Lincoln Electric SuperGlaze ER4043 in 1/16 in (1.6 mm) diameter on a 20 lb spool (ED030281) is engineered for high-deposition MIG welding of thick aluminum sections and cast aluminum repair. Classified AWS A5.10/A5.10M ER4043, this silicon-alloyed filler wire (approximately 5% Si) produces fluid, crack-resistant welds on 6xxx-series wrought alloys and virtually all aluminum casting alloys. The 1/16 in diameter allows higher current operation with improved deposition rates compared to 3/64 in wire, making it efficient for single-pass and multi-pass welds on 3/8 in (9.5 mm) and heavier aluminum. ER4043 is the most widely specified aluminum filler metal for general-purpose GMAW applications where post-weld anodizing will produce a bright silver appearance. WeldingMart is an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor. Browse the full welding wire catalog.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | ER4043 per AWS A5.10/A5.10M |
| Lincoln Part Number | ED030281 |
| Wire Diameter | 1/16 in (1.6 mm) |
| Spool Weight | 20 lb (9.1 kg) |
| Base Alloy Series | 4xxx (Al-Si) |
| Silicon Content | 4.5–6.0% Si |
| Copper Content | ≤ 0.30% Cu |
| Polarity | DCEP (electrode positive) |
| Shielding Gas | 100% Argon or Argon/Helium blend |
| Tensile Strength (as-welded) | ≥ 165 MPa (24,000 psi) |
| Elongation | ≥ 18% |
| Anodizing Color | Gray/light silver (not color-matched to 5xxx) |
| Welding Process | GMAW (MIG), push-pull, spool gun |
| Conformances | AWS A5.10/A5.10M, ASME SFA-5.10 |
- Automotive casting repair: Aluminum cylinder heads, intake manifolds, and transmission cases (primarily 356, A356 casting alloys) where low-cracking filler is required.
- Structural 6xxx-series welding: 6061-T6 architectural extrusions, window frames, curtain wall systems, and marine deck hardware where appearance and minimal distortion are priorities.
- Transportation: bus and truck bodies: Thick 6xxx-series extrusion frames in transit bus bodies and truck cab panels — 1/16 in diameter enables efficient multi-pass joints on 3/8 in and heavier sections.
- Aerospace tooling and jigs: Ground support equipment, engine test stands, and machining fixtures in 6061-T651 where dimensional stability after welding is required.
- Thin-wall pressure vessels: Alloy 6061 ASME Section IX pressure vessels at ambient temperature — ER4043 provides lower residual stress than 5xxx fillers in the T-joint configuration.
- Die casting repair: Restoration of aluminum die cast tooling and production parts in A380 and 383 alloys where ER4047 is not available.
The 1/16 in diameter is the largest common aluminum wire size for GMAW. It runs at significantly higher amperage than 3/64 in, improving productivity on thick sections:
| Comparison Factor | 3/64 in ER4043 | 1/16 in ER4043 (this product) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Current Range | 140–250 A | 200–350+ A |
| Deposition Rate | 4–7 lb/hr | 6–12 lb/hr |
| Minimum Material Thickness | 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 3/16 in (4.8 mm) |
| Passes on 3/8 in groove | 2–3 passes | 1–2 passes |
| Spray Arc Transfer | Yes, at ≥ 190 A | Yes, at ≥ 250 A |
For 1/16 in aluminum wire, a push-pull system is strongly recommended — the heavier wire still benefits from the synchronized push-pull drive to maintain consistent feed over long cables. Use the Lincoln Power MIG 350MP or Power MIG 360MP One-Pak systems. Source: Lincoln Electric SuperGlaze Aluminum MIG Wire.
ER4043 requires DCEP (electrode positive). Spray arc transfer is standard above 250 A with pure argon shielding:
| Material Thickness | WFS (in/min) | Voltage (V) | Amperage | Shielding Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/16 in (4.8 mm) | 220–280 | 22–24 | 200–245 A | 100% Ar, 30 CFH |
| 1/4 in (6.4 mm) | 270–340 | 24–26 | 240–290 A | 100% Ar, 35 CFH |
| 3/8 in (9.5 mm) | 320–400 | 25–27 | 275–330 A | 75/25 Ar/He, 35 CFH |
| 1/2 in (12.7 mm) | 370–450 | 26–28 | 310–370 A | 75/25 Ar/He, 40 CFH |
- When should I use 1/16 in ER4043 instead of 3/64 in?
- Use 1/16 in ER4043 for aluminum 3/16 in or thicker when maximum deposition rate and fewer passes are priorities. Requires ≥ 200 A minimum current for proper spray arc transfer.
- What is ER4043 best used for in aluminum MIG welding?
- ER4043 excels for 6xxx-series alloy welding, casting repair (356, A356, 380), and joints where lower residual stress and crack resistance are priorities. Anodizes gray/silver rather than color-matched to 5xxx base metals.
- Can I use ER4043 on 5052 or 5083 aluminum?
- Not recommended for strength-critical 5xxx-series joints — use ER5356 instead. ER4043 can cause reduced ductility due to Mg₂Si formation in 5xxx welds.
- Does ER4043 anodize the same color as 6061 base metal?
- No. ER4043 (5% Si) turns dark gray after anodizing. For color-matched anodizing, use ER5356 which anodizes clear on both 5xxx and 6xxx base metals.
- What is the AWS classification for Lincoln SuperGlaze 4043?
- ER4043 per AWS A5.10/A5.10M and ASME SFA-5.10. The 4043 designation indicates the aluminum-silicon alloy with approximately 5% silicon content.
Related products: SuperGlaze ER4043 0.030 in, 20×1 lb spools (ED030307) | SuperGlaze ER5356 3/64 in, 20 lb (ED030282) | All Welding Wire