Can you weld 304 stainless with 308 wire?

Yes, you can weld 304 stainless steel with 308 wire. In fact, ER308 or ER308L filler wire is the standard and most recommended choice for welding 304 stainless steel, as it matches the base metal's composition closely, ensuring good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties in the weld. Here's a detailed explanation.

Why 308 Wire Works for 304 Stainless Steel

• Composition Match: 304 stainless steel has 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel. ER308 wire has similar levels (19-21.5% Cr, 9-11% Ni), providing a compatible weld that maintains the alloy's austenitic structure and corrosion resistance.
• Low Carbon Option (ER308L): For 304L (low-carbon 304), use ER308L to avoid carbide precipitation and sensitization during welding, which can lead to corrosion in the heat-affected zone (HAZ).
• Weld Quality: 308 wire produces strong, ductile welds with minimal cracking, suitable for TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), or stick welding on 304. It's commonly used for sa 240 304 plate or sa 240 gr 304 pipe in chemical and food industries.

Welding Tips for 304 Stainless Steel with 308 Wire

• Process: TIG is preferred for thin sections like plate 2 mm sus 304; use argon shielding gas at 15-20 CFH to prevent oxidation.
• Heat Input: Keep interpass temperatures below 150°C to avoid distortion in sa 240 304 material.
• Preparation: Clean surfaces with acetone to remove oils; for sa-240-304 material, grind edges for better fusion.
• Post-Weld: Pickle or passivate the weld for sa240 304l material to restore corrosion resistance.
• Amperage: For 1/8" thick sa 240 gr 304 plate, use 80-120 amps DCEN.

Alternatives if 308 Isn't Suitable

• For dissimilar metals (e.g., 304 to mild steel), use ER309L.
• For high-heat like sa 240 304h material, ER308H for carbon stabilization.
• Avoid lower-grade wires like 308 on sa 240 304l density critical parts to prevent weakening.

Gangsteel recommends 308 wire for welding its SA240 Gr 304. Contact us for filler wire and plates like sa240-304 sus304.