535636416C - Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire 3/64" (0.045") - 16lb Spool

Name: Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire 3/64" (0.045") - 16lb Spool
Brand: Nexalloy
SKU: NEX535636416
Price: 156.48 CAD
Availability: InStock

Packaging: 16lb spool

$15.64/lb $156.48/16lb spool only $9.78/lbSave 37%

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SKU: NEX535636416 Categories: All Aluminum Mig & Tig Wires, Welding Wires and Electrodes

OVERVIEW

Reliable Aluminum Welding with Nexalloy 5356

When your project demands strength, durability, and a professional finish, Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire is the workhorse you need. Packaged in a substantial 16lb spool, this 3/64" (0.045") wire is designed for high-volume fabrication shops and serious welders who tackle structural aluminum projects. If you have ever struggled with the frustration of "bird-nesting"—where soft aluminum wire tangles at the drive rolls—you will appreciate the difference with 5356. Because it contains 5% magnesium, this wire is significantly stiffer than the softer 4043 alloy. This added column strength allows it to feed much more reliably through standard MIG guns, although using a spool gun or push-pull system is still the best practice for aluminum.

This wire is the top choice for welding on boats, trailers, ramps, and automotive parts. Why? Because it is tough and resists corrosion better than almost any other standard alloy. If you are repairing a pontoon boat or fabricating a custom aluminum bumper, Nexalloy 5356 ensures the weld won't fail when exposed to saltwater or road salts. It is compatible with a wide range of base metals, including 5050, 5052, 5083, 5356, 5454, and 5456. It also works well on 6061-T6 structural tubing, providing a weld deposit that is often stronger than the heat-affected zone of the base metal itself.

Visually, 5356 produces a clean, bright weld bead. If you plan to anodize your part after welding, this is the only wire you should use; it will match the color of your aluminum, whereas other wires will leave an ugly black scar. To get the best results, ensure your base metal is cleaned of all oxides using a stainless steel brush dedicated to aluminum, set your machine to DCEP, and use 100% Argon gas. With Nexalloy 5356, you get smoother feeding, stronger welds, and a better-looking finished product.

Additional Information
AWS Spec:ER5356
Brand:Nexalloy
Diameter:1.2mm (0.045")
Packaging:16 lb Spool
Weld Process:MIG (GMAW)
Polarity:DCEP
Position:All Position
Alloy:5356
Material:Aluminum
Shielding Gas:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Spool Size:12 in (300 mm)
Tensile Strength:38,000 psi (Typical)
Packaging Description:16lb spool

INCLUDED

1 x 16lb Spool of Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum MIG Wire (3/64" / 0.045" Diameter)

APPLICATIONS

Marine Fabrication: Boat hulls, pontoons, transoms, and docks due to saltwater resistance.
Automotive: Truck trailers, dump bodies, bumpers, and structural supports.
Structural: Architectural frames, bicycle frames, and storage tanks.
General Repair: Welding 5000 series and 6000 series aluminum alloys.
Pressure Vessels: Cryogenic tanks and piping systems.

FAQ

You should use 100% Argon for most applications. For thicker sections (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 tensile strength and ductility than 4043, although 4043 is sometimes preferred for 6061 if crack sensitivity is a major concern or service temps exceed 150°F.

In the context of aluminum welding wire, they are effectively the same size. 3/64 inch converts to 0.0468 inches. It is slightly larger than standard 0.045" steel wire, so you may need contact tips specifically marked for 3/64" or aluminum 0.045" to prevent seizing as the aluminum expands with heat.

ER4043 contains silicon, which turns dark gray or black during the anodizing process, creating a high-contrast, unsightly weld. ER5356 contains magnesium and very little silicon, allowing it to anodize to a white/clear color that matches the base aluminum closely.

A 16lb spool is typically too large for a standard spool gun (which takes 1lb or 2lb spools). This spool is designed for cabinet-mounted wire feeders. For aluminum, a push-pull gun system is recommended for 16lb spools to ensure consistent feeding without bird-nesting.

Aluminum wire can oxidize if left exposed to humidity. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original plastic packaging with desiccant when not in use. If oxidized, the wire may cause erratic arcs and porosity.

No. ER5356 should not be used for structural applications where the service temperature exceeds 150°F (65°C) because the 5% magnesium content makes it susceptible to stress corrosion cracking over time.

Always use U-groove drive rolls for aluminum wire. V-groove rolls (used for steel) will deform the soft aluminum wire and cause feeding issues or shaving generation.