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The AZZUNO ER5356 aluminum MIG wire is a 1 lb spool of 0.040 in. aluminum-magnesium filler wire for welding aluminum with a MIG setup. It is worth considering if you already run an aluminum-capable machine or spool gun and need 5356 filler for marine or structural-type repairs. Skip it if your machine is set up only for steel wire, because aluminum needs different gas, rolls and liner. This review is based on the Amazon listing and standard aluminum welding practice, not hands-on testing.
AZZUNO ER5356 Wire at a Glance
| Item | Per the listing |
|---|---|
| Alloy | ER5356 aluminum-magnesium (about 5% Mg) |
| Diameter | 0.040 in. (about 1.0 mm) |
| Spool weight | 1 lb |
| Process | MIG (GMAW), and usable for spool gun setups |
| Intended use | Marine and corrosion-resistant aluminum welds |
| Shielding gas | 100% argon is the usual choice for aluminum |
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What ER5356 Is and When to Choose It
ER5356 is one of the two most common aluminum MIG fillers, the other being ER4043. In general terms:
- ER5356 has higher strength, feeds a bit more stiffly and gives better color match after anodizing on 5xxx and 6xxx alloys. It is a popular marine choice.
- ER4043 flows more fluidly, is more crack-resistant on some 6xxx alloys and is common for general repairs.
Aluminum alloys differ, so the right filler depends on your base metal and service conditions. Do not use 5356 on parts that sit at high sustained temperatures, as magnesium-rich alloys can become prone to stress corrosion. Check the filler chart from the wire maker or an aluminum welding reference for your alloy.
How to Check This Wire Works With Your Machine
- Shielding gas. Aluminum MIG uses 100% argon. A steel mix such as 75/25 argon/CO2 is not suitable.
- Drive rolls. Use U-groove rolls for soft aluminum wire. V-knurled rolls crush it.
- Liner. Use a Teflon or nylon liner, and a contact tip sized for aluminum. A steel liner shaves wire and causes birdnesting.
- Wire size. This wire is 0.040 in. Check that your drive rolls, tip and liner match.
- Spool and gun. Aluminum is soft and jams easily in long guns. Many hobby machines use a spool gun to shorten the path. Check the spool size and arbor fit.
- Machine power. Aluminum conducts heat well and usually needs high amperage for the thickness. Check that your machine can handle your plate.
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Pros and Limitations
Pros
- 5356 is a widely used filler for corrosion-resistant aluminum welds.
- A 1 lb spool is easy to buy for small projects and spool guns.
- Good color match after anodizing for many 5xxx and 6xxx alloys.
Limitations
- 0.040 in. is not the most common hobby size, so setup may need new parts.
- Aluminum welding is less forgiving than steel and needs clean metal.
- Not for steel, and not for high-temperature service.
- Listing claims about support and performance are the seller’s; judge the wire by how it feeds and welds.
Technique and Safety Tips
- Clean the aluminum with a stainless brush used only on aluminum and wipe with solvent right before welding to remove oxide and oil.
- Use a push angle and keep the gun moving; travel speed is fast.
- Keep wire dry and sealed. Aluminum wire oxidizes and picks up moisture, which causes porosity.
- Do not grind aluminum on a wheel you also use for steel.
- Use a helmet with a suitable shade. Aluminum arcs are bright, and the glare can be harsher than on steel.
- Ventilate. Aluminum fume and the cleaning solvents require fresh air; never weld near degreasers that could form hazardous gases.
Alternatives and Related Guides
- Need a spool gun? See the Tooliom spool gun review, the WeldPro 130A aluminum spool gun review and the YesWelder 150A spool gun review.
- For steel instead, read the ER70S-6 MIG welding wire review.
- For drive rolls, see the MIG welder wire feed drive roller review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ER5356 wire used for?
ER5356 is an aluminum-magnesium filler with about 5% magnesium. It is commonly chosen for 5xxx and 6xxx base alloys, marine parts and structures that need more strength and corrosion resistance than ER4043. It is not for high sustained temperatures above roughly 150 F.
Can I use this wire to weld aluminum to steel?
No. Aluminum filler wire does not make a sound joint with steel, because the two metals form brittle compounds and behave very differently. Use a method designed for dissimilar metals, such as mechanical fastening, or consult a qualified welder.
What gas and equipment does aluminum MIG need?
Aluminum MIG normally uses 100% argon, a push technique, a clean oxide-free joint, and wire-feed gear for soft wire: U-groove drive rolls, a Teflon or nylon liner, and often a spool gun. Check that your machine supports it before buying.
Does this wire fit a 0.035 in. or 0.030 in. machine setup?
Not without changes. This wire is 0.040 in., so the contact tip, drive rolls and liner must match that diameter. Many hobby machines are built around other sizes, so confirm that your gun and rolls support 0.040 in. aluminum wire.
Verdict
This wire is a reasonable choice for aluminum welds if your gas, rolls and liner are set up for aluminum and you need 5356 properties. Verify the 0.040 in. size against your gun before ordering.
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