Grade of Metal Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel Welding Rod Weld Seam
Stainless steel is an alloy of steel and other metals. It is strong and highly resistant to corrosion and strength. Stainless steel weld rod is often used when extra strength is needed that other metals cannot offer. They have different grades based on their chemical composition.
Grade 304 is the most common stainless steel weld rod in use today. It is composed of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This grade is microalloyed with titanium to improve its properties and is corrosion resistant. It can be used in welds in moderately corrosive environments, such as those found in chemical plants, swimming pools and water systems.
Grade 308 is a titanium-stabilized version of 304, commonly used for welding cast and wrought iron.It is composed of 19% chromium, 10% nickel, and 3% molybdenum, making it more resistant to corrosion. It can be used in welding materials that require higher corrosion resistance such as food grade stainless steel.
Grade 309 is similar to 304 but is composed of 24% chromium, 13% nickel and 6% molybdenum, giving it higher heat and corrosion resistance. It is often used for welding austenitic stainless steel to carbon or low-alloy steels, as well as for welding dissimilar steels.
Grade 310 is composed of 24% chromium, 19% nickel and 6% molybdenum, making it a strong alloy resistant to corrosion and high temperature. It is well suited for high heat and corrosive applications, such as furnace parts and heat exchangers. It can also be used for welding dissimilar stainless steels and joining difficult to weld stainless steels.
Grade 316 is composed of 16% chromium, 10% nickel, 2% molybdenum and 2% niobium, which gives it higher corrosion resistance than grade 304. It can be used in environments that require higher corrosion resistance, such as saltwater and other marine applications.
Grade 317 is similar to 316 but is composed of 23% chromium, 12% nickel, 4% molybdenum and 1% sulfide, giving it higher corrosion resistance than grade 304. It can be used in environments that require higher resistance to sulfuric acid, such as food grade stainless steel.
Grade 330 consists primarily of nickel and is used for welding high-temperature steels. It is composed of 25% chromium, 25% nickel, 4% iron and 5% molybdenum, making it resistant to high temperatures and corrosion.
Grade 430 is a mild steel that is used for welding low-cost stainless steel. It is composed of 17% chromium and 0.12% carbon, and can be used in tubes, shipbuilding, chemical plants and other applications where corrosion and heat resistance are not required.
Grade Nitronic-50 is a blend of alloys that includes 19% chromium, 20% nickel, 8% manganese, 4% aluminum and 3% silicon. It is corrosion and heat resistant, making it well suited for uses in marine and nuclear applications.
Grade Ferralium-255 is composed of 18% chromium, 25% nickel, 5% molybdenum, 1% silicon and 1% titanium. It is an alloy of iron and nickel and is used in applications that require extreme corrosion resistance, such as petroleum refinery equipment, gas and oil pipelines, and marine equipment.
In conclusion, stainless steel welding rod comes in a variety of grades, each with its own chemical composition and set of properties. The grade chosen will depend on the application, as each grade has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to assess the environmental conditions and requirements of the job before selecting a grade so as to ensure the best possible performance.
