Lincoln Electric SuperGlaze ER5356 in the 20 × 1 lb plastic mini-spool format (ED030312) is purpose-built for spool gun welding, especially compact units like the Lincoln Magnum Pro 100SG and similar short-body spool guns. Classified AWS A5.10/A5.10M ER5356, this 0.035 in (0.9 mm) wire delivers the same high-strength Al-Mg chemistry as the production 16 lb spool but in easily changeable 1 lb increments. Each carton ships 20 spools, eliminating partial-spool waste when switching aluminum alloys on multi-process workstations. ER5356 provides ≥ 290 MPa (42,000 psi) tensile strength in the as-welded condition — the strongest standard aluminum filler wire in the AWS A5.10 classification set. WeldingMart is an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor. See the full welding wire collection or compare formats below.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | ER5356 per AWS A5.10/A5.10M |
| Lincoln Part Number | ED030312 |
| Wire Diameter | 0.035 in (0.9 mm) |
| Package | 20 × 1 lb (0.45 kg) plastic mini-spools |
| Spool Diameter | 4 in (100 mm) |
| 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% |
| Welding Process | GMAW (MIG), compact spool gun |
| Conformances | AWS A5.10/A5.10M, ASME SFA-5.10 |
The 1 lb mini-spool format is especially advantageous in these situations:
- Marine repair and service: Dockside repairs on 5xxx-series aluminum hulls, outboards, and marine hardware where frequent alloy changes (4043 vs. 5356) are common — mini-spools eliminate partial-spool storage issues.
- Trailer and RV manufacturing: Tight-quarter welds on extruded aluminum frames and thin 0.060–0.090 in sheet where a compact spool gun outperforms a full push-pull setup.
- Automotive restoration and custom fabrication: Body panels, gas tanks, and brackets in 5052-H32 or 6061-T6 requiring color-matched anodizing after welding.
- Agricultural equipment: Grain bins, irrigation components, and implement frames in 5052 or 5083 alloy.
- Multi-alloy shops: Job shops switching between aluminum alloys (4043 for cast repair, 5356 for structural) benefit from 1 lb spools that minimize alloy cross-contamination.
- Field service and maintenance: Portable spool gun repairs on aluminum equipment where carrying a 16 lb spool is impractical.
The 4-inch plastic mini-spools are compatible with all standard compact spool gun hubs. Key setup notes for 0.035 in ER5356:
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Drive Roll Type | U-groove (concave) aluminum-specific |
| Drive Roll Pressure | Light — just enough to feed; over-tightening shaves wire |
| Contact Tip Bore | 0.040 in (slightly oversized vs. wire diameter) |
| Liner Material | Nylon or Teflon — no steel liners |
| Gas Flow (100% Ar) | 20–25 CFH at gun; check for drafts in shop |
| Gun Angle | Push angle (forehand) 10–15° push direction |
| Inductance | Softer arc setting reduces spatter on thin aluminum |
Aluminum wire requires scrupulously clean base metal. Wipe with acetone, then brush with a dedicated stainless steel brush (not used on other metals). Oxidation on the base metal surface is the leading cause of porosity in aluminum MIG welds. Source: Lincoln Electric Aluminum Welding Technical Guidance.
ER5356 requires DCEP (electrode positive). Parameters for 0.035 in wire in spool gun applications:
| Material Thickness | WFS (in/min) | Voltage (V) | Amperage | Shielding Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.062 in (1.6 mm) | 180–240 | 17–19 | 80–110 A | 100% Ar, 20 CFH |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 260–330 | 19–21 | 110–150 A | 100% Ar, 22 CFH |
| 3/16 in (4.8 mm) | 330–420 | 21–23 | 145–190 A | 100% Ar, 25 CFH |
- What spool guns work with the ER5356 1 lb mini-spools?
- The 4-inch plastic mini-spools in ED030312 are compatible with Lincoln Magnum Pro 100SG, Lincoln Magnum SG, and most other compact spool guns that accept standard 4-inch aluminum wire spools.
- Is ER5356 stronger than ER4043 for aluminum welding?
- Yes. ER5356 delivers ≥ 290 MPa (42,000 psi) tensile strength as-welded — roughly 75% stronger than ER4043 at ≥ 165 MPa (24,000 psi). For structural aluminum joints (marine, trailers, frames), ER5356 is the correct choice.
- Why does aluminum MIG wire bird-nest in the feeder?
- Bird-nesting is caused by excessive drive roll pressure, a kinked or steel-lined conduit, an undersized contact tip, or a cable loop in the gun. Use U-groove drive rolls, Teflon/nylon liners, and slightly oversized aluminum contact tips (0.040 in for 0.035 in wire).
- What is the best gas for aluminum MIG welding with ER5356?
- 100% argon is standard for most 0.035 in ER5356 work at 20–25 CFH. For material ≥ 1/4 in, use 75/25 argon/helium at 25–35 CFH for additional heat input. Never use CO2 or Ar/CO2 blends with aluminum wire.
- How many welds can I get from one 1 lb spool of 0.035 in ER5356?
- One 1 lb spool (≈ 375 ft of wire) provides roughly 15–18 minutes of arc time at typical spool-gun parameters. For production runs, the 16 lb spool format (ED028385) is more economical.
Related products: SuperGlaze ER5356 0.035 in, 16 lb spool (ED028385) | SuperGlaze ER5356 3/64 in, 20 lb spool (ED030282) | All Welding Wire