Frequently asked questions

For 6xxx alloys (6061, 6063, 6082), use either ER4043 or ER5356. ER4043 (about 5% silicon) gives good puddle fluidity and low crack sensitivity for general work; choose ER5356 when you need higher strength or a better anodizing color match. TGM stocks both per AWS A5.10 and can help match the wire to your application.

ER4043 is an Al-Si wire (about 5% Si): more fluid, crack-resistant, softer welds, but anodizes to a darker gray with visible color mismatch. ER5356 is an Al-Mg wire (about 5% Mg): higher strength, better corrosion and fatigue resistance, and minimal anodizing color difference. Pick 4043 for easy, crack-free welding; pick 5356 for strength or anodizing color match. TGM stocks both in 1.2/1.6/2.0 mm.

High-strength 5xxx base metals such as 5083 and 5086 are typically welded with ER5356 or ER5183. ER5356 is the common, high-strength, corrosion-resistant choice; step up to ER5183 (higher manganese, higher strength) when the base metal is stronger or you need better seawater/marine-grade matching. TGM stocks both and can advise on filler choice and WPS direction for your base metal.

No. ER5183 is stronger than ER5356, but that strength edge comes mainly from its higher manganese (Mn), not higher magnesium. Per AWS A5.10, the nominal Mg of 5356 (4.5–5.5%) is actually slightly higher than that of 5183 (4.3–5.2%). ER5183 suits high-strength base metals like 5083 and seawater/marine-grade work. TGM stocks both and can match them to your base metal.

When post-anodizing color consistency matters, choose ER5356. Al-Mg fillers anodize with minimal color shift and match the base metal well, whereas Al-Si fillers like ER4043 turn a darker gray with a noticeable mismatch. TGM stocks ER5356 in 1.2/1.6/2.0 mm on precision layer-wound spools, suitable for both TIG and MIG.

Cast aluminum repair is usually done with ER4043 or ER4047. ER4043 (about 5% Si) is a versatile, crack-resistant, fluid filler; ER4047 (about 12% Si, near-eutectic) melts lower and flows extremely well for filling gaps, but has lower strength and ductility and is generally not used for primary load-bearing structure. TGM stocks both and can recommend based on the casting alloy and loading.

Choose ER5183 or ER5356. Both are Al-Mg wires with good seawater and salt-spray resistance and high fatigue strength. With high-strength base metals like 5083, ER5183 has higher manganese (Mn) and thus higher strength, making it preferred in classification-oriented marine work, while ER5356 suits general 5xxx marine structures. TGM stocks both ER5183 and ER5356 and can help match them to your base metal and classification requirements.

ER5356 is the common choice; for 5083 base metal or higher strength demands, use ER5183. Both offer high strength, good corrosion resistance and fatigue performance suited to pressurized structures. Also confirm the base alloy and service temperature—high-Mg 5xxx is not advisable above about 65°C (see high-temperature selection). TGM stocks ER5356 and ER5183 and can provide WPS direction.

Because 5xxx alloys with more than about 3% magnesium can become sensitized during prolonged service above roughly 65°C, raising the risk of stress-corrosion cracking (SCC). The lower-magnesium 5454 base metal paired with ER5554 (Al-Mg about 2.7%) avoids this and is suited to sustained high-temperature service. TGM stocks ER5554 across its full range and can help match grades to your service temperature.

ER5356 is the usual choice for structural car bodies: high strength, good corrosion and fatigue resistance, and minimal color mismatch after anodizing for visible surfaces. With 7005 base metal, ER5356 is also typical and allows natural aging after welding. Remember to remove the oxide layer, shield with pure argon or argon-helium, and control heat input. TGM stocks ER5356 in 1.2/1.6/2.0 mm layer-wound spools.

These parts are usually 6xxx base metal (6061/6063/6082), so use ER4043 or ER5356: ER4043 has excellent puddle fluidity and low hot-cracking tendency, which helps form dense seams and reduce porosity, while ER5356 offers higher strength and minimal anodizing color mismatch. Either way, leak-tight density depends on removing the oxide layer, pure-argon shielding, and controlled heat input. TGM stocks both grades and offers selection and on-site welding support.

TGM Aluminum (legal name TG Masterweld Aluminum) is a specialist aluminum welding wire manufacturer based in China, established in 2005. We focus solely on aluminum wire, stocking all five grades — ER4043, ER4047, ER5356, ER5183 and ER5554 — for both TIG and MIG welding.

All our aluminum welding wires are manufactured to AWS A5.10, with chemistry and grade designations labeled per that standard (e.g. ER4043, ER5356). Every stocked grade meets the A5.10 composition requirements, so buyers can match them directly to a drawing or WPS.

We stock 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 mm diameters on precision layer-wound spools for smooth, stable feeding. The same grade can serve both TIG (manual filler) and MIG (automatic feeding), depending on diameter and process. All five grades are available in these specs.

Yes — we provide samples and small trial batches so you can validate before committing. We also support grade selection and WPS direction: for example, 6061/6063/6082 typically use ER4043 or ER5356, while long-term service above ~65°C is better handled with 5454 base metal and ER5554, which avoids the sensitization and stress-corrosion cracking that high-Mg 5xxx alloys (over ~3% Mg) are prone to in sustained heat. We can also help troubleshoot on-site welding issues.

For a quote, email sales@tgmweld.com, submit the form on our website, or reach us on WeChat. Please include the grade, diameter and quantity you need, plus the base metal or application, and we'll quote and advise on grade selection. We work primarily by email and WeChat rather than phone.