How to Choose the Right Gasless Stainless Steel Flux‑Core Wire (E308LT0‑3, E309LT0‑3, E316LT0‑3)
Gasless stainless steel flux‑core wire is the ideal solution for welders who need stainless performance without shielding gas. Whether you’re repairing stainless equipment, fabricating outdoors, or joining stainless to mild steel, choosing the correct grade and wire size ensures strong, corrosion‑resistant welds.
This guide explains how to choose between E308LT0‑3, E309LT0‑3, and E316LT0‑3, and when to use 0.8mm or 1.0mm wire.
Why Use Gasless Stainless Flux‑Core Wire?
- No shielding gas required
- Works outdoors and in windy conditions
- Excellent penetration on thin and medium‑gauge stainless
- Ideal for maintenance, fabrication, and field repairs
- Compatible with most MIG welders running DCEN (electrode negative)
Understanding the Grades: E308LT0‑3, E309LT0‑3, E316LT0‑3
These designations follow the EN ISO 17633 standard.
E308LT0‑3 – For Welding 304 Stainless Steel
Best for:
- 304 stainless steel (the most common stainless grade)
- Food‑grade equipment
- Household stainless repairs
- General stainless fabrication
Why choose E308LT0‑3:
- Matches the chemistry of 304 stainless
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Clean, strong welds with minimal cracking
E309LT0‑3 – For Welding Stainless to Mild Steel or Unknown Grades
Best for:
- Joining stainless steel to carbon/mild steel
- Welding unknown stainless grades
- High‑temperature applications
- Structural repairs
Why choose E309LT0‑3:
- Higher alloy content bridges dissimilar metals
- Strong, crack‑resistant welds
- Ideal for mixed‑metal fabrication
E316LT0‑3 – For Marine‑Grade and Chemical‑Resistant Stainless
Best for:
- 316 stainless steel
- Marine environments
- Chemical processing equipment
- High‑corrosion applications
Why choose E316LT0‑3:
- Contains molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance
- Ideal for saltwater, acids, and harsh environments
Choosing the Correct Wire Size: 0.8mm vs 1.0mm
Wire diameter affects penetration, heat input, and welder compatibility.
| Wire Size | Best For | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 0.8mm | Thin stainless sheet, light fabrication, small MIG welders | Lower heat, easier control, cleaner welds on thin material |
| 1.0mm | Thicker stainless, structural work, higher‑amp machines | Deeper penetration, stronger welds, better for outdoor work |
✔ Choose 0.8mm if:
- Material thickness is 0.8–3.0 mm
- Your welder is under 180 amps
- You want minimal distortion
✔ Choose 1.0mm if:
- Material thickness is 3.0 mm and above
- Your welder is 180A+
- You’re doing heavy‑duty or structural work
Which Grade Should I Use?
- 304 stainless → E308LT0‑3
- 316 stainless → E316LT0‑3
- Stainless to mild steel → E309LT0‑3
- Unknown stainless → E309LT0‑3
Which Size Should I Use?
- Thin material / small welder → 0.8mm
- Thicker material / high amps → 1.0mm
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