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404333236C - Nexalloy 4043 Aluminum TIG Welding Rod - 2.5mm x 36" - 10 lb Tube

Packaging: 10lb tube
$13.32/lb $83.30/10lb tube only $8.33/lbSave 37%

In stock

OVERVIEW

Smooth Flowing 4043 TIG Rods for Professional Results

Take the frustration out of aluminum TIG welding with Nexalloy 4043 Aluminum TIG Rods. Known in the industry for their "butter-like" flow, these rods are the go-to filler metal for welders working on automotive parts, bicycle frames, and general aluminum repairs. If you are welding 6061 aluminum—the most common aluminum alloy used in fabrication—this ER4043 rod is your best friend. The addition of silicon to the alloy makes the puddle more fluid, allowing it to wet out smoothly at the toes of the weld. This means you get a flatter, more aesthetically pleasing bead profile with less effort.

The 2.5mm diameter is a versatile size, sitting comfortably between the standard 3/32" and 1/8" sizes, giving you excellent control on material thicknesses ranging from 1/8" up to 1/4". Whether you are building custom intake manifolds, repairing a cracked transmission housing, or fabricating aluminum furniture, this rod delivers consistent performance. The 36-inch length gives you plenty of material to run long beads without stopping to grab a new rod constantly, while the 10lb tube ensures you have enough stock for substantial projects.

One of the biggest challenges in aluminum welding is preventing cracks as the weld cools. Nexalloy 4043 is specifically formulated to resist hot cracking, making it a forgiving choice for both seasoned pros and those newer to aluminum TIG. It produces a shiny, bright weld that looks great right under the hood. However, keep in mind that if you plan to anodize your part after welding, 4043 will turn a dark gray color; for those specific cosmetic applications, you might look at 5356. But for general purpose strength, ease of use, and beautiful "dime-stacking" welds, Nexalloy 4043 is the industry standard.

These rods come clean and ready to weld. Aluminum is sensitive to contaminants, and Nexalloy ensures their filler metals are free from oils and oxides that cause porosity. Pair this with a clean base metal and pure Argon gas, and you will experience a stable arc and a clean puddle every time.

Additional Information
Brand:Nexalloy
Aws Spec:ER4043
Diameter:2.5mm (3/32")
Packaging:10 lb Tube
Weld Process:TIG (GTAW)
Polarity:AC
Position:All Position
Material Composition:Aluminum, 5% Silicon
Rod Length:36 inches
Alloy:4043
Tensile Strength:27,000 PSI (Typical)
Melting Range:1065°F - 1170°F
Packaging Description:10lb tube

INCLUDED

  • 10 lb Tube of Nexalloy 4043 Aluminum TIG Rods (2.5mm x 36")
  • Product Label with AWS Classification

APPLICATIONS

  • Welding 6000 series aluminum alloys (6061, 6063)
  • Automotive parts fabrication (intakes, intercoolers)
  • Bicycle frame repair and construction
  • General aluminum fabrication and structural work
  • Repair of 356.0 cast aluminum components
  • Aerospace and marine hardware (non-saltwater critical)

FAQ

4043 contains silicon, which makes it flow better and reduces crack sensitivity, making it ideal for 6000 series alloys. 5356 contains magnesium, offering higher tensile strength and better color matching for anodizing, but is more prone to cracking on some alloys.

You can, but the weld area will turn dark gray after the anodizing process due to the silicon content. If color matching is critical, ER5356 is recommended instead.

Aluminum TIG welding is performed using AC (Alternating Current) to provide the necessary cleaning action to break up the aluminum oxide layer.

It is very close but not identical. 3/32 inch is approximately 2.38mm. A 2.5mm rod is slightly thicker, providing slightly more filler metal per dip.

It is primarily used for welding 6xxx series alloys (like 6061, 6063), 3xxx series, and cast alloys like 43, 355, 356, and 214.

No, when TIG welding (GTAW) with argon shielding gas, no flux is required. The AC cleaning action of the welder removes the oxides.

100% Argon is the standard shielding gas for TIG welding aluminum with this rod. Helium mixtures can be used for thicker sections.

Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the tube closed when not in use to prevent dust, oil, and moisture contamination which can cause weld porosity.