Aluminum welding wire ER4043 ER5356
5356 aluminum-magnesium welding wire and 4043 aluminum-silicon welding wire are the two core choices for aluminum alloy welding, and their key differences determine their respective best application scenarios. 5356 welding wire has higher strength (tensile strength ≥ 270MPa) due to the strengthening effect of 5% magnesium, and is particularly suitable for welding load-bearing structural parts. The color difference of anodizing after welding is small, meeting high surface treatment requirements; while 4043 welding wire significantly improves fluidity through 5% silicon element, and has a lower melting point (577℃ eutectic point), which is more suitable for thin plates, castings and all-position welding, but the weld color is grayish and not suitable for subsequent anodizing treatment. In terms of parent material adaptability, 5356 preferentially matches 5xxx/6xxx series aluminum alloys, while 4043 is more suitable for 6xxx series and cast aluminum alloys (such as A356). In terms of process control, 5356 requires strict control of heat input (layer temperature ≤ 100℃), while 4043 simplifies the operation difficulty with its excellent fluidity. The following detailed comparison table will help you accurately select the appropriate welding wire model:
5356 and 4043 Aluminum Welding Wire Size
| Comparison Item | 5356 Al-Mg Wire | 4043 Al-Si Wire |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy Composition | 5% Magnesium | 5% Silicon |
| Wire Diameter (mm) | 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.0, 3.2, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 | 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.0, 3.2, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 |
| Spool Sizes | D300 (9kg), D270 (7kg), D200 (2kg), D100 (0.5kg) | D300 (9kg), D270 (7kg), D200 (2kg), D100 (0.5kg) |
| Packaging Options | Spool, Straight, Coiled, Drum Package | Spool, Straight, Coiled, Drum Package |
| Key Features | • High versatility • Superior strength • Excellent post-anodizing color match | • Superior fluidity • Excellent versatility • Outstanding hot crack resistance |
Applicable parent materials and typical applications
5356 aluminum-magnesium welding wire
Applicable parent materials: 5xxx series (5052/5083), 6xxx series (6061/6063) and cast aluminum A356
Core advantages: high strength (tensile strength ≥ 270MPa), anodizing adaptability
Typical applications: automotive structural parts (doors/frames), ships, pressure vessels and other load-bearing parts
4043 aluminum-silicon welding wire
Applicable parent materials: 6xxx series (6061/6063), cast aluminum (A356/ADC12)
Core advantages: excellent fluidity, resistance to thermal cracking
Typical applications: non-load-bearing scenarios such as thin plate radiators, cast aluminum repair, bicycle frames, etc.
General process: AC TIG welding + pure argon protection, the oxide layer on the surface of the base material must be strictly cleaned
NO: 2xxx/7xxx series aluminum alloy (special welding wire is required)
(Note: 5356 is suitable for strength demand scenarios, 4043 specializes in thin plates/cast aluminum, the two cannot be used interchangeably)
