Lincoln Electric Blue Max ER316LSi (ED037303) is the complete family hub for the premier molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless MIG wire for chloride-resistant applications. Classified AWS A5.9/A5.9M ER316LSi, Blue Max 316LSi is available in 0.030 in, 0.035 in, and 0.045 in diameters in 25 lb spool, 33 lb spool, and 250 lb/500 lb bulk Accu-Trak drum packages. Its 2–3% molybdenum content elevates pitting resistance well above ER308LSi, making it the mandatory filler metal when welding 316, 316L, and 316Ti base metals for service in seawater, chloride-containing chemicals, pharmaceutical CIP systems, and offshore environments. The elevated silicon (0.65–1.00% Si) provides excellent spray arc puddle flow; the low carbon (≤ 0.03% C) prevents sensitization. WeldingMart is an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor carrying the complete Blue Max 316LSi diameter and package lineup. See the full welding wire catalog.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | ER316LSi per AWS A5.9/A5.9M |
| Lincoln Product Family | Blue Max 316LSi (ED037302, ED037303, ED019300, ED023963, ED029772, ED029773) |
| Available Diameters | 0.030 in, 0.035 in, 0.045 in |
| Available Packages | 25 lb spool, 33 lb spool, 250 lb Accu-Trak drum, 500 lb Accu-Trak drum |
| 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 Processes | GMAW (MIG), spray arc, pulsed MIG, short arc |
| Conformances | AWS A5.9/A5.9M, ASME SFA-5.9 |
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology: Clean utility piping, bioreactors, chromatography systems, and WFI (water for injection) distribution loops in 316L stainless per ASME BPE — the industry standard specifies ER316LSi as the matching filler.
- Offshore oil and gas: Subsea piping, topsides fittings, and process equipment in 316L stainless exposed to seawater or production brines with elevated chloride content.
- Marine and shipbuilding: 316L stainless hardware, shafts, propeller housings, and structural fittings in saltwater service — pitting resistance is a critical design requirement.
- Chemical processing (halide environments): Vessels, reactors, and piping handling phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid dilutions, sodium chloride brines, and other halide-containing process streams.
- Coastal and infrastructure stainless: 316L stainless railings, architectural elements, and utility structures in direct salt air or salt spray exposure zones.
- High-purity semiconductor fabrication: Ultra-pure water (UPW) and chemical distribution piping in 316L electropolished stainless for semiconductor fabs — ER316LSi is the standard filler for orbital TIG-quality MIG applications.
| Diameter | Material Range | Best Transfer Mode | Lincoln Part Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.030 in | 18 ga – 3/16 in (0.048–4.8 mm) | Short arc, pulsed MIG | ED023963 (25 lb) |
| 0.035 in | 14 ga – 1/4 in (0.075–6.4 mm) | Spray arc, pulsed MIG | ED037302 (33 lb), ED029772 (500 lb) |
| 0.045 in | 3/16 in – 1/2 in (4.8–12.7 mm) | Spray arc, pulsed MIG | ED037303 (this page), ED019300 (1/16 in 25 lb), ED029773 (500 lb) |
For robotic 316L stainless welding in pharmaceutical or semiconductor applications, the 250 lb or 500 lb Accu-Trak drum format significantly reduces changeover time. Use tri-mix shielding gas at 30–40 CFH for production spray arc. Source: Lincoln Electric Blue Max Stainless Wire Product Family.
| Diameter | Material Thickness | WFS (in/min) | Voltage (V) | Amperage | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.035 in | 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 330–410 | 25–27 | 150–195 A | Tri-mix, 28 CFH |
| 0.035 in | 1/4 in (6.4 mm) | 420–510 | 26–28 | 200–255 A | Tri-mix, 35 CFH |
| 0.045 in | 3/16 in (4.8 mm) | 270–350 | 25–27 | 185–230 A | Tri-mix, 30 CFH |
| 0.045 in | 3/8 in (9.5 mm) | 370–450 | 27–29 | 235–295 A | Tri-mix, 40 CFH |
- What does the 'Si' in ER316LSi mean, and why does it matter?
- 'Si' = elevated silicon (0.65–1.00%), which improves puddle fluidity and bead wetting in spray arc. ER316LSi produces noticeably smoother, flatter beads than standard ER316L — preferred for cosmetically critical stainless welds.
- Do I need ER316LSi for welding 316L stainless in seawater service?
- Yes. For seawater or high-chloride service on 316L, ER316LSi (PREN ≈ 30–35) is required. Using ER308LSi (no Mo) leaves the weld as the corrosion weak point in the assembly.
- What is the best shielding gas for ER316LSi MIG welding?
- Tri-mix (90/7.5/2.5 He/Ar/CO₂) or 98/2 Ar/O₂. Both prevent carbon pickup and chromium loss. Never use C25 on stainless wire.
- Is ER316LSi available in bulk drum packaging for robotic stainless welding?
- Yes — 250 lb and 500 lb Accu-Trak drums (ED029772 for 0.035 in, ED029773 for 0.045 in) for automated pharmaceutical, chemical, and semiconductor welding operations.
- When is ER316LSi required instead of ER308LSi?
- Required when: base metal is 316/316L; exposure to chloride, seawater, or aggressive chemicals; ASME BPE/pharmaceutical/food-grade specs mandate 316L filler; or corrosion resistance must match 316L base metal performance.
Related products: Blue Max ER316LSi 0.035 in, 33 lb (ED037302) | Blue Max ER309LSi 0.035 in, 33 lb (ED037291) | All Welding Wire