5356 Aluminum
A 5000-series Al-Mg filler alloy, the common MIG wire for aluminum
Typical values for the temper in the title
5356 is mainly a welding wire alloy (ER5356 to AWS A5.10), with about 5% magnesium. It is the most common wire for MIG and TIG welding of 5000-series alloys, and also of 6061 and 6082 when a relatively strong joint is needed. The weld metal reaches a minimum tensile strength of about 290 MPa.
Unlike ER4043 (silicon based), 5356 weld metal is stronger and more ductile, more resistant in seawater, and stays light after anodizing. It is less fluid than 4043, and because of its high magnesium it is not suited to prolonged service at elevated temperature.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 290 MPa | minimum for weld metal (42 ksi) |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 71 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 2.64 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | — | relative rating in the site database |
Chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Mg magnesium | 4.5–5.5 | gives the strength |
| Mn manganese | 0.05–0.20 | |
| Cr chromium | 0.05–0.20 | |
| Ti titanium | 0.06–0.20 | refines the grains in the weld metal |
| Fe iron | max 0.40 | |
| Si silicon | max 0.25 | |
| Zn zinc | max 0.10 | |
| Cu copper | max 0.10 | |
| Be beryllium | max 0.0008 | limited in all filler wires |
| Al aluminum | balance |
Common tempers
5356 is sold mainly as welding wire and rod, so it has no "temper" in the usual sense.
| Temper | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| MIG wire | spools of various diameters | semi-automatic and robotic welding |
| TIG rod | straight rods | manual welding |
Applications
- Welding 5083, 5086, 5454 and 5052
- Welding 6061 and 6082 when a strong joint is needed
- Welded marine structures
- Welded parts that will be anodized
- Rivets and wire (in similar alloys)
Fabrication
When to choose 5356
For 5000-series alloys, marine structures and parts that will be anodized: the joint is strong, ductile and stays light.
When to choose another wire
ER4043: more fluid and less crack-sensitive in 6xxx, but weaker and turns gray when anodized. ER5183 or ER5556: when a stronger joint is needed in 5083 and 5456. ER5554: for hot service.
Feeding and storage
Soft compared with steel wire. For MIG, use drive rolls and a liner suited to aluminum, and keep the wire dry and clean.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4043 | 145 / 70 MPa | welding wire (filler) | silicon wire: more fluid, turns gray when anodized, and weaker · material page |
| 5456-H321 | 317 / 228 MPa | Excellent — ER5556 | a strong marine base metal, usually welded with ER5556 · material page |
| 5083-H111 | 275–350 / 125–200 MPa | Excellent — ER5356 | the common base metal welded with 5356 · material page |
Common mistakes
Welding for hot service with ER5356
The weld metal is rich in magnesium and becomes sensitized in heat. For hot service, use ER5554.
Welding 6061 that will be heat treated with ER5356
5356 weld metal does not strengthen in heat treatment. If the part will be taken to T6 after welding, choose a suitable wire (for example 4643).
Choosing ER4043 for a part that will be anodized
4043 weld metal turns gray and stands out. 5356 stays light.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| EN | 3.3556 |
|---|---|
| AWS | A5.10 ER5356 |
| ISO | 18273 |
| Standards | AWS A5.10 / ISO 18273 |
| Forms | MIG/TIG wire only |
| Producers | Hobart · Lincoln · ESAB · Böhler |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only. For design, rely on the standard and on the mill certificate. Sources: Aluminum Association (composition), ASM and MatWeb data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026