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4043364350 - Nexalloy 4043 Aluminum MIG Wire 3/64" - 350lb Bulk Drum

Packaging: 350 lb drum
$15.02/lb $3,286.50/350 lb drum only $9.39/lbSave 37%

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SKU: NEX4043364350 Categories: ,

OVERVIEW

High-Volume Aluminum Fabrication Solution

The Nexalloy 4043 Aluminum MIG Wire in the 350lb drum configuration is engineered for industrial-scale manufacturing and robotic welding cells where efficiency and continuity are paramount. This premium ER4043 alloy contains 5% silicon, which serves as a critical depression of the melting point, providing exceptional fluidity and wetting characteristics. This specific metallurgy makes it the preferred choice for welding heat-treatable base alloys, particularly the 6XXX series (such as 6061), as well as 3XXX and 5XXX series alloys with less than 2.5% magnesium.

One of the primary technical advantages of the Nexalloy 4043 is its ability to minimize solidification cracking. The silicon additive lowers the melting temperature of the filler metal below that of the base metal, allowing the weld pool to remain fluid longer and fill inter-dendritic spaces as the weld cools. This results in a ductile, crack-resistant joint with a bright, aesthetically pleasing bead profile. The wire is manufactured to strict tolerances to ensure consistent diameter and surface cleanliness, which is crucial for preventing feed issues and porosity in automated systems.

The bulk 350lb drum packaging is designed to maximize arc-on time. By replacing standard 16lb or 20lb spools with a high-capacity drum, manufacturers can drastically reduce the frequency of changeovers, thereby increasing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). This format is ideal for stationary bench welding or integrated robotic arms utilizing conduit feed systems. Users should ensure their wire feeding setup is equipped with appropriate payout domes or cones to manage the wire tension and prevent tangling during high-speed withdrawal.

Key Industrial Benefits:

  • Reduced Downtime: Fewer changeovers compared to standard spools.
  • Metallurgical Superiority: 5% Silicon content reduces hot cracking sensitivity.
  • Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of general aluminum fabrication tasks.
  • Consistency: Uniform cast and helix for reliable feeding through long conduits.
Additional Information
Packaging Description:350 lb drum
Weld Process:MIG
AWS Spec :ER4043
Diameter:0.045
Packaging:300lb spool, 350 lb drum
Brand:Nexalloy
Polarity:DC+, AC
Position:All Position
Material Composition:Aluminum Silicon Alloy (5% Si)
Wire Diameter:3/64" (1.2mm)
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Packaging Type:Bulk Drum
Alloy:4043
----- new values below ----
Material Composition:Aluminum Silicon Alloy (5% Si)
Wire Diameter:3/64" (1.2mm)
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Packaging Type:Bulk Drum
Alloy:4043
Melting Range:1065°F - 1170°F
brand:Nexalloy
aws-spec:ER4043
diameter:0.045
packaging:350 lb drum
weld-process:MIG
polarity:DC+
position:All Position

INCLUDED

  • 1 x 350lb Drum of Nexalloy 4043 Aluminum MIG Wire (3/64" Diameter)

APPLICATIONS

  • Automotive components and frames
  • Bicycle frames and recreational equipment
  • Truck bodies and trailers
  • General fabrication of 6061 aluminum
  • Robotic welding cells
  • High-volume manufacturing lines
  • Cast aluminum repair

FAQ

For most applications, 100% Argon is the standard shielding gas. For thicker sections (usually above 1/2 inch), an Argon/Helium mixture (such as 75% Ar / 25% He) can be used to increase heat input and penetration.

4043 contains silicon, making it more fluid and crack-resistant, ideal for 6061 base metals and castings. 5356 contains magnesium, offering higher tensile strength and better color matching for anodizing, but it is less fluid.

Yes, but you need a wire feeder capable of pulling from an external bulk source, and you must have the appropriate drum payoff kit (cone or dome) and conduit to guide the wire to the feeder.

Generally, no. The silicon in 4043 will turn a dark gray or black color after the anodizing process. If color matching is critical, 5356 is the recommended alloy.

You must use U-groove drive rolls designed for aluminum. V-groove rolls used for steel will deform the soft aluminum wire and cause feeding issues or shaving.

The wire is 3/64 inch, which is approximately 0.047 inches (1.2mm). It is often categorized with 0.045" consumables, but ensure your contact tips are sized for 3/64" aluminum to prevent sticking.

ER4043 is primarily used for welding 6XXX series alloys (like 6061), 3XXX series, and 5XXX series with low magnesium (<2.5%). It is also excellent for welding cast aluminum alloys.

Yes, always use a Teflon, graphite, or nylon liner for aluminum wire to minimize friction and prevent wire shaving contamination that occurs with steel liners.

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