New filler metal ?

Date 02-09-2009 05:15

Hi all. Last week I asked about using 317l filler metal to weld 316l base metal. I was told that 316lsi was to expensive. So now they bought 316-HS. I have a aws A5.9 specification for s/s rods and electrodes but there is nothing in it about 316-HS.I looked at the peridic table of elements and found H-hydrogen and S-sulfer.I allways thought that H was for high carbon.I hear from supervision all the time it;s allways ok to go up to the next no. 308-309, 316-317 ect.. I don;t belive it from what i have read. Would someone give me some feedback on these two subjects. Thanks

By 522029

Date 02-09-2009 12:12

"H" = "limited to the upper range on the carbon content".

I'm not sure what the "S" represents.

Also, it is NOT ALWAYS ok to go up to the next number. That is a commonly told practice but it is incorrect.

Griff

By PhilThomas (**)

Date 02-09-2009 13:58

I think you can rule out that it stands for hydrogen and sulfur. Does the spool or box have a standard AWS classification on it?

By Fredspoppy (**)

Date 02-09-2009 16:07

The HS stands for the following:

H is for "high carbon", but actually is for a controlled carbon content, normally 0.04 to 0.08% carbon. For example, a 316 stainless steel filler could have the following carbon levels:
316 would be 0.08% maximum, with nominal something less than 0.08%, but could be as low as 0.02%.
316L would be 0.04% maximum, with nominal as low as 0.01% to 0.02%.
316H would be 0.04% to 0.08%, with nominal at 0.05% to 0.06%.

The reason for the "H" grade is to control the carbon content for improved performance at elevated temperatures.

S is for a "higher sulfur" content and is elevated to improve bead shape and penetration effects. The "GTAW Flux" has enhanced penetration characteristics, with one of the elements being sulfur.

Check out the short article attached.