ER5183 Aluminum Welding Wire
ER5183 is a higher-magnesium Al-Mg welding wire that develops high joint strength in the as-welded condition, with no post-weld heat treatment required, and offers good resistance to seawater and salt-spray corrosion. When the base metal is a high-magnesium alloy such as 5083 and the joint calls for greater strength, ER5183 is an appropriate choice. TGM stocks all five grades and provides selection guidance.
ER5183 is a solid aluminum-magnesium (5xxx) welding wire with approximately 4.3–5.2% magnesium. The higher magnesium content yields a higher-strength joint in the as-welded condition (no heat treatment required), placing it among the stronger common Al-Mg wires while providing good resistance to seawater and salt-spray corrosion. When the base metal is a high-magnesium 5xxx alloy and the joint requires greater strength than ER5356, ER5183 is the appropriate choice. It is suitable for both TIG and MIG processes, with good weld-metal toughness and low cracking susceptibility, and feeds reliably whether fed by hand or by machine — common in shipbuilding, tanks and heavy-duty structures. Companion grades such as ER4043 and ER5356 are all held in stock at TGM for convenient resupply.
Specifications
| Classification | AWS A5.10 (ER5183) |
| Alloy system | Al-Mg |
| Diameters | 1.2 / 1.6 / 2.0 mm |
| Packaging | Layer-wound spool (tangle-free payoff) |
| Process | TIG / MIG |
Mechanical (typical)
| UTS (as-welded) | ~290 MPa |
| Elongation | ~17% |
| Highlight | Higher strength among high-Mg grades; marine / seawater |
Chemical composition (AWS A5.10)
| Element | Content % |
|---|---|
| Si | 0.40 |
| Fe | 0.40 |
| Cu | 0.10 |
| Mn | 0.50–1.0 |
| Mg | 4.3–5.2 |
| Cr | 0.05–0.25 |
| Zn | 0.25 |
| Ti | 0.15 |
| Be | 0.0003 |
| Al | Remainder |
Chemical composition conforms to the AWS A5.10 ranges; mechanical properties are typical values, and each batch is supplied with measured data and its certificate for ready verification.
Why pick it
- Higher magnesium content (≈4.3–5.2% Mg) develops a higher-strength joint in the as-welded condition with no post-weld heat treatment — among the stronger common Al-Mg wires, and one fewer process step.
- Resistant to seawater and salt-spray corrosion, with good durability under ordinary outdoor exposure and long-term damp, high-salinity service conditions.
- Good weld-metal toughness and ductility with low hot-cracking susceptibility, giving a stable welding process suited to a range of operators.
- Manganese (Mn) and chromium (Cr) refine the grain and stabilize the structure, further improving strength and corrosion resistance.
- Suitable for both TIG and MIG; the wire surface is clean, the payoff is smooth and feeding is stable, reducing jams and downtime whether fed by hand or by machine.
- As a non-heat-treatable alloy, long-term service temperature is recommended to stay below about 65 °C to avoid sensitization over extended service — a point we advise on during selection.
Where it's used
- Hulls, decks and superstructures of ships and yachts — components with prolonged water contact and higher joint-strength requirements.
- Welds on storage tanks, vessels and cold-storage equipment where the joint must meet strength requirements.
- Dock fittings, outdoor platforms and structural parts subject to long-term salt-spray exposure.
- Aluminum structures in bridges, vehicles and heavy machinery with higher joint-strength requirements.
Which base metal to match
ER5183 pairs best with high-magnesium 5xxx alloys such as 5083, 5086 and 5456, and may also be used on 5052 where a higher-strength joint is required. As a general rule, when the base metal demands greater strength and corrosion resistance than ER5356 provides, ER5183 is the preferred choice. If you have questions on selection, please share the base-metal grade and service conditions and contact our technical team.
For a more complete base-metal pairing table and WPS guidance, please refer to our selection guide; you are also welcome to contact our technical team directly.
Other grades
ER4043
The most widely used Al-Si wire — good weld-pool fluidity and low cracking tendency, suited to most general welding.
Learn more → Al-Si · High-SiER4047
Higher silicon, lower melting point and good flow — suited to brazing and gap filling.
Learn more → Al-Mg · GeneralER5356
The most common Al-Mg wire — balanced strength and corrosion resistance, a sound first choice.
Learn more → Al-Mg · Heat-tolerantER5554
Medium-Mg, matched to 5454 base metal — designed for sustained elevated-temperature service, avoiding the sensitization tendency of high-Mg welds.
Learn more →Want a quote or sample for ER5183?
Please provide the diameter, quantity and application. We supply from stock with stable lead times, offer selection guidance, include a certificate with the quote, and are available to discuss on-site welding.
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