ER385 – wire and rod for 904L stainless
Super-austenitic 20Cr-25Ni-4.5Mo-1.5Cu filler metal for 904L stainless, applied in sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and chloride media.
Product forms and equivalents
| Process | Classification |
|---|---|
| TIG rod (GTAW) | ER385 |
| Solid MIG/MAG wire (GMAW) | ER385 |
| Covered electrode (SMAW) | E385-16/-17 – AWS A5.4 |
| Submerged arc wire (SAW) | ER385 + flux |
| Designation | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS | ER385 |
| Specification | AWS A5.9/A5.9M / ASME SFA-5.9 |
| UNS | N08904 |
| Others | EN ISO 14343-A: W/G 20 25 5 Cu L; W.Nr. 1.4519 |
Chemical composition (%)
| Element | wt. % |
|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.025 |
| Cr | 19.5 – 21.5 |
| Ni | 24.0 – 26.0 |
| Mo | 4.2 – 5.2 |
| Cu | 1.2 – 2.0 |
| Mn | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Si | ≤ 0.50 |
| P | ≤ 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 |
Properties of the deposited metal
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength of deposited metal | ≥ 520 MPa (AWS A5.4 minimum for E385, reference) |
| Elongation | ≥ 30 % (AWS A5.4 minimum for E385, reference) |
Materials welded with ER385
Dissimilar joints: For very aggressive chloride media, 904L joints are often also made with ERNiCrMo-3, which better compensates for molybdenum segregation.
Why the composition differs from the base metal
Phosphorus and silicon are limited more strictly than in the base metal because the bead is fully austenitic and those elements promote hot cracking. Molybdenum is slightly above 904L to compensate for segregation during solidification.
Welding precautions
- No preheating; maximum interpass around 100 °C.
- Low heat input and narrow beads; avoid wide weaving.
- Shielding and purging with pure argon; pickle after welding to restore the passive layer.
Frequently asked questions
What is ER385 used for?
Super-austenitic 20Cr-25Ni-4.5Mo-1.5Cu filler metal for 904L stainless, applied in sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and chloride media.
Why is the composition of ER385 different from the material it welds?
Phosphorus and silicon are limited more strictly than in the base metal because the bead is fully austenitic and those elements promote hot cracking. Molybdenum is slightly above 904L to compensate for segregation during solidification.
Which covered electrode corresponds to ER385?
E385-16/-17 – AWS A5.4.
What precautions apply when welding with ER385?
No preheating; maximum interpass around 100 °C. Low heat input and narrow beads; avoid wide weaving. Shielding and purging with pure argon; pickle after welding to restore the passive layer.
