Lincoln Electric Blue Max ER316LSi is the standard austenitic stainless MIG wire for applications requiring superior chloride corrosion resistance — specifically, the welding of 316 and 316L stainless steel in marine, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and food industry environments. Classified AWS A5.9/A5.9M ER316LSi, this 0.035 in (0.9 mm) wire on a 33 lb spool (ED037302) contains 2–3% molybdenum (Mo) in addition to the chromium-nickel austenitic base, making it the correct filler for joining 316 and 316L stainless wherever ER308LSi's molybdenum-free composition would be inadequate. The elevated silicon (0.65–1.00% Si) versus standard ER316L provides better puddle wetting and bead profile in spray arc transfer. The low carbon (≤ 0.03% C) prevents sensitization in heat-affected zones adjacent to 316L base metal. WeldingMart is an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor. Browse the complete welding wire catalog.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | ER316LSi per AWS A5.9/A5.9M |
| Lincoln Part Number | ED037302 |
| Wire Diameter | 0.035 in (0.9 mm) |
| Spool Weight | 33 lb (15 kg) |
| Carbon Content | ≤ 0.03% C |
| Silicon Content | 0.65–1.00% Si |
| Chromium Content | 18.0–20.0% Cr |
| Nickel Content | 11.0–14.0% Ni |
| Molybdenum Content | 2.0–3.0% Mo |
| Polarity | DCEP (electrode positive) |
| Shielding Gas | Tri-mix (90% He / 7.5% Ar / 2.5% CO₂) or 98% Ar / 2% O₂ |
| Tensile Strength (as-welded) | ≥ 515 MPa (75,000 psi) |
| Yield Strength (as-welded) | ≥ 310 MPa (45,000 psi) |
| Elongation | ≥ 30% |
| Welding Process | GMAW (MIG), spray arc, pulsed MIG |
| Conformances | AWS A5.9/A5.9M, ASME SFA-5.9 |
- Pharmaceutical and bioprocessing: Bioreactors, chromatography columns, and piping in 316L stainless per ASME BPE (Bioprocessing Equipment) standards — 316L is mandated in many bioprocess applications for its resistance to cleaning agents and protein adhesion.
- Marine and offshore: 316L stainless hardware, fittings, and structural components exposed to seawater — the 2–3% Mo content significantly increases pitting resistance in chloride environments compared to 304/ER308LSi.
- Chemical processing: Storage and transport vessels for chloride-containing acids, phosphoric acid, and acetic acid where 316L is specified for its superior corrosion resistance over 304.
- Coastal and poolside architecture: 316L stainless railings, pool equipment, and fittings in salt air or splash zone environments.
- Food and dairy with aggressive CIP: High-pressure clean-in-place (CIP) dairy equipment, heat exchangers, and high-chloride process streams where 316L's molybdenum content provides the extra margin over 304.
- Desalination and water treatment: 316L stainless piping and pump components in seawater desalination plants and coastal water treatment facilities.
| Property | ER308LSi | ER316LSi (this product) |
|---|---|---|
| Molybdenum Content | None (< 0.10%) | 2.0–3.0% Mo |
| Pitting Resistance (PREN) | ~25–28 | ~30–35 (Mo adds ~10× vs. Cr) |
| Chloride Service | Mild (< ~100 ppm Cl⁻ at room temp) | Moderate (< ~1,000 ppm Cl⁻ at room temp) |
| Base Metals | 304, 304L, 308, 308L | 316, 316L, 316Ti |
| Cost vs. ER308LSi | Standard | ~15–25% premium (Mo content) |
PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) = %Cr + 3.3×%Mo + 16×%N. Molybdenum is approximately 3.3× more effective than chromium on a per-percent basis for pitting resistance. This is why ER316LSi, even with slightly lower chromium than ER308LSi, has significantly higher chloride resistance. Source: Lincoln Electric Blue Max Stainless Wire.
| Material Thickness | WFS (in/min) | Voltage (V) | Amperage | Gas / Flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ga (0.104 in) | 270–340 | 23–25 | 120–160 A | 98/2 Ar/O₂, 25 CFH |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 330–410 | 25–27 | 150–195 A | 98/2 Ar/O₂, 28 CFH |
| 3/16 in (4.8 mm) | 390–470 | 26–28 | 185–230 A | Tri-mix, 30 CFH |
| 1/4 in (6.4 mm) | 450–530 | 27–29 | 215–265 A | Tri-mix, 35 CFH |
- What is the difference between ER308LSi and ER316LSi?
- ER316LSi contains 2–3% molybdenum; ER308LSi contains none. Molybdenum greatly increases chloride pitting resistance. Use ER308LSi for 304/304L in mild service; use ER316LSi for 316/316L in chloride-rich, marine, or aggressive chemical environments.
- Can I substitute ER308LSi for ER316LSi to save cost on 316L stainless welding?
- Not recommended for chloride or acidic service. The weld joint becomes a corrosion weak point in a 316L structure without molybdenum-containing filler. Use ER316LSi to maintain the design's corrosion performance.
- Does ER316LSi require different shielding gas than ER308LSi?
- No — both use tri-mix or 98/2 Ar/O₂. Molybdenum content does not require a different shielding gas.
- Is ER316LSi required for ASME BPE pharmaceutical welding?
- Yes — ASME BPE requires filler metals matching the base metal's corrosion resistance. For 316L stainless in bioprocess service, ER316LSi with qualified ASME Section IX procedure is the standard.
- What is the pitting resistance of ER316LSi compared to ER308LSi?
- ER316LSi has PREN ≈ 30–35 vs. ≈ 25–28 for ER308LSi. The 2–3% Mo in ER316LSi adds approximately 7–10 PREN points, providing substantially better chloride pitting resistance.
Related products: Blue Max ER316LSi MIG Wire family hub (ED037303) | Blue Max ER308LSi 0.035 in, 33 lb (ED037250) | All Welding Wire