Lincoln Electric SuperGlaze ER5356 is the most widely used aluminum MIG welding wire in North America, classified under AWS A5.10/A5.10M ER5356. This 0.035 in (0.9 mm) diameter wire ships on a 16 lb steel spool (ED028385) engineered for direct loading onto standard MIG push-pull systems, spool guns, and push-type feeders equipped with aluminum-compatible drive rolls. ER5356 delivers tensile strength of approximately 290 MPa (42,000 psi) in the as-welded condition, making it the preferred alloy for structural aluminum joints where ER4043's lower strength is inadequate. As an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor, WeldingMart ships ED028385 factory-fresh from Lincoln's supply chain. Browse the full welding wire catalog or compare sibling alloys below.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | ER5356 per AWS A5.10/A5.10M |
| Lincoln Part Number | ED028385 |
| Wire Diameter | 0.035 in (0.9 mm) |
| Spool Weight | 16 lb (7.3 kg) |
| Spool Type | Steel spool |
| Base Alloy Series | 5xxx (Al-Mg) |
| Magnesium Content | 4.5–5.5% Mg |
| Chromium Content | 0.05–0.20% Cr |
| Polarity | DCEP (electrode positive) |
| Shielding Gas | 100% Argon or Argon/Helium blend |
| Tensile Strength (as-welded) | ≥ 290 MPa (42,000 psi) |
| Elongation | ≥ 17% |
| Anodizing Color | Clear (good color match to 5xxx base) |
| Welding Process | GMAW (MIG), spool gun, push-pull |
| Conformances | AWS A5.10/A5.10M, ASME SFA-5.10 |
ER5356 is the go-to alloy when weld joints must match the strength and corrosion resistance of 5xxx-series base metals:
- Marine fabrication: Boat hulls, outriggers, aluminum fuel tanks, and offshore structural frames where 5xxx-series saltwater resistance is critical.
- Transportation and trailer manufacturing: Flatbed trailers, tank trucks, and recreational vehicles built from 5052, 5083, or 5086 alloy sheet and extrusions.
- Structural components: Aluminum pressure vessels, architectural panels, and construction profiles requiring higher weld strength than ER4043 provides.
- Automotive aftermarket: Roll cages, chassis components, and performance parts in 5052-H32 or 6061-T6 where post-weld anodizing is needed.
- Military and defense: Armored vehicle panels and aerospace support structures per MIL-W-22397 and AMS 4190 specifications.
- General fabrication: Handrails, ladders, frames, and enclosures built from 5005, 5052, 5083, or 5086 sheet and plate.
Note: ER5356 is not suitable for welding 2xxx or 7xxx-series alloys (susceptible to stress corrosion cracking), and should not be used in sustained-temperature service above 150 °F (65 °C).
Feeding soft aluminum wire without bird-nesting or burnback requires the right equipment for the cable run length and production environment:
| System | Cable Reach | Best For | Compatible Lincoln Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spool Gun | Up to 25 ft (8 m) | Short runs, spot repairs, garage/shop | Magnum Pro 100SG, Magnum SG |
| Push-Pull Gun | Up to 50 ft (15 m) | Production lines, large assemblies | Power MIG 350MP One-Pak, Power MIG 360MP |
| Standard Push Feeder | Up to 10 ft (3 m) | Short bench work only | Requires U-groove aluminum drive rolls (KP654-035A) |
Use 100% argon shielding gas at 20–25 CFH for 0.035 in wire. Increase to 25–35 CFH with argon/helium (75/25 Ar/He) for thicker material ≥ 1/4 in (6.4 mm) to improve heat input and penetration profile. Keep cable liners clean and lubricated; replace contact tips designed for aluminum (oversized bore) to reduce burnback. Source: Lincoln Electric Aluminum MIG Welding Guide.
ER5356 runs exclusively on DCEP (electrode positive, reverse polarity). The cathode cleaning action of DCEP breaks up the aluminum oxide layer on the workpiece surface, which is essential for sound fusion.
| Diameter | Material Thickness | WFS (in/min) | Voltage (V) | Approx. Amperage | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.035 in | 1/16–3/32 in (1.6–2.4 mm) | 200–280 | 18–20 | 90–130 A | 100% Ar, 20 CFH |
| 0.035 in | 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 280–360 | 19–21 | 120–160 A | 100% Ar, 22 CFH |
| 0.035 in | 3/16 in (4.8 mm) | 350–450 | 21–23 | 150–200 A | 100% Ar or 75/25 Ar/He, 25 CFH |
- What shielding gas should I use with ER5356 aluminum MIG wire?
- Use 100% argon at 20–25 CFH for most 0.035 in ER5356 applications. For material thicker than 1/4 in or when welding with push-pull at higher travel speeds, add helium: a 75/25 argon/helium blend increases heat input and reduces porosity risk on thick sections. Never use CO2 or argon/CO2 blends with aluminum wire.
- What is the difference between ER4043 and ER5356 for aluminum MIG welding?
- ER4043 (AWS A5.10) is a silicon-based alloy (5% Si) that runs cooler, is crack-resistant, and produces bright anodized welds — ideal for 6xxx-series alloys and automotive work. ER5356 (5% Mg) is stronger (290 MPa vs. 165 MPa as-welded), more ductile, and better matched to 5xxx-series marine and structural alloys. ER5356 should not be used on 2xxx or 7xxx alloys.
- Can I use ER5356 in a standard MIG gun or do I need a spool gun?
- For cable runs up to 10 ft, a push-type MIG gun with a clean Teflon-lined cable and aluminum-specific U-groove drive rolls can work with 0.035 in wire. For longer cable runs, use a spool gun (Lincoln Magnum Pro 100SG) or push-pull system to prevent bird-nesting.
- What base metals is ER5356 compatible with?
- ER5356 is compatible with 5xxx-series alloys (5052, 5083, 5086, 5454) and most 6xxx-series alloys (6061, 6063, 6082). Avoid using ER5356 on 2xxx or 7xxx alloys.
- What is the AWS classification for Lincoln SuperGlaze 5356?
- Lincoln SuperGlaze 5356 is classified ER5356 per AWS A5.10/A5.10M and ASME SFA-5.10.
- What is the difference between the 16 lb spool and the 20×1 lb multi-pack for ER5356?
- The 16 lb steel spool (ED028385) is best for production welding with spool guns or push-pull systems. The 20×1 lb plastic mini-spool packs (ED030312) suit compact spool guns where frequent alloy changes are needed. Both carry the same ER5356 wire chemistry.
Related products: SuperGlaze ER5356 0.035 in, 20×1 lb mini-spools (ED030312) | SuperGlaze ER4043 MIG Wire (family hub) | All Welding Wire