carbon content, which selectively combines with carbon to prevent sensitisation and intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). This makes them the preferred electrode for welding 347 and 321 base metals used in high-temperature cyclic service. Available as ER347 bare wire and E347-16 coated electrode, diameters 1.6 mm to 4.0 mm.

Applications: Jet engine exhaust components, power plant steam lines, petroleum refinery piping, high-temperature pressure vessels, boiler superheaters, and elevated-temperature storage tanks.

3. 309 Stainless Steel High-Temperature Welding Rods

Grade 309 rods carry elevated chromium (23–25%) and nickel (12–14%) levels compared to standard grades, delivering two critical benefits: oxidation resistance up to approximately 980 °C in continuous service, and compatibility as a buffer layer when joining stainless steel to carbon steel or low-alloy steel. The higher alloy content accommodates dilution from the carbon steel side while maintaining a corrosion-resistant weld. Available as ER309/ER309L bare wire and E309-16 electrode, diameters 1.6 mm to 4.0 mm.

Applications: Dissimilar metal joints (stainless-to-carbon steel), furnace components, kiln linings, thermal cycling equipment, automotive exhaust manifolds, and high-temperature overlay cladding.

4. Stainless Steel 310 / 310S Welding Electrode

Grade 310/310S electrodes represent the premium heat-resistant option in the stainless steel welding range. With 25–28% chromium and 20–22% nickel, the weld deposit forms a stable, adherent oxide scale that resists oxidation and sulfidation at temperatures up to 1100 °C. The 310S variant has controlled silicon for improved weldability. These electrodes produce fully austenitic weld metal with excellent toughness at sub-zero temperatures as well. Available as ER310 bare wire and E310-16 coated electrode, diameters 1.6 mm to 5.0 mm.

Applications: Radiant tubes, furnace rolls, heat treatment baskets, thermal oxidisers, incinerator components, carburising and nitriding retorts, and cryogenic vessel fabrication.

5. Stainless Steel Welding Rods 370G

Grade 370G (broadly equivalent to AWS ER307/E307) is an austenitic rod with a modified composition — elevated manganese, silicon, and a small molybdenum addition — designed to produce a weld deposit with higher tensile strength and exceptional resistance to hot cracking. The fully austenitic microstructure makes it ideal for joining austenitic manganese steels, work-hardening steels, and difficult dissimilar metal combinations where standard 308 or 316 rods would crack. Available in diameters 2.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

Applications: Railway track components, crusher jaws, manganese steel castings, earth-moving equipment wear parts, dissimilar joint buffer layers, armour plate fabrication, and high-impact industrial machinery.

6. Stainless Steel Welding Rods 360S

Grade 360S rods (broadly equivalent to AWS ER308L/E308L-16) are the workhorse low-carbon general-purpose option for welding 304 and 304L base metals. Carbon is held at ≤ 0.03% to prevent sensitisation, and the balanced 19.5–22% Cr / 9–11% Ni composition ensures excellent corrosion resistance in the weld zone. The 16-type coating provides smooth arc transfer, low spatter, and easy slag removal in all positions. Available in diameters 1.6 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.15 mm, and 4.0 mm.

Applications: General fabrication of 304/304L equipment, kitchen and catering equipment, dairy and food processing vessels, storage tanks, handrails, architectural metalwork, and maintenance welding on austenitic stainless steel structures.

Size Charts

Standard Rod Diameters & Pack Details

Welding Current & Heat Input Reference

Technical Details

Applications of Stainless Steel Welding Rods

Our full range of stainless steel welding rods is supplied to a broad cross-section of industries where weld quality, corrosion resistance, and metallurgical integrity are critical: