Welding Electrode

E385-16 904L Stainless Steel Welding Electrode

E385-16 is a high-alloy austenitic stainless steel welding electrode designed primarily for 904L stainless steel (UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539). Its low-carbon Cr-Ni-Mo-Cu weld metal provides high corrosion resistance in sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, chloride-containing and other aggressive environments. It is commonly used in chemical processing, acid handling, process piping, tanks, heat exchangers and other corrosion-resistant industrial applications.

E385-16 for 904L Stainless Steel

E385-16 is formulated for 904L and similar high-alloy Cr-Ni-Mo-Cu stainless steels.

Base Material	Identification
904L stainless steel	UNS N08904
904L stainless steel	EN 1.4539
Similar high-alloy stainless steels	Subject to qualified WPS

The fully austenitic weld metal provides good corrosion resistance and compatibility with 904L-type materials.

Typical Applications

E385-16 is selected when conventional 304L, 316L or 309L electrodes may not provide sufficient corrosion resistance.

Sulfuric and phosphoric acid equipment

Chemical processing vessels and piping

Acid storage and handling systems

Heat exchangers, pumps and valves

Chloride-containing service environments

Selected stainless steel cladding and repair welding

Why Choose E385-16?

The weld metal has a nominal composition of approximately 20Cr–25Ni–5Mo–1.5Cu. The combination of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and copper provides high corrosion resistance for demanding chemical service.

Key features include:

Designed for 904L stainless steel

Fully austenitic weld metal

Low-carbon Cr-Ni-Mo-Cu composition

High resistance to sulfuric and phosphoric acid environments

Improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion

Chemical Composition

Reference composition for E385-16:

Element	Reference Range
C	≤0.03%
Mn	1.0–2.5%
Si	≤0.90%
Cr	19.5–21.5%
Ni	24.0–26.0%
Mo	4.2–5.2%
Cu	1.2–2.0%
P	≤0.03%
S	≤0.02%

Actual chemistry may vary by manufacturer and batch. The applicable TDS and MTC should be checked for project-specific requirements.

Mechanical Properties & Welding

Property	Reference Requirement
Tensile Strength	≥520 MPa
Elongation	≥30%
Weld Metal Structure	Fully austenitic

E385-16 is a coated SMAW electrode suitable for AC or DCEP.

Electrode Diameter	Typical Current
2.5–2.6 mm	55–85 A
3.2 mm	70–120 A
4.0 mm	100–150 A
5.0 mm	140–180 A

These are typical commercial ranges, not AWS requirements. Follow the manufacturer's TDS and qualified WPS. Preheating is generally not required for 904L; heat input and interpass temperature should be controlled during welding.

E385-16 Classification

AWS A5.4: E385-16

ASME SFA-5.4: E385-16

EN ISO 3581-A: E 20 25 5 Cu N L R

Process: SMAW

Polarity: AC / DCEP

Weld Metal: Fully austenitic Cr-Ni-Mo-Cu

E385-16 vs E383-16

Electrode	Primary Material Focus
E385-16	904L / UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539
E383-16	Alloy 825 / Alloy 28-type materials

For 904L welding, E385-16 is the more directly targeted electrode. E383-16 is more closely associated with Alloy 825 and Alloy 28 applications.

Supply from GD WELD

GD WELD supplies E385-16 904L stainless steel welding electrodes for international industrial procurement, with different diameters, packaging and technical documentation available according to project requirements.