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53560301C - Nexalloy ER5356 Aluminum MIG Wire 0.030" - 5lb Spool

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

In stock

OVERVIEW

Professional Grade ER5356 Aluminum Alloy

The Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire is a premium filler metal designed for professional fabrication environments requiring high-strength structural welds. Classified as ER5356, this alloy contains approximately 5% magnesium, which serves as the primary alloying element. This composition provides the wire with significantly higher tensile and shear strength compared to the commonly used 4043 alloy. It is specifically engineered for welding 5XXX series base metals, including 5050, 5052, 5083, 5356, 5454, and 5456.

One of the defining characteristics of Nexalloy 5356 is its excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in saltwater environments. This makes it the industry standard for marine fabrication, including shipbuilding, boat hull repair, and offshore structures. The 0.030-inch diameter offered in this 5lb spool allows for precision welding on thinner gauge materials while maintaining the deposition rates necessary for efficient production. The wire's stiffness, a result of the magnesium content, enhances feedability through MIG guns and push-pull systems, reducing the likelihood of birdnesting often associated with softer aluminum wires.

Metallurgically, this wire is non-heat treatable but responds well to cold working. It has a melting range of 1060°F to 1175°F and typically produces a weld deposit with a density of approximately 0.096 lbs/cu.in. For applications requiring post-weld anodizing, Nexalloy 5356 is superior to 4043, as it anodizes to a white color that closely matches the base metal, whereas 4043 tends to turn gray or black. It is recommended for use with 100% Argon shielding gas or Argon/Helium mixtures for thicker sections.

Technical Specifications and Compliance

This product meets AWS A5.10 specifications for ER5356. It is suitable for all-position welding, provided the appropriate transfer mode (typically spray transfer or pulsed MIG) is utilized. The 5lb spool size is optimized for portability, fitting standard spool guns and smaller portable MIG welding units, ensuring fresh wire is available for specific jobs without the bulk of industrial drums.

Additional Information
Weld Process:MIG
Diameter:0.035, 0.030
Polarity:DC+, DCEP
Position:All Position
Material Composition:Aluminum Magnesium Alloy (5% Mg)
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Wire Finish:Clean Finish
Spool Size:5lb
----- new values below ----
Material Composition:Aluminum Magnesium Alloy (5% Mg)
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Polarity:DCEP
Wire Finish:Clean Finish
Spool Size:5lb
Brand:Nexalloy
AWS Spec:ER5356
Diameter:0.030"
Packaging:5lb spool
Weld Process:MIG
Position:All Position

INCLUDED

  • 1 x 5lb Spool of Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire (0.030" Diameter)

APPLICATIONS

  • Marine fabrication (boats, ships, docks)
  • Automotive components (bumpers, truck beds, trailers)
  • Bicycle frames and recreational equipment
  • Pressure vessels and storage tanks
  • General structural aluminum fabrication
  • Architectural structures requiring anodizing

FAQ

You must use 100% Argon for most applications. For very thick sections, an Argon/Helium mixture can be used to increase heat input. Never use CO2 or Argon/CO2 mixes intended for steel.

Yes, the 5lb spool size is the standard size for most spool guns. In fact, using a spool gun is highly recommended for 0.030" aluminum wire to ensure consistent feeding.

Yes, ER5356 is commonly used to weld 6061 base metals, especially when higher tensile strength is required or if the part will be anodized. However, ER4043 is also a common choice for 6061 depending on the specific service conditions (like temperature).

5356 (Al-Mg) is stronger, stiffer (feeds better), and has better corrosion resistance and color match for anodizing. 4043 (Al-Si) flows wetter, is less prone to cracking, and operates at lower temperatures but is softer and harder to feed.

Yes, you should use U-groove drive rolls. V-groove rolls designed for steel can deform or shave the soft aluminum wire, causing feeding issues and liner clogging.

DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive) is the standard polarity for MIG welding aluminum.

No, the 5356 alloy is non-heat treatable. It gains strength through cold working but not through post-weld heat treatment.

Aluminum does not rust like steel, but it can corrode. However, 5356 has excellent corrosion resistance, especially against saltwater, making it superior to many other alloys for outdoor use.

CATALOGUE & SPEC SHEETS

Spec Sheet