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53563645 - Nexalloy ER5356 Aluminum MIG Wire - 0.045 Inch - 5 lb Spool

Packaging: 5lb
$16.20/lb $50.65/5lb only $10.13/lbSave 37%

In stock

SKU: NEX53563645 Categories: ,

OVERVIEW

High-Performance Nexalloy ER5356 Aluminum MIG Wire

The Nexalloy ER5356 is a premium quality aluminum-magnesium alloy welding wire designed for the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process. Classified under AWS A5.10 as ER5356, this filler metal contains approximately 5% magnesium, which serves as the primary alloying element. This composition imparts significantly higher tensile and shear strength compared to the widely used ER4043 silicon-based alloys. It is the preferred choice for welding 5000-series aluminum base metals and is highly compatible with 6000-series alloys (such as 6061-T6) when high strength is a critical design requirement.

One of the defining technical characteristics of the ER5356 alloy is its melting range of 1060°F to 1175°F and a density of approximately 0.096 lbs/cu.in. The magnesium content not only boosts mechanical properties but also enhances the microstructure's resistance to corrosion, particularly in saltwater environments. This makes Nexalloy 5356 the industry standard for marine fabrication, shipbuilding, and offshore structural repairs. Furthermore, unlike silicon-heavy alloys that turn gray or black after anodizing, ER5356 maintains a white color, providing an excellent aesthetic match for anodized architectural aluminum.

From a process stability standpoint, the 0.045-inch diameter offers a balance between deposition rate and heat input control. The wire is manufactured with strict diameter tolerances and a clean surface finish to ensure consistent electrical conductivity at the contact tip. This reduces micro-arcing and tip burn-back, common issues in automated and semi-automated aluminum welding. The 5 lb spool size is optimized for smaller production runs or use with portable wire feeders and spool guns, ensuring fresh material is available without the storage risks associated with larger bulk drums.

Technical Specifications:

  • AWS Classification: ER5356
  • Alloy Type: Aluminum-Magnesium (AlMg5)
  • Tensile Strength: Typically 39,000 psi (depending on base metal dilution)
  • Elongation: 10-18%
  • Shielding Gas: 100% Argon or Argon/Helium mixtures
Additional Information
Weld Process:MIG
AWS Spec :ER5356
Diameter:0.045
Packaging:5lb spool
Polarity:DC+, AC
Position:All Position
Material Composition:Aluminum Magnesium Alloy (AlMg5)
Wire Diameter:0.045"
Spool Size:5 lb
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Tensile Strength:Approx. 39,000 psi (typical)
----- new values below ----
Material Composition:Aluminum Magnesium Alloy (AlMg5)
Wire Diameter:0.045"
Spool Size:5 lb
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Tensile Strength:Approx. 39,000 psi (typical)
Melting Range:1060°F - 1175°F
Anodizing Color:White (Good Color Match)
aws-spec:er5356
brand:nexalloy
diameter:0-045
packaging:5lb-spool
weld-process:mig
polarity:dc
position:all-position

INCLUDED

  • 1 x 5 lb Spool of Nexalloy ER5356 Aluminum MIG Wire (0.045" Diameter)
  • Sealed moisture-resistant packaging

APPLICATIONS

  • Marine Fabrication: Boat hulls, pontoons, transoms, and docks due to high saltwater corrosion resistance.
  • Automotive & Transportation: Truck bodies, trailers, tankers, and bicycle frames.
  • Structural Construction: Architectural structures, window frames, and supports requiring anodizing.
  • General Fabrication: Welding 5000 series alloys (5052, 5083) and 6000 series alloys (6061) where strength is critical.
  • Storage Tanks: Cryogenic tanks and pressure vessels.

FAQ

You must use 100% Argon for most general applications. For thicker sections (typically above 1/2 inch), an Argon/Helium mixture (such as 75% Ar / 25% He) can be used to increase heat input and penetration.

Yes, ER5356 is commonly used to weld 6061 base metals. It provides higher weld strength than ER4043 and is preferred if the part will be anodized later. However, it should not be used if the part will be subjected to sustained temperatures above 150°F (65°C).

ER5356 contains magnesium, which makes the wire harder and stiffer than the silicon-based ER4043. This increased column strength prevents the wire from buckling (birdnesting) inside the feeder or liner, especially in push-only MIG systems.

MIG welding with aluminum wire requires Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP), also known as Reverse Polarity. This provides the necessary cleaning action to break up the surface oxide layer.

Yes. You should always use U-groove drive rolls for aluminum wire. V-groove rolls (used for steel) can crush the soft aluminum wire, causing feeding issues and shaving generation.

Yes, ER5356 is the best choice for parts that will be anodized after welding. It anodizes to a white color that closely matches the base metal, whereas ER4043 will turn a dark gray or black.

If kept in its original sealed packaging, the shelf life is indefinite. However, once opened, aluminum is susceptible to moisture absorption and oxidation. It should be stored in a dry, low-humidity environment to prevent porosity in welds.

The typical tensile strength of an undiluted weld metal produced by ER5356 is approximately 38,000 to 39,000 psi (265 MPa), which is significantly higher than that of ER4043.

CATALOGUE & SPEC SHEETS

Spec Sheet

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