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535633236C - Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum TIG Welding Rod - 3/32 Inch (2.4mm) - 10lb Tube

Packaging: 10lb tube
$14.12/lb $88.30/10lb tube only $8.83/lbSave 37%

In stock

OVERVIEW

Performance and Usability for the Professional Welder

When you are fabricating aluminum components that need to stand up to the elements or carry a heavy load, Nexalloy 5356 is your go-to TIG rod. This 3/32" filler metal is stiff enough to feed easily through your fingers without bending uncontrollably, giving you precise control over the puddle. If you are used to the soft, fluid feel of 4043, you will notice that 5356 is slightly more sluggish but offers much higher column strength, which is great for feeding into tight corners or overhead joints.

The real payoff with this rod comes after the weld is done. If you are building boat towers, railings, or truck boxes that will be exposed to road salt or sea spray, this rod won't corrode out like softer alloys might. It is also the only choice if your customer plans to anodize the part later—it won't turn that ugly charcoal gray color. The arc stability is excellent when used with pure Argon or an Argon/Helium mix on AC power. Just remember to clean your base material thoroughly with a stainless steel brush before striking an arc, as 5356 is sensitive to surface contaminants.

This 10lb package is perfect for job shops handling medium-to-large projects. The rods are clean, straight, and stamped or tagged for easy identification, ensuring you never mix up your alloys on a critical code job. Whether you are welding 6061 structural frames or 5052 sheet metal, Nexalloy 5356 gives you the strength and finish professional fabricators demand.

Additional Information
Aws Spec:ER5356
Brand:Nexalloy
Diameter:2.5mm (3/32")
Packaging:10 lb Tube
Weld Process:TIG (GTAW)
Polarity:AC
Position:All Position
Material Composition:Aluminum Magnesium Alloy
Alloy Type:5356
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
Tensile Strength:39,000 psi (Typical)
Rod Length:36 inches
Packaging Description:10lb tube

INCLUDED

  • 10 lb Tube of Nexalloy 5356 Aluminum TIG Rods (3/32" Diameter)
  • Product Label with Heat Number/Lot Traceability

APPLICATIONS

  • Marine Fabrication: Boat hulls, pontoons, railings, and superstructures exposed to saltwater.
  • Automotive Components: Truck bumpers, trailers, and structural frames.
  • Architectural Structures: Anodized window frames, bicycle frames, and decorative aluminum work.
  • Pressure Vessels: Storage tanks and cryogenic vessels requiring high ductility.
  • General Repair: Maintenance welding on 5000-series magnesium-aluminum alloys.

FAQ

5356 contains magnesium, making it stronger and more corrosion-resistant, especially in saltwater. It also color-matches well when anodized. 4043 contains silicon, flows more easily (wets out better), and is less sensitive to cracking but is softer and turns gray when anodized.

Yes, 5356 is commonly used to weld 6061 base metals, especially when higher tensile strength is required or if the part will be anodized. However, for applications requiring sustained high temperatures (above 150°F), 4043 or 5554 might be preferred to avoid stress corrosion cracking.

100% Argon is the standard shielding gas for TIG welding with this rod. For thicker sections (above 1/2 inch), an Argon/Helium mixture (e.g., 75% Ar / 25% He) can be used to increase heat input and penetration.

Yes, ER5356 is the preferred alloy for parts that will be anodized after welding. It anodizes to a color very similar to the base metal, whereas silicon-based alloys like 4043 will turn a dark gray or black.

These rods are 3/32 inch in diameter, which is approximately 2.4mm to 2.5mm. This is a versatile size suitable for welding material thicknesses ranging from roughly 1/8" to 1/4".

Aluminum filler metals should be stored in a clean, dry environment with a consistent temperature to prevent condensation. Keep the container closed when not in use to avoid dust and hydrocarbon contamination from the shop air.

Aluminum TIG welding is almost exclusively done using AC (Alternating Current) to provide the cleaning action necessary to break up the aluminum oxide layer. DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative) is rarely used unless you have specialized helium setups for very thick material.

CATALOGUE & SPEC SHEETS

Spec Sheet