ER385 is a stainless steel gas shielded welding wire primarily used for welding materials requiring high corrosion resistance, such as 904L stainless steel. The following is a summary of its key information:
Chemical Composition and Physical Properties:
https://www.akweld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ER385.pdf
①Key Features: Excellent corrosion resistance, including resistance to acetic acid, halide pitting, pitting, and crevice corrosion; arc stability, minimal spatter, and aesthetically pleasing finish.
②Main Applications: Suitable for the fabrication and welding of equipment exposed to strong acids (such as acetic acid), such as towers, tanks, pipelines, and storage containers.
③Applicable Base Metals: Primarily used for welding 904L stainless steel, but can also be used for welding ASTM 316 steel (when ferrite content is not required).
④Shielding Gas: Recommended: Ar + (1-3%) O₂.
⑤Reference Current (A): 0.8mm: 70-150; 1.0mm: 100-200; 1.2mm: 140-220.
Purchasing and Usage Considerations：
① Confirm parent material compatibility: ER385 is specifically designed for super-austenitic stainless steels like 904L. While it can also be used to weld 316 stainless steel, be aware that the weld is fully austenitic and more sensitive to hot cracking.
② Follow the welding process: To achieve optimal weld quality and prevent porosity, adhere to recommended welding parameters, especially the shielding gas ratio, gas flow rate (20-25 L/min), and stickout length (15-25 mm). When welding outdoors, wind protection measures are required if wind speeds exceed 1.5 m/s.
③ Be aware of discrepancies: Different sources describe the ferrite content of ER385 weld metal differently, with some stating it as “fully austenitic” while others indicate a ferrite content of 50 FN. A rigorous process qualification is recommended for use in critical components.
E385-16 is an ultra-low carbon austenitic stainless steel electrode specifically designed for welding 904L stainless steel, offering excellent performance in harsh corrosive environments.
Chemical Composition and Weld Strength:
https://www.akweld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/E385-16.pdf
① Key Features: Excellent corrosion resistance (resistance to organic acids such as sulfuric acid, acetic acid, and formic acid, as well as pitting and crevice corrosion); good weldability (arc stability, minimal spatter, and aesthetically pleasing weld finish).
②Coating Type: Rutile (calcium-titanium). Suitable for AC and DC operation, but DC reverse polarity (DC+) is recommended.
③Main Applications: Welding 904L stainless steel, as well as 00Cr19Ni13Mo stainless steel requiring improved corrosion resistance, is suitable for the manufacture of chemical equipment exposed to media such as sulfuric acid and chlorides.
💡 Key Techniques and Operational Tips
Proper use is crucial to ensuring welding quality. The following points require special attention:
① Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties: The electrode’s deposited metal is primarily composed of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), and copper (Cu), ensuring high corrosion resistance. Mechanical properties typically require a tensile strength (Rm) of at least 520 MPa and an elongation (A) of at least 28%.
② Pre-welding Drying: The welding rod must be baked at approximately 300°C for one hour before use and used immediately to prevent porosity in the weld.
③ Welding Current Reference: For optimal results, control heat input and use a low current. Reference currents for different diameters are as follows:
▶φ2.5 mm: 60-80 A
▶φ3.2 mm: 90-110 A
▶φ4.0 mm: 120-160 A
④ Interpass Temperature and Control: During welding, the interpass and interpass temperatures must be kept below 150°C. Furthermore, the weldment must be thoroughly cleaned of impurities such as rust, oil, and moisture before welding.
💎 How to Select and Use
E385-16 welding rods are specially designed for welding 904L stainless steel. Before welding important equipment, it is recommended to conduct a strict welding process assessment.