About ER 308LSi Sub Arc Wire

ER 308LSi sub arc wire is a stainless steel welding wire with added silicon (Si) for improved fluidity and weld bead appearance. It’s commonly used in submerged arc welding for joining austenitic stainless steels, offering excellent corrosion resistance, weldability, and mechanical properties in various applications.

ER 308LSi Sub Arc Wire Chemical Compositions:

The chemical composition of ER 308LSi sub arc wire typically includes:-

  • Carbon (C): ≤ 0.03%
  • Silicon (Si): 0.65 – 1.00%
  • Manganese (Mn): 1.0 – 2.5%
  • Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.040%
  • Sulphur (S): ≤ 0.030%
  • Chromium (Cr): 18.0 – 21.0%
  • Nickel (Ni): 9.0 – 11.0%
  • Molybdenum (Mo): ≤ 0.75%
  • Iron (Fe): Balance

These elements contribute to the wire’s weldability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties, with silicon enhancing fluidity during welding.

ER 308LSi Sub Arc Wire Physical Properties:

The physical properties of ER 308LSi sub arc wire typically include:-

  1. Density: Around 7.9 g/cm³, similar to other austenitic stainless steels.
  2. Melting Point: Approximately 1400-1450°C (2552-2642°F), suitable for high-temperature welding.
  3. Thermal Conductivity: Moderate thermal conductivity, aiding in efficient heat transfer during welding.
  4. Electrical Conductivity: Good electrical conductivity, useful in certain electrical applications.
  5. Magnetic Properties: Non-magnetic in the annealed condition, becoming slightly magnetic after welding due to martensitic transformation.
  6. Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: Similar to other austenitic stainless steels, minimizing distortion during welding.
  7. Hardness: Varies depending on heat treatment, typically around 150-200 HV (Vickers hardness), providing good strength and wear resistance.

ER 308LSi Sub Arc Wire Mechanical Properties:

The mechanical properties of ER 308LSi sub arc wire typically include:-

  1. Tensile Strength: Usually between 550-750 MPa, offering strong resistance to breaking under tension.
  2. Yield Strength: Approximately 240-320 MPa, indicating the stress at which the material begins to deform plastically.
  3. Elongation: Around 30-40%, demonstrating good ductility and the ability to stretch without fracturing.
  4. Hardness: Typically in the range of 180-220 HV (Vickers hardness), balancing toughness and machinability.
  5. Impact Resistance: Good impact resistance, suitable for applications subjected to sudden forces or shocks.
  6. Fatigue Strength: High resistance to cyclic loading, crucial for components experiencing repeated stress.
  7. Weldability: Excellent weldability with minimal risk of cracking or defects, ensuring reliable joint strength and integrity.

ER 308LSi Sub Arc Wire Applications:

ER 308LSi sub arc wire finds various applications due to its properties:-

  1. Pressure Vessels: Used in fabrication for its corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.
  2. Pipelines: Ideal for welding pipelines due to its corrosion resistance and reliability.
  3. Structural Components: Employed in building structural components for its strength and weldability.
  4. Food Processing Equipment: Used in equipment requiring corrosion resistance and cleanliness.
  5. Aerospace: Utilized in aerospace applications for its high-quality welds and durability.
  6. Automotive: Used in automotive manufacturing for parts requiring corrosion resistance and strength, like exhaust systems.
  7. Power Generation: Applied in power plants for its resistance to high temperatures and corrosive environments.