ESAB OK 61.30 308L 2.5mm Stainless Steel Welding Electrode – E308L-17 MMA Stick Rod

Premium extra-low carbon stainless steel electrode engineered for welding 19% chromium 10% nickel-type steels. This 2.5mm diameter E308L-17 electrode delivers exceptional performance on 304, 304L, 308, and 308L stainless steels, offering the perfect balance of corrosion resistance, crack resistance, and operator appeal for general purpose fabrication.

The ESAB OK 61.30 is renowned among professional welders for its incredible runability and ease of use. The 2.5mm size is perfect for intricate jobs on 304 stainless steel where precision and control are essential. The rutile coating ensures smooth arc ignition, stable arc characteristics, and minimal spatter, reducing post-weld cleanup time and improving productivity.

Maximum carbon content of 0.04% minimizes the formation of chromium carbides, preventing intergranular corrosion and maintaining the corrosion resistance of the weld deposit. This makes it ideal for applications where the working temperature does not exceed 350 degrees Celsius and where resistance to aggressive corrosive environments is required.

Versatile AC/DC Operation

Operates on both alternating current and direct current electrode positive (AC/DC+), providing flexibility across different welding machines and applications. The rutile coating formulation ensures excellent arc stability even on lower open circuit voltage transformers, making it suitable for site work and workshop environments alike.

AWS Classification E308L-17 per A5.4. EN ISO 3581-A designation E 19 9 L R 1 2. Werkstoffnummer 1.4316. Diameter 2.5mm. Length 300mm. Packaging 5kg. Electrode type rutile-coated extra-low carbon stainless steel. Welding positions all positions including flat, vertical, overhead, and horizontal.

Typical values: Carbon 0.02%, Chromium 19.5%, Nickel 10.0%, Manganese 1.2%, Silicon 0.8%, Molybdenum 0.1%. The balanced chemistry ensures optimal ferrite content in the weld deposit, providing excellent crack resistance while maintaining corrosion performance equivalent to 304L base metal.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile strength 580 MPa minimum. Yield strength 380 MPa. Elongation 40% minimum. These properties ensure robust weld deposits with excellent toughness and ductility for demanding fabrication applications.

Welding Parameters for 2.5mm Diameter

Flat position current range 70 to 85 amps. Vertical and overhead position current range 65 to 75 amps. AC or DC+ polarity recommended. Optimal performance achieved with pure argon backing gas on root passes for maximum corrosion resistance.

General fabrication of 304 and 308 stainless steel structures. Food processing equipment requiring hygiene-grade corrosion resistance. Chemical and pharmaceutical processing vessels and pipelines. Architectural metalwork and decorative stainless applications. Repair and maintenance of 18-8 type stainless steel equipment. Welding stabilized grades 321 and 347 when service temperature remains below 350 degrees Celsius.

Base Metal Compatibility

Ideal for AISI 301, 302, 304, 304L, 305, and 308 stainless steels. Suitable for welding stabilized grades 321 and 347 at temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius. Also compatible with equivalent cast grades CF-8 and CF-3. For dissimilar joints between stainless and carbon steel, use ESAB 309L electrodes.

Storage and Handling

Store in original packaging at 15 to 25 degrees Celsius with relative humidity below 60%. Re-dry electrodes at 250 to 300 degrees Celsius for one hour if exposed to excessive moisture. Maintain electrodes in heated quivers at 100 to 150 degrees Celsius during welding operations to ensure optimal performance and prevent porosity.

Why ESAB OK 61.30

ESAB’s century-long heritage in welding innovation ensures consistent coating quality, reliable arc characteristics, and batch-to-batch uniformity. The OK 61.30 is manufactured under strict quality controls with full AWS and EN certification traceability. Professional fabricators worldwide trust this electrode for critical stainless steel applications where weld quality and appearance are paramount. Perfect for stainless steel fabricators, food equipment manufacturers, chemical maintenance teams, and any professional operation requiring reliable 308L electrodes with proven performance and bulk economy.