Böhler Thermanit GE-316L ER316L Stainless TIG Welding Rod

ER316L TIG rod for molybdenum-alloyed stainless steel

Böhler Thermanit GE-316L is a TIG rod of type ER316L / W 19 12 3 L for joining and surfacing with matching and similar unstabilised austenitic CrNi(N) and CrNiMo(N) steels and cast steel grades. Böhler Welding gives corrosion resistance similar to matching low-carbon and stabilised austenitic 17Cr-12Ni-2Mo steels and cast grades, excellent weld metal toughness down to -320 °F (about -196 °C), and a maximum service temperature of 752 °F (about 400 °C). The molybdenum at about 2.8 % improves pitting resistance in chloride-bearing media, so it is the rod for 316 and 316L piping, heat exchangers and process vessels.

Technical specifications

Parameter	Specification
AWS classification	A5.9 / SFA-5.9 ER316L
EN ISO classification	14343-A W 19 12 3 L
Typical analysis, wt %	C max 0.02; Si 0.5; Mn 1.8; Cr 18.5; Ni 12.3; Mo 2.8
Base materials	1.4401; 1.4404; 1.4409; 1.4429; 1.4432; 1.4435; 1.4436; 1.4571; 1.4580; 1.4583; UNS S31600, S31603, S31635, S31640, S31653; AISI 316L, 316Ti, 316Cb
All-weld metal, as welded (typical, minimum)	Yield 68 ksi (469 MPa), min 46; tensile 88 ksi (607 MPa), min 74; elongation 38 %, min 25
Polarity / shielding gas	DC-; I1 (argon)
Sizes (length 39 in.)	0.035; 0.045; 1/16; 5/64; 3/32 in.
Approvals	TÜV (09500), DB (43.132.20), ABS, BV, DNV, LR, NAKS, CE

Selection and practical notes

Use for 304 and 304L where molybdenum is not needed, and

Thermanit 309L.

for dissimilar and clad joints. For duplex 2205 move to . The data sheet lists a wide approval set, including marine societies, which makes GE-316L a common rod for shipbuilding and offshore pipework, but approvals attach to a specific lot and diameter, so request the certificates your project needs. Keep the interpass temperature moderate and use back purge on pipe roots.

Related Böhler TIG rod	AWS / EN ISO class	Typical use
Thermanit JE-308L	ER308L / W 19 9 L	Stainless 304 and 304L
Thermanit 309L	ER309L / W 23 12 L	Dissimilar joints and buffer layers
Thermanit 22/09	ER2209 / W 22 9 3 N L	2205 duplex stainless

Handling and what to confirm

Keep rods clean and dry, avoid contact with carbon steel and iron dust, and remove heat tint after welding by pickling and passivation where corrosion resistance is critical, because the oxide layer left by TIG welding lowers local pitting resistance. Confirm diameter, pack size, certificate level and any marine or pressure-equipment approval you need before ordering.

Documents and quotation

The Böhler Welding data sheet for Thermanit GE-316L (GTAW, US edition) is attached. More rods are in the TIG Welding Wire category. For a quotation, send diameter, pack size, quantity and certificate requirements.