E310-16 High-Temperature Stainless Welding Rod
25Cr-20Ni high-temperature stainless electrode for furnace parts, kiln linings, and heat-treating fixtures. Runs 40 to 155 amps on AC or DCEP, rated for flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead. Amperage chart by diameter below.
E310-16 is an austenitic stainless steel electrode classified under AWS A5.4 that deposits 25Cr-20Ni weld metal. The high chromium and nickel content provides exceptional oxidation resistance and retains useful strength at temperatures up to 2000F (1100C). The -16 coating runs on AC or DCEP with good arc stability. E310-16 is used for welding AISI 310, 310S, 314, and similar heat-resisting stainless steels. Common applications include furnace parts, radiant tubes, heat-treating baskets and fixtures, kiln linings, cement plant equipment, and petrochemical reformer tubes. It can also be used for dissimilar metal joints between stainless and carbon steel when the service temperature is above 800F, though E309L-16 is more common for lower-temperature dissimilar joints.
What This Means in Practice
E310-16 deposits a 25% chromium, 20% nickel stainless alloy that resists oxidation and retains strength at temperatures up to 2000F. This is not a general-purpose stainless rod. It exists specifically for equipment that operates at extreme temperatures where standard 308L or 316L would fail.
What Amps for E310-16?
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 3/32" (2.4 mm) | 40 - 80A |
| 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 70 - 120A |
| 5/32" (4 mm) | 100 - 155A |
Amperage by Individual Diameter
3/32 E310-16 Amperage
Set 3/32 E310-16 to 40 - 80 amps. Run AC or DCEP. This is the smallest available size. Best for vertical-up and overhead where you need a small, controllable puddle. Start around 60A.
1/8 E310-16 Amperage
Set 1/8 E310-16 to 70 - 120 amps. Run AC or DCEP. This is the most commonly used E310-16 size. Start at 95A for flat work, drop to 70-86A for vertical-up.
5/32 E310-16 Amperage
Set 5/32 E310-16 to 100 - 155 amps. Run AC or DCEP. Largest available diameter. High deposition for flat and horizontal fillet welds on thick plate. Requires 100A minimum to run properly.
E310-16 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
What Is E310-16 Good For?
Use E310-16 for welding 310 or 310S stainless steel, or for any application where the weld will be exposed to sustained temperatures above 800F.
Required for furnace components, heat-treating fixtures, radiant tubes, and kiln equipment.
Also suitable for cladding or overlay where oxidation resistance at high temperature is the primary requirement.
Where E310-16 Falls Short
Significantly more expensive than E308L-16.
Not suitable as a general-purpose stainless rod.
The high alloy content makes the weld deposit more susceptible to hot cracking in thick sections.
Requires careful interpass temperature control.
Not appropriate for cryogenic or sub-zero service despite its high nickel content.
How E310-16 Handles
What You Hear and See
Stable, medium-crackle arc. The high alloy content (25Cr-20Ni) makes the rod slightly stiffer than 308L or 316L rods. Runs on AC or DCEP.
Running It
Drag at 10-15 degrees. E310 runs hotter than lower-alloy stainless rods. Keep travel speed moderate and interpass temperature below 350F to prevent hot cracking.
Puddle and Slag
Fully austenitic puddle that is more prone to hot cracking than 308L or 316L. The puddle is fluid but less forgiving of stops and starts. Fill craters completely before breaking the arc.
If You Are Struggling
If you see cracks at the end of beads, you are leaving unfilled craters. Pause at the end of each bead and fill the crater before lifting the arc. Hot cracking is the primary risk with E310.
Matching E310-16 Diameter to Your Steel
| Rod Diameter | Material Thickness | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 3/32" | 1/16" to 1/8" | Thin high-temp stainless |
| 1/8" | 1/8" to 1/4" | Standard high-temp applications |
| 5/32" | 1/4" and up | Heavier high-temp service |
Shop Talk
E310-16 is the high-temperature stainless rod. Its 26% chromium and 21% nickel give it oxidation resistance up to 2000F, far beyond what 308L or 316L can handle. Furnace parts, heat exchangers, exhaust manifolds on high-performance engines, and any stainless that sees sustained heat above 800F calls for E310. It is also used as a buffer layer when welding dissimilar metals where cracking is a concern.
Bottom Line
E310-16 earns its keep on jobs. It has no business on structural applications. The closest alternative is E308L-16.
Setup & Safety Reference
How to Store E310-16
Stainless rutile (-16) electrode. Keep sealed and dry.
Max Atmosphere Exposure: 8 hours before reconditioning
Reconditioning Temperature: 300-350°F for 1-2 hours
Stainless rutile (-16) electrode. Keep sealed and dry. Less moisture-sensitive than low-hydrogen rods. If exposed to moisture, bake at 300-350F for 1-2 hours.
Preheat & Interpass Temperature for E310-16
Preheat is generally not required for same-metal 310 stainless joints. For dissimilar steel joints (e.g. carbon steel to stainless overlay), preheat of 300-500F may be recommended to prevent cracking. Excessive preheat on austenitic stainless can cause sensitization.
| Base Metal Thickness | Minimum Preheat (°F) |
|---|---|
| all thicknesses | Not required |
Maximum interpass temperature: 350°F
Source: AWS D1.6, WeldWire WW310-16
Fume Generation
Rating: Medium
Typical fume rate: 0.4-0.8 g/min
High-chrome stainless. Higher hex chrome risk due to elevated chromium content.
Common Brand Names for E310-16
Look for Lincoln Electric Excalibur 310-16 at your supplier. 2 companies produce E310-16-classified rods.
| Manufacturer | Product Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Electric | Excalibur 310-16 | |
| ESAB | Arcaloy 310-16 |
Full Specs
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E310-16 |
| Process | Stainless Stick (SMAW) |
| Polarity | AC, DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium |
| Coating Type | rutile (titania) |
| Tensile Strength | 80,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 55,000 psi |
| Elongation | 30% |
| Base Metals | 310 stainless steel, 310S stainless steel, 314 stainless steel, Heat-resisting Cr-Ni steels |
| Shielding Gas | Flux-shielded (no external gas) |
| Max Interpass Temp | 350°F |
| AWS Specification | AWS A5.4/A5.4M:2012 (R2022) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature can E310-16 handle?
E310-16 weld deposits resist oxidation and retain useful strength at temperatures up to 2000F (1100C). This makes it suitable for furnace parts, radiant tubes, heat-treating fixtures, and kiln linings where standard 308L or 316L stainless would lose strength and oxidize.
Can I use E310-16 for general stainless welding?
No. E310-16 is a specialty electrode for high-temperature applications. Its 25Cr-20Ni chemistry is significantly more expensive than E308L-16 and provides no advantage at normal service temperatures. Use E308L-16 for general 304 stainless work, E316L-16 for marine or chemical applications, and reserve E310-16 for equipment that actually operates above 800F.
Is E310-16 the same as E310H-16?
No. E310H-16 has a higher carbon content (0.35-0.45%) compared to standard E310-16 (0.08-0.20%). The H designation stands for higher carbon, which actually improves creep strength at elevated temperatures. For most high-temperature repair and fabrication work, standard E310-16 is sufficient. E310H-16 is specified for specific pressure vessel and boiler code applications.
Where to Buy E310-16
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Manufacturer Data Sheets
External links to standards bodies and manufacturers. These leave GageRef.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.
Data sourced from AWS A5.4/A5.4M. Amperage ranges are approximate starting points. adjust based on position, fit-up, and material thickness. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable codes.