53563641C - Nexalloy ER5356 Aluminum MIG Wire 0.045 1lb Spool

Name: Nexalloy ER5356 Aluminum MIG Wire 0.045 1lb Spool
Brand: Nexalloy
SKU: NEX53563641
Price: 10.13 CAD
Availability: InStock

Packaging: 1lb spool

$16.20/lb $10.13/1lb spool only $10.13/lbSave 37%

Save an additional $0.51 at checkout

Join the Nation of Welders Program

SKU: NEX53563641 Categories: All Aluminum Mig & Tig Wires, Welding Wires and Electrodes

OVERVIEW

Practical Guide: Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire

If you are tackling aluminum projects that require strength and durability, especially on boats or trailers, the Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire is your go-to filler metal. This 1lb spool is sized perfectly for your spool gun, allowing you to get into tight spaces or move around a large workpiece without dragging a heavy whip. The 0.045-inch diameter is a favorite among fabricators because it lays down a substantial bead and handles higher amperage better than .030 or .035 wire, giving you better penetration on structural frames and thicker plates.

One of the biggest frustrations with welding aluminum is wire feeding. Aluminum is soft, and pushing it through a standard MIG liner often leads to the dreaded "bird's nest" at the drive rolls. Nexalloy 5356 helps solve this. Because it contains magnesium, the wire is naturally stiffer than 4043 wire. This extra column strength means it feeds much more reliably, even if your cable has a slight bend in it. It cuts down on downtime and frustration, letting you focus on the puddle rather than fixing the feeder.

When it comes to the finished look, 5356 is superior for parts that will be anodized. If you've ever welded a nice aluminum railing only to have the welds turn black after anodizing, you were probably using 4043. This Nexalloy 5356 wire will anodize to a bright white color that matches the base metal much better. It is also the standard for marine repair. If you are fixing a pontoon, a hull, or a dock ladder, this wire has the corrosion resistance needed to stand up to salt and brackish water.

Remember to use 100% Argon gas and set your machine to DCEP. Clean your base metal thoroughly with a stainless steel brush dedicated to aluminum before you start an arc. The oxide layer on aluminum melts at a much higher temperature than the metal underneath, so good prep is key to avoiding soot and lack of fusion. With Nexalloy 5356, you get a strong, clean, and professional weld every time.

Additional Information
Aws Spec:ER5356
Brand:Nexalloy
Diameter:1.2mm (0.045")
Packaging:1 lb Spool
Weld Process:MIG (GMAW)
Polarity:DC
Position:All Position
Material Composition:Aluminum Magnesium Alloy (5% Mg)
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Tensile Strength:38,000 - 40,000 PSI (Typical)
Melting Range:1060°F - 1175°F
Anodizing Color Match:White (Excellent)
Packaging Description:1lb spool

INCLUDED

1 x 1lb Spool of Nexalloy ER5356 Aluminum MIG Wire (0.045" Diameter)

APPLICATIONS

Marine fabrication and repairs (boat hulls, pontoons, docks)
Automotive components (bumpers, frames, panels)
Storage tanks and pressure vessels
Architectural structures requiring anodizing
General structural aluminum fabrication
Bicycle frames and aerospace components

FAQ

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

It is highly recommended to use a spool gun or a push-pull gun for aluminum wire. Standard MIG guns with long liners often cause friction and 'bird-nesting' because aluminum wire is soft. If you must use a standard gun, use a Teflon liner and keep the cable as straight as possible.

5356 (Al-Mg) is stronger, has higher shear strength, and matches the color of the base metal better after anodizing. 4043 (Al-Si) flows better, is less sensitive to weld cracking, and produces a smoother bead but turns dark when anodized. 5356 is preferred for structural and marine use.

Yes, Nexalloy 5356 is specifically formulated with magnesium and trace elements to provide excellent corrosion resistance, making it the ideal choice for marine environments and saltwater exposure.

MIG welding with aluminum wire requires Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP), also known as Reverse Polarity.

This is a standard 4-inch diameter spool with a standard arbor hole. It fits almost all spool guns and smaller MIG welders designed to accept 1lb or 2lb spools.

For thin to medium materials, preheating is generally not required and can degrade mechanical properties. For very thick sections, a mild preheat of 150°F - 200°F may help reduce thermal shock and improve fusion.

0.045" wire is thicker than the common 0.030" or 0.035". It carries more current and deposits metal faster, making it better for welding material 1/8" thick and up. It is also stiffer, which helps it feed better through the gun.