Which welding rod is used for SS 304?

Which Welding Rod Is Used for SS 304 Stainless Steel?

Gangsteelis a professional manufacturer and exporter of stainless steel plates under ASME SA240 and ASTM A240 standards. Among our main grades are sa240 gr 304, sa240 gr 304l, and sa240 gr 304h, which are widely used in pressure vessels, boilers, and structural applications.
One of the most common questions from fabricators and end users is: Which welding rod should be used for SS 304 stainless steel?

1. Recommended Welding Rod for SS 304

The most commonly used welding electrode for SS 304 stainless steel is E308 or E308L type.
These rods are specifically designed to match the composition of Type 304 stainless steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance and weld strength.

2. Why E308L Is Preferred for SS 304 Welding

The E308L electrode contains a lower carbon content (≤0.03%), which minimizes the risk of intergranular corrosion during high-temperature welding.
When welding sa240 gr 304 stainless plate, E308L ensures stable arc performance, smooth bead appearance, and resistance to cracking.

For improved weld quality in thicker plates such as sa240 gr 304h or sa240 gr 304n, preheating is not required, but post-weld cleaning is recommended to restore corrosion resistance.

3. Welding SS 304 to Other Grades

In cases where 304 stainless steel is welded to other materials, different filler rods are used:

• For 304 to 316, use E316L filler (suitable for sa240 gr 316 and sa240 gr 316l)
• For 304 to carbon steel, use E309L rod (providing a high-chromium transition layer)
• For 304 to high-temperature alloys, use E310 or E309 rods (suitable for sa240 gr 310s and sa240 gr 309s)

Gangsteel also produces and exports high-performance grades such as sa240 gr 316ti, sa240 gr 316ln, and sa240 gr 317l for critical chemical and marine applications.

4. Welding Tips for SS 304

1. Clean the surfacebefore welding to remove oil, dust, and oxide.
2. Use DC reverse polarity (DCEP)for SMAW (stick welding).
3. Avoid overheating—keep interpass temperature below 150°C.
4. Use proper shielding gaswhen TIG or MIG welding (Argon + 2% CO₂recommended).
5. Pickling or passivationafter welding restores full corrosion resistance.

5. Common Stainless Steel Grades for Welding Reference

Gangsteel supplies all major stainless grades used in welded structures and piping systems, including:

• sa240 gr 304
• sa240 gr 304l
• sa240 gr 316l
• sa240 gr 310s
• sa240 gr 321
• sa240 gr 347h

All plates are certified according to asme sa 240 stainless steel plate, astm a 240 stainless plate, jis g 4304 stainless steel plate, and uns stainless steel plate standards.
For seamless and welded pipes, we also supply astm a 213/a 213m stainless pipe, asme sa 213/sa 213m stainless pipe, and asme sa 312/sa 312m stainless pipe for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant service.

6. Conclusion

The best welding rod for SS 304 stainless steel is E308L, which provides optimal mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and weld integrity.
When joining dissimilar metals or requiring superior corrosion resistance, E309L or E316L electrodes may also be used.

Gangsteel manufactures and exports high-quality stainless steel sheets and plates such as sa240 gr 304, sa240 gr 304l, sa240 gr 316l, and sa240 gr 310s, suitable for a wide range of welded fabrications and industrial projects worldwide.