Stainless - Solid wire
Stainless steel solid welding wire (GMAW) from HYW Products in low-carbon ER308L, ER309L, and molybdenum-bearing ER316L (AWS A5.9). Pick the grade by the base metal you're joining — from standard 304 stainless to dissimilar-metal joints and corrosion-critical 316 work. Available on spools in common .030", .035", and .045" sizes.
Buying guide, comparison chart & FAQ — click to expand
| Wire | AWS | Joins / Base Metal | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| ER308L | A5.9 | 304 / 304L stainless | Low-carbon standard austenitic; the everyday SS wire |
| ER309L | A5.9 | Dissimilar (SS ↔ carbon steel), 309 | High-alloy; tolerates dilution, buffer/overlay layers |
| ER316L | A5.9 | 316 / 316L stainless | Molybdenum-bearing; pitting & corrosion resistance |
For MIG, use an argon-rich blend (e.g. 98% Ar / 2% CO² or a tri-mix) on DC+ — keep CO² low to protect corrosion resistance. The “L” grades are low-carbon to resist intergranular corrosion.
Shop by Wire
- › ER308L — for 304/304L stainless
- › ER309L — for dissimilar-metal joints & overlay
- › ER316L — for 316/316L, corrosion-critical work
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stainless wire do I use for 304 vs 316?
Use ER308L for 304/304L stainless and ER316L for 316/316L. ER316L adds molybdenum for better resistance to pitting and chloride corrosion in marine and chemical environments.
When should I use ER309L?
For joining stainless steel to carbon/mild steel (dissimilar joints) and for buffer or overlay layers — its higher alloy content handles the dilution that would weaken a 308L weld.
Also see: Stainless TIG Rod · Stainless Stick Electrodes
