It is important to understand the differences between NC-38 and NC-38L before selecting a welding electrode for stainless steel applications. Both are E308-based stainless steel welding electrodes, but they differ in terms of AWS classification, carbon content, base materials, and resistance to intergranular corrosion following the welding process.
In fabrication and maintenance work involving stainless steel—ranging from tanks and piping to industrial equipment—selecting the right electrode significantly affects the quality of the weld.
Choosing the wrong welding electrode can result in suboptimal joints, especially if the materials used require low-carbon characteristics or superior corrosion resistance.
In general, NC-38 is used for Type 304 stainless steel, whereas NC-38L is more suitable for Type 304L stainless steel or applications requiring a low-carbon weld metal deposit.
For other stainless steel welding needs, you can also explore the available options for stainless steel welding electrode, tailored to specific material types and industrial requirements.
What Is NC-38?
NC-38 is a stainless steel welding electrode classified as AWS A5.4 E308-16. It is used for welding Type 304 stainless steel, which is widely utilized in fabrication, industrial equipment, tanks, piping, and stainless steel components.
NC-38 is a type of SMAW electrode, or stick electrode. This product is suitable for general stainless steel welding applications that require strong, stable welds and good corrosion resistance.
What Is NC-38L?
NC-38L is a stainless steel welding electrode classified as AWS A5.4 E308L-16. The letter "L" in NC-38L stands for "low carbon." This means the electrode is designed to produce a weld metal deposit with a lower carbon content compared to the standard E308 type.
NC-38L is primarily intended for welding 304L stainless steel, though it can also be used for 304 stainless steel. Due to its low carbon content, NC-38L is better suited for applications requiring a lower risk of sensitization and superior resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
Differences between NC-38 and NC-38L
1. Differences in AWS Classifications
The first difference between the NC-38 and NC-38L lies in the AWS classification.
NC-38 is classified as AWS A5.4 E308-16, whereas NC-38L is classified as AWS A5.4 E308L-16. The E308 code designates a stainless steel electrode for Type 304, while E308L designates a low-carbon stainless steel electrode for Type 304L.
The letter "L" in NC-38L serves as the key distinguishing feature, indicating a lower carbon content. In stainless steel welding, carbon content affects the corrosion resistance of the weld joint area, particularly after the material has been exposed to heat during the welding process.
2. Differences in Welded Stainless Steel Materials
NC-38 is used for welding Type 304 stainless steel. Type 304 stainless steel is widely used in various industrial applications due to its good corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication, and versatility.
Meanwhile, NC-38L is intended for type 304L stainless steel. Stainless steel 304L is a low-carbon version of stainless steel 304, making it more suitable for applications requiring superior corrosion resistance after welding.
Although the NC-38L is more suitable for 304L stainless steel, this electrode can also be used for 304 stainless steel. However, if the work involves standard 304 stainless steel without low-carbon requirements, the NC-38 is a suitable choice.
3. Difference in Carbon Content
The difference in carbon content is one of the most important factors distinguishing NC-38 from NC-38L.
NC-38L produces a low-carbon weld deposit with a carbon content of approximately 0.034%. This low carbon content helps reduce the risk of chromium carbide formation in the weld area.
Meanwhile, NC-38 is not intended as a low-carbon type. Therefore, NC-38 is better suited for general 304 stainless steel requirements, whereas NC-38L is recommended for applications requiring lower carbon control in the weld deposit.
In stainless steel welding, a lower carbon content can help maintain corrosion resistance, particularly in the heat-affected zone—the area surrounding the weld that is exposed to heat.
4. Differences in Intergranular Corrosion Resistance
NC-38 offers good corrosion resistance for general-purpose welding of 304 stainless steel. This electrode is suitable for various industrial applications requiring strong and stable welds.
However, NC-38L is superior in reducing the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding. This is because NC-38L has a lower carbon content, thereby suppressing the risk of sensitization in the stainless steel.
Sensitization is a condition where chromium carbide forms due to the heat of welding. When this occurs, the chromium content near the material's grain boundaries can become depleted, making the area more susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, NC-38L is more suitable for stainless steel applications that require superior corrosion resistance.
5. Application Differences
NC-38 is suitable for general-purpose work with 304 stainless steel. Applications include the fabrication of tanks, piping, chemical equipment, food processing equipment, and industrial components, as well as stainless steel maintenance work.
The NC-38L is best suited for 304L stainless steel or for applications requiring welds with a lower risk of sensitization. This electrode is ideal for applications demanding superior intergranular corrosion resistance, particularly in critical environments or projects requiring consistent weld joint quality.
If you require welding electrodes for stainless steel work, the choice between NC-38 and NC-38L should be based on the material type, work standards, and application environment conditions.
Comparison Table: NC-38 and NC-38L
| Aspect | NC-38 | NC-38L |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | AWS A5.4 E308-16 | AWS A5.4 E308L-16 |
| Material type | 304 stainless steel | 304L and 304 stainless steel |
| Carbon character | Not a low-carbon type | Low carbon |
| Carbon deposit | Not intended as a low-carbon deposit. | Approximately 0.034% |
| Intergranular corrosion resistance | Suitable for general needs | It is better to reduce the risk of intergranular corrosion. |
| Main application | Fabrication and maintenance of 304 stainless steel | 304L stainless or applications with lower risk of sensitization |
Functions of NC-38 and NC-38L in Stainless Steel Welding
The primary function of the NC-38 is to facilitate the welding of 304 stainless steel, producing joints that are strong and neat, with good corrosion resistance. This electrode is suitable for general stainless steel applications that do not specifically require a low-carbon weld metal deposit.
Meanwhile, the primary function of the NC-38L is for welding 304L stainless steel or performing work on 304 stainless steel that requires a low-carbon weld deposit. The NC-38L helps reduce the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding, making it more suitable for applications requiring superior corrosion resistance.
When Should NC-38 Be Used?
Use NC-38 when welding Type 304 stainless steel and the job does not require a low-carbon weld metal deposit. NC-38 is suitable for general stainless steel fabrication and maintenance applications.
This electrode can be used in various applications—such as tanks, piping, industrial equipment, chemical processing equipment, and stainless steel components—that require strong and stable weld results.
When Should You Use the NC-38L?
Use NC-38L when the material to be welded is Type 304L stainless steel or when the application requires superior resistance to intergranular corrosion. NC-38L can also be used for Type 304 stainless steel if a low-carbon deposit is required.
The NC-38L is recommended for applications with higher quality requirements, such as corrosive environments, tank and piping work, chemical equipment, and stainless steel components requiring long-term corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
The primary differences between NC-38 and NC-38L lie in their AWS classifications, carbon content, the stainless steel materials being welded, and resistance to intergranular corrosion. NC-38 is classified as AWS A5.4 E308-16 and is suitable for 304 stainless steel, whereas NC-38L is classified as AWS A5.4 E308L-16 and is better suited for 304L stainless steel or applications requiring a low-carbon weld metal deposit.
If your work generally involves 304 stainless steel, NC-38 is a suitable choice. However, if the material used is 304L stainless steel, or if the application requires a lower risk of sensitization, NC-38L is recommended.
PT Intan Pertiwi Industri is a manufacturer of Kobelco welding electrode in Indonesia, supplying a wide range of welding electrodes for industry, fabrication, maintenance, and professional welding applications.
To receive product recommendations tailored to your project's needs, please contact the team at PT Intan Pertiwi Industri. Our team is ready to assist you in selecting welding electrodes that match the materials, applications, and operational standards of your project.
