E316L-16 Marine & Chemical Stainless Welding Rod
Molybdenum-bearing stainless stick electrode for marine, chemical, and chloride environments. Runs 40 to 160 amps on AC or DCEP, rated for flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead. Amperage chart by diameter below.
E316L-16 is a low-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel stick electrode classified under AWS A5.4. It deposits 316L stainless weld metal containing approximately 2% molybdenum, which provides significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to 308L in chloride-containing environments. The -16 coating designation means it runs on AC or DCEP with a smooth, stable arc and easy slag removal. The low carbon content (0.04% max) prevents carbide precipitation during welding, maintaining corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone. This electrode is specified whenever the base metal is 316 or 316L stainless steel, particularly in marine fabrication, chemical processing, pharmaceutical equipment, food service equipment, and pulp and paper mill applications.
What This Means in Practice
E316L-16 adds molybdenum to the standard 308L stainless chemistry. The moly improves resistance to pitting corrosion from chlorides, making this the correct choice for anything near saltwater, chemical tanks, or food processing equipment where 316/316L stainless base metal is used.
What Amps for E316L-16?
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 3/32" (2.4 mm) | 40 - 80A |
| 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 70 - 120A |
| 5/32" (4 mm) | 100 - 160A |
Amperage by Individual Diameter
3/32 E316L-16 Amperage
Set 3/32 E316L-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 E316L-16 Amperage
Set 1/8 E316L-16 to 70 - 120 amps. Run AC or DCEP. This is the most commonly used E316L-16 size. Start at 95A for flat work, drop to 70-86A for vertical-up.
5/32 E316L-16 Amperage
Set 5/32 E316L-16 to 100 - 160 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.
E316L-16 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
What Is E316L-16 Good For?
Use E316L-16 when welding 316 or 316L stainless steel base metal.
Required for marine applications, chemical tanks, pharmaceutical equipment, food processing, and any environment where chloride-induced pitting is a risk.
Also suitable for welding 316 to itself or to other austenitic stainless grades where molybdenum content is needed in the weld.
Where E316L-16 Falls Short
Not suitable for carbon steel.
More expensive than E308L-16.
Overkill for 304/304L applications where chloride exposure is not a concern.
Requires interpass temperature control (350F max) to prevent sensitization.
Should not be used on ferritic or martensitic stainless steels.
E316L-16 Under the Hood
What You Hear and See
Smooth, stable arc similar to E308L-16. The molybdenum content does not noticeably change the arc behavior. Runs well on AC or DCEP with a quiet, consistent crackle.
Running It
Same as E308L-16. Drag at 10-15 degrees. Keep interpass temperature below 350F. Move faster than you would on carbon steel to avoid overheating the stainless.
Puddle and Slag
Bright, glassy puddle like other stainless rods. The molybdenum makes the slag slightly more adhesive, but it still peels off cleanly on most joints.
If You Are Struggling
If you are deciding between E308L-16 and E316L-16, check the base metal. If it is 316 or 316L stainless, use E316L-16. If it is 304 or 304L, use E308L-16. Using E316L-16 on 304 works but costs more for no benefit.
Which Size E316L-16 to Use
| Rod Diameter | Material Thickness | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 3/32" | 1/16" to 1/8" | Thin 316 stainless sheet |
| 1/8" | 1/8" to 1/4" | Standard 316 stainless fabrication |
| 5/32" | 1/4" and up | Heavier 316 plate and pipe |
What the Spec Sheet Leaves Out
E316L-16 exists because 316 stainless exists. The 2-3% molybdenum gives 316 stainless its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. Seawater, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and marine applications all call for 316. The filler must match. Using E308L on 316 stainless drops the molybdenum below the threshold and you lose the pitting resistance you paid for in the base metal.
Bottom Line
Use E316L-16 for pipe work. Need something different? Look at E308L-16.
Setup & Safety Reference
How to Store E316L-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. Same handling as E308L-16.
Preheat & Interpass Temperature for E316L-16
Preheat is generally not required for austenitic stainless steel. Excessive preheat can cause sensitization and reduce corrosion resistance.
| Base Metal Thickness | Minimum Preheat (°F) |
|---|---|
| all thicknesses | Not required |
Maximum interpass temperature: 350°F
Source: AWS D1.6
Fume Generation
Rating: Medium
Typical fume rate: 0.4-0.8 g/min
Stainless stick. Hex chrome hazard.
Common Brand Names for E316L-16
Look for Lincoln Electric Excalibur 316/316L-16 at your supplier. 2 companies produce E316L-16-classified rods.
| Manufacturer | Product Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Electric | Excalibur 316/316L-16 | |
| ESAB | Arcaloy 316L-16 |
Full Specs
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E316L-16 |
| Process | Stainless Stick (SMAW) |
| Polarity | AC, DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium |
| Coating Type | rutile (titania) |
| Tensile Strength | 75,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 58,000 psi |
| Elongation | 35% |
| Base Metals | 316 stainless steel, 316L stainless steel, 316Ti stainless steel |
| 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 is the difference between E316L-16 and E308L-16?
E316L-16 contains approximately 2% molybdenum, which E308L-16 does not have. This molybdenum addition provides significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments such as saltwater, chemical plants, and food processing. Use E316L-16 when the base metal is 316/316L stainless or when chloride exposure is expected. Use E308L-16 for 304/304L stainless in non-chloride environments.
Can I use E316L-16 on 304 stainless steel?
Yes, E316L-16 is metallurgically compatible with 304 stainless steel. However, it is more expensive than E308L-16 and the molybdenum content provides no benefit unless the weld will be exposed to chlorides. For 304-to-304 joints without chloride exposure, E308L-16 is the more cost-effective and correct choice.
What shielding gas do I use with E316L-16?
E316L-16 is a stick electrode and does not require external shielding gas. The -16 flux coating provides its own shielding atmosphere during welding. It runs on AC or DCEP. If you need 316L chemistry in wire form for MIG or TIG, use ER316L wire instead.
Where to Buy E316L-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.