Overview
The Lincoln Electric E308L-16 Excalibur stainless steel stick electrode is an AWS A5.4-classified, low-carbon austenitic SMAW consumable designed for welding austenitic stainless steels in food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, and general fabrication. The 1/8×14″ diameter 10 lb easy-open can format delivers consistent arc performance and X-ray quality weld metal across all welding positions except vertical downhill.
Key Features
- AWS A5.4:E308L-16 certified with 75 ksi minimum tensile strength
- Low-carbon (0.04% max) formulation prevents intergranular carbide precipitation in heat-affected zones
- Smooth arc transfer and self-peeling flux coating for faster cleanup and reduced spatter
- Versatile for multiple austenitic stainless alloys: 302, 304, 304L, A743, A744 Type CF-8 cast material
- Q2 Lot® certification with traceable deposit chemistry and ferrite number (FN) documentation
- Engineered for flat, horizontal, overhead, and vertical-up positions
Technical Specifications
- Diameter: 1/8″ (3.2 mm)
- Length: 14″ (350 mm)
- Package Weight: 10 lb (4.5 kg)
- Package Type: Easy Open Can
- AWS Classification: A5.4 E308L-16
- ASME SFA Designation: SFA-A5.4 E308L-16
- ABS Approval: E308L-16
- MIL Specification: MIL-E-22200/2 Type MIL-308L-16
- Carbon Content: 0.04% maximum (low-carbon austenitic)
- Tensile Strength: 75 ksi minimum
- Base Material Compatibility: 302, 304, 304L stainless steel; A743, A744 CF-8 cast stainless
- Welding Positions: Flat, horizontal, overhead, vertical-up (all except vertical down)
- Rod Count: Approximately 225–250 rods per 10 lb can (varies with manufacturing tolerance)
- Storage: Sealed containers store indefinitely in dry environment; opened rods should be kept in rod oven at 200–300°F
Typical Applications
Lincoln Electric E308L-16 is ideal for:
- Food processing equipment and sanitary piping
- Dairy and pharmaceutical fabrication
- Chemical tanks, reactors, and pressure vessels
- Repair and maintenance of existing stainless structures
- Ship and marine component welding
- ASME and ABS code-compliant fabrication
- X-ray quality welds requiring traceability
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- All AC and DC+ welding machines (typical operating current: 85–130 amps for 1/8″ diameter)
- SMAW (stick) welding equipment per AWS A5.4 standard
- Stainless steel 302, 304, 304L base materials
- A743 and A744 Type CF-8 austenitic cast stainless
- ASME Section IX and ABS code-compliant fabrication systems
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Lincoln Electric ED033080 (original manufacturer part number for 1/8×14″ E308L-16)
- Other AWS A5.4 E308L-16 certified electrodes from competing suppliers
- Radnor™ 122 (soft substitute alternative per Airgas cross-reference)
Works With
- SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) processes only
- AWS A5.4 compliant welding procedures and WPSs (Welding Procedure Specifications)
- CWB, CSA W48-06, DNV-GL, and Lloyd’s Register approved fabrication
- Q2 Lot® traceability system for chemical composition and ferrite number documentation
