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Stainless Steel Electrodes

SUPERLINK-312

AWS A5.4: E312-16 EN ISO 3581-A: E 29 9 R 12

A rutile-coated (lime-rutile, -16 type) austenitic stainless steel electrode. E312-16 type. Produces a smooth, stable arc, fine rippled bead with low spatter, and self-releasing slag. Easy arc striking and re-striking. Easy to use in all positions. Suitable for DC+ (DCEP) power sources; AC machines with sufficient OCV may also be used. Use short arc length and low current to minimise heat input and distortion.

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Technical specifications

Weld metal analysis, %
C Cr Ni Mn Si
≤0.15%28.0–32.0%8.0–12.0%0.5–2.5%≤0.90%
Mechanical properties
Tensile strength ≥690 MPa
Yield strength ≥480 MPa
Elongation ≥22%
Sizes and current ranges
Diameter Current range
2.5mm 55–75A
3.15mm 70–100A
4.0mm 100–130A

Welding procedure & parameters

DC+ (DCEP) preferred. All positions. Clean all contaminants with SS wire brush and acetone. Keep arc length short. Use stringer beads in flat/horizontal positions; weave in vertical (max 3× electrode diameter). Interpass temp: ≤150°C. Current: 2.5mm: 55–75A; 3.15mm: 70–100A; 4.0mm: 100–130A.

Typical applications

Welding of dissimilar metals, high-strength/crack-prone stainless, armour plate. Buffer layer on hard-to-weld or unknown steels. Joining Cr steels to mild/low-alloy steel. Two-phase (austenite + ferrite) deposit with very high strength. Weld in all positions with short arc length and intermittent passes to control distortion.

Storage & handling notes

Re-dry at 200°C–250°C/1–2 hrs if moisture is suspected. Do not use carbon steel wire brushes on SS welds. Avoid excessive heat input to maintain corrosion resistance. For 308L, 309L, 316L grades: low carbon content is critical — do not over-bake electrodes.