Marine vs Standard Stainless MIG & TIG Wire
ER316L moly-bearing wire vs ER308L standard stainless wire. Same decision as the stick versions but for MIG and TIG.
Key Differences
| Attribute | ER316L | ER308L |
|---|---|---|
| Molybdenum | ~2% - pitting resistance | None |
| Base Metal Match | 316/316L stainless | 304/304L stainless |
| Chloride Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Weldability | Identical handling | Identical handling |
| Marine Suitable | Yes | No |
| Shielding Gas (MIG) | 98Ar/2CO2 or tri-mix | 98Ar/2CO2 or tri-mix |
| Shielding Gas (TIG) | 100% Argon + back purge | 100% Argon + back purge |
Use ER316L when:
Use ER308L when:
How ER316L and ER308L Work Together
The wire decision mirrors the stick decision exactly. ER308L is correct for 304/304L base metal. ER316L is required for 316/316L base metal or any chloride-exposed application. Both wires handle identically in the MIG or TIG torch. The only difference is chemistry and cost. Do not use ER308L on 316 base metal even though the weld will look fine. The corrosion performance of the weld will not match the base metal.
Common Mistake With Marine
Assuming ER308L will work on 316 stainless because the bead looks identical. The weld will be the first point of corrosion failure in chloride environments because it lacks the molybdenum that makes 316 resistant to pitting.
Where to Buy
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Data sourced from .