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535611620C - Nexalloy ER5356 Aluminum MIG Wire 1/16 Inch 20lb Spool

Packaging: 20lb per spool
$15.64/lb $195.60/20lb per spool only $9.78/lbSave 37%

In stock

OVERVIEW

Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire – 1.6mm (1/16") – 20 lb Spool

The Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire is a premium quality general-purpose filler alloy designed for welding 5000 series aluminum base metals. This 20 lb spool features a 1.6mm (1/16 inch) diameter wire, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty industrial fabrication where high deposition rates and structural integrity are paramount. As one of the most widely used aluminum welding alloys, ER5356 is formulated with 5% magnesium, which provides it with superior strength compared to the common 4043 alloy.

Welders choose Nexalloy 5356 for its versatility and performance. It is a non-heat treatable alloy that delivers excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in saltwater environments, making it the standard choice for the shipbuilding and marine industries. Additionally, if your project requires post-weld anodizing, this wire offers a much better color match to the base metal than silicon-based alloys, which often turn dark gray or black after the anodizing process.

The 1.6mm diameter is specifically suited for welding thicker plates and structural components, allowing for efficient spray transfer welding. One of the key operational benefits of the 5356 alloy is its stiffness; the magnesium content gives the wire higher column strength, which significantly improves feedability through MIG guns. This reduces the likelihood of "bird-nesting" and feeding issues often associated with softer aluminum wires. Whether you are fabricating truck trailers, pressure vessels, or architectural structures, this Nexalloy wire ensures consistent, high-quality welds.

Key Benefits:

  • High Strength: Offers high shear strength for structural applications.
  • Marine Ready: Excellent resistance to corrosion in harsh environments.
  • Feedability: Stiffer wire feeds better through standard and push-pull guns.
  • Aesthetics: Maintains a bright finish and matches base metal color after anodizing.

This 20 lb spool is designed for industrial wire feeders and provides ample material for long production runs, minimizing downtime for spool changes. Ensure your welding setup is equipped with the correct drive rolls (U-groove) and a Teflon liner to maximize the performance of this aluminum wire.

Additional Information
Weld Process:MIG
Polarity:DC+, AC
Position:All Position
Material Composition:Aluminum Magnesium Alloy
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Wire Type:Solid
Alloy:5356
Tensile Strength:38,000 psi (Typical)
----- new values below ----
Material Composition:Aluminum Magnesium Alloy
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Wire Type:Solid
Alloy:5356
Tensile Strength:38,000 psi (Typical)
Brand:Nexalloy
AWS Spec:ER5356
Diameter:1.6mm
Packaging:20lb spool
Weld Process:MIG
Polarity:DC+
Position:All Position

INCLUDED

  • 1 x 20 lb Spool of Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire (1.6mm / 1/16")

APPLICATIONS

  • Shipbuilding and marine superstructures
  • Automotive frames, bumpers, and supports
  • Pressure vessels and storage tanks
  • Truck trailers and railway cars
  • Architectural structures requiring anodizing
  • Bicycle frames and components
  • General fabrication of 5000 series aluminum

FAQ

ER5356 contains magnesium, making it stronger, more corrosion-resistant, and better for anodizing color matching. ER4043 contains silicon, which makes it flow better, minimizes cracking, and produces cleaner-looking welds but is weaker and turns black when anodized.

100% Argon is the standard shielding gas for aluminum MIG welding. For thicker sections (often welded with 1.6mm wire), an Argon/Helium mixture can be used to increase heat input and penetration.

Generally, no. 1.6mm wire is quite thick and is best suited for welding medium to heavy aluminum plates (typically 1/4" thick and above) where high deposition rates and spray transfer are required.

Yes, you should always use a Teflon or plastic liner when welding aluminum to prevent wire shaving and friction. While 5356 is stiffer than 4043, a proper liner is still critical for smooth feeding.

Yes, ER5356 is commonly used to weld 6061 base metals, especially when high strength is required or if the part will be anodized. However, 4043 is sometimes preferred for 6061 if crack sensitivity is a major concern.

MIG welding with aluminum wire like ER5356 is performed using DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive) polarity.

Yes, ER5356 provides an excellent color match for anodized parts, unlike ER4043 which tends to turn dark gray or black.

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 problems.