Lincoln Electric SuperGlaze ER5356 in 3/64 in (1.2 mm) diameter on a 20 lb spool (ED030282) is the preferred wire size for MIG welding aluminum sections from 3/16 in (4.8 mm) through 3/8 in (9.5 mm) plate and structural extrusions. Classified AWS A5.10/A5.10M ER5356, this wire's 5% magnesium chemistry provides as-welded tensile strength ≥ 290 MPa (42,000 psi), superior saltwater corrosion resistance, and excellent weld bead appearance on 5xxx-series base metals. The 3/64 in diameter runs at higher deposition rates than 0.035 in wire, improving productivity on medium-thickness aluminum without sacrificing arc control. WeldingMart ships this product as an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor. See the full welding wire catalog.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | ER5356 per AWS A5.10/A5.10M |
| Lincoln Part Number | ED030282 |
| Wire Diameter | 3/64 in (1.2 mm) |
| Spool Weight | 20 lb (9.1 kg) |
| 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 Response | Clear (color match to 5xxx base metals) |
| Welding Process | GMAW (MIG), push-pull, spool gun |
| Conformances | AWS A5.10/A5.10M, ASME SFA-5.10 |
- Structural marine fabrication: Boat hulls, bulkheads, and deck structures in 5083 or 5086 alloy (> 3/16 in) where ER5356's higher strength and salt-spray resistance are required by DNVGL or USCG specifications.
- Heavy trailer and tanker manufacturing: Tank truck bodies, chemical transport tankers, and flatbed frames in 5052-H32 or 5083-H111 extrusions and plate.
- Aerospace support structures: Ground support equipment, tooling fixtures, and non-pressure aluminum assemblies per AMS 4190.
- Recreational vehicle (RV) assembly: Frame members, subframes, and roof bows in 6061-T6 extrusions — 3/64 in runs efficiently on thick extrusion walls without overheating thin skins.
- Pressure vessel and cryogenic applications: ASME Section IX qualified procedure support for 5083 aluminum pressure vessels at ambient and cryogenic temperatures.
- Military vehicle armor: Secondary structural components in 5083 armor alloy where weld strength must approach base metal yield strength.
The 3/64 in (1.2 mm) diameter is the most common industrial aluminum MIG wire size. It feeds reliably in both spool gun and push-pull configurations:
| System | Cable Length | Deposition Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Push-Pull Gun (Lincoln Power MIG 350MP/360MP) | Up to 50 ft (15 m) | 4–8 lb/hr | Best for production; consistent feed over long cables |
| Spool Gun (Lincoln Magnum Pro 250LX) | Up to 25 ft (8 m) | 4–7 lb/hr | Portable, reliable in shop repair environments |
| Standard Push Feeder (short conduit) | ≤ 8 ft (2.4 m) | 4–7 lb/hr | Requires U-groove aluminum drive rolls (KP1695-3/64A) |
Run 100% argon at 25–30 CFH for 3/64 in wire on material up to 1/4 in. For material from 3/8 to 1/2 in, switch to 75/25 Ar/He to boost heat input and fusion. Lincoln's push-pull system (Power MIG 350MP or 360MP One-Pak) is the recommended production choice for 3/64 in aluminum wire at high-duty-cycle operations. Source: Lincoln Electric SuperGlaze Product Family.
Run ER5356 on DCEP (electrode positive). Oxide cleaning action breaks the aluminum oxide layer, enabling proper fusion:
| Material Thickness | WFS (in/min) | Voltage (V) | Amperage | Shielding Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 200–270 | 19–21 | 130–170 A | 100% Ar, 25 CFH |
| 3/16 in (4.8 mm) | 270–340 | 21–23 | 165–210 A | 100% Ar, 28 CFH |
| 1/4 in (6.4 mm) | 320–400 | 22–24 | 195–245 A | 75/25 Ar/He, 30 CFH |
| 3/8 in (9.5 mm) | 380–460 | 24–26 | 230–280 A | 75/25 Ar/He, 35 CFH |
- When should I use 3/64 in aluminum wire instead of 0.035 in?
- Use 3/64 in ER5356 for aluminum 3/16 in or thicker. The larger diameter carries higher current and deposits more filler per pass. For thinner material, 0.035 in gives better arc control.
- What drive rolls do I need for 3/64 in aluminum wire?
- Use U-groove aluminum drive rolls — Lincoln KP1695-3/64A for Power MIG machines. V-groove rolls crush soft aluminum wire and cause feeding irregularities.
- What is the best shielding gas for 3/64 in ER5356 on thick aluminum?
- 100% argon at 25–30 CFH for material up to 1/4 in. For 3/8 in and thicker, use 75/25 argon/helium at 30–35 CFH for additional heat input.
- Can ER5356 be used to weld 6061-T6 aluminum?
- Yes. ER5356 is compatible with 6061-T6 and provides a good anodizing color match. For maximum crack resistance, ER4043 may be preferred. Consult AWS D1.2 for filler metal qualification.
- Does ER5356 meet AMS specifications for aerospace applications?
- Lincoln SuperGlaze ER5356 conforms to AWS A5.10/A5.10M, ASME SFA-5.10, and AMS 4190. Verify lot certifications with your supplier for traceability-required aerospace work.
Related products: SuperGlaze ER5356 0.035 in, 16 lb (ED028385) | SuperGlaze ER4043 1/16 in, 20 lb (ED030281) | All Welding Wire