E312 Welding Rod, specifically designated as AF312-16 under common industrial nomenclature, represents a highly specialized consumable conforming to both the Chinese national standard GB/T E312-16 and the internationally recognized AWS A5.4 E312-16 specification. This classification defines it as a critical solution for demanding welding applications involving specific stainless steel grades and challenging materials.
The core metallurgy of this electrode is founded on a Cr29Ni9 duplex stainless steel composition. Its titanium-calcium coated electrode coating facilitates versatile operation with both AC and DC power sources, delivering excellent arc stability, minimal spatter, and smooth slag removal. Crucially, the deposited weld metal incorporates strategic additions of molybdenum and nitrogen, coupled with an extremely low carbon content. This precise chemical formulation endows the E312 Welding Rod with exceptional resistance to solidification cracking and superior corrosion resistance, particularly outstanding performance against stress corrosion cracking (SCC).
Engineered for critical applications, the primary purpose of the E312 Welding Rod is the robust joining and repair of 29-9 type stainless steels and castings. Its exceptional properties make it the preferred choice for welding dissimilar metals (such as joining austenitic stainless steels to carbon steels or low-alloy steels) and for applications prone to weld defects like hot cracking and porosity. The ease of use afforded by its coating further enhances its suitability for complex or critical welds.
Beyond its primary alloying elements, the electrode’s formulation is meticulously balanced to optimize performance. The titanium-calcium (titania-lime) coating type not only supports excellent operational characteristics but also contributes to the stability of the arc and the quality of the deposited metal. The resultant weld metal microstructure leverages the inherent benefits of the duplex structure , combining the strength of ferrite with the toughness and corrosion resistance of austenite , further amplified by the beneficial effects of Mo and N.
The technical attributes of the E312 Welding Rod, particularly its proven AF312-16 variant, establish it as an indispensable tool within demanding industrial sectors such as chemical processing, power generation, and marine engineering. Its unparalleled combination of high crack resistance, superior corrosion performance – especially against SCC – and excellent weldability for difficult materials and dissimilar joints ensures structural integrity and longevity in the most challenging service environments, solidifying its status as a premier welding consumable.
Post time: Aug-05-2025