180412242A - ESAB OK Autrod 4043 Aluminum MIG Wire .045 (20lb Spool)

Name: ESAB OK Autrod 4043 Aluminum MIG Wire .045 (20lb Spool)
SKU: 180412242A
Availability: BackOrder

Packaging: 9.07kg spool

Sorry, product has been discontinued by the vendor.

SKU: 180412242A Categories: All Aluminum Mig & Tig Wires, Welding Wires and Electrodes

OVERVIEW

Premium ESAB OK Autrod 4043 Aluminum MIG Wire

The ESAB OK Autrod 4043 is a high-quality aluminum-silicon alloy MIG welding wire designed for general-purpose welding of aluminum alloys. Classified as ER4043 under AWS standards, this wire contains approximately 5% silicon, which significantly lowers the melting point of the filler metal. This characteristic makes it an exceptional choice for welding heat-treatable base alloys, specifically those in the 6XXX series (such as 6061), as well as 3XXX and 5XXX series alloys. The addition of silicon improves the fluidity of the weld pool (wetting action), allowing for smoother bead profiles and reducing the risk of hot cracking, a common issue in aluminum welding.

One of the defining features of the ESAB OK Autrod series is its manufacturing precision. ESAB limits the wire diameter variations to just 1/10th of the range allowed by the AWS A5.10 specification. This rigorous quality control ensures that the wire feeds consistently through the liner and contact tip, minimizing arc instability and burn-backs that can disrupt production. For industrial applications where uptime and weld quality are paramount, this level of consistency translates directly to cost savings and higher throughput.

This 9.07 kg (20 lb) spool is designed for industrial wire feeders and provides a substantial amount of material for continuous welding operations. The wire produces a bright, shiny weld finish that often requires little to no post-weld cleaning. While 4043 is not recommended for parts that will be anodized for color matching (as the weld will turn dark gray), it is the preferred alloy for general fabrication, automotive repair, and structural components where high strength and crack resistance are required. It is suitable for use with 100% Argon shielding gas or Argon/Helium mixtures for thicker sections.

Technical Specifications

Alloy: 4043 (AlSi5)
Diameter: 0.045 inches
Spool Weight: 20 lbs (9.07 kg)
Tensile Strength: Typically 124 MPa (depending on base metal)
Melting Range: 1065°F - 1170°F

Additional Information
Packaging Description:9.07kg spool
Weld Process:MIG
AWS Spec :ER4043
Diameter:0.045
Packaging:20lb spool
Brand:Esab
Polarity:DC+
Position:All Position
Material Composition:AlSi5, Aluminum
Wire Diameter:0.045"
Spool Size:20 lb, 9.07 kg
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon, Argon/Helium Mixtures
AWS Classification:ER4043
Alloy Type:4043

INCLUDED

1 x 9.07 kg (20 lb) Spool of ESAB OK Autrod 4043 Aluminum MIG Wire (.045")

APPLICATIONS

Automotive components and frame repair
General aluminum fabrication
Welding 6061-T6 structural shapes
Bicycle frames
Aerospace components
Industrial manufacturing

FAQ

For most applications, 100% Argon is the standard shielding gas. For thicker materials (typically above 1/2 inch), an Argon/Helium mixture (such as 75% Ar / 25% He) can be used to increase heat input and penetration.

If you plan to color-anodize the part after welding, 4043 is generally not recommended because the high silicon content causes the weld area to turn dark gray or black. For color matching, 5356 alloy is usually preferred.

Yes, ER4043 is the most common filler metal for welding 6061 base materials. Its chemistry helps prevent hot cracking, which 6061 is sensitive to during the welding process.

This is a 9.07 kg spool, which is approximately 20 lbs. It is designed for standard industrial wire feeders.

4043 contains silicon, flows better (more fluid), and resists cracking better. 5356 contains magnesium, is stronger, has better color match for anodizing, and is stiffer (feeds easier in push guns), but is more prone to cracking on certain alloys.

MIG welding with aluminum wire is performed using Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP), also known as Reverse Polarity.

Yes, when MIG welding aluminum, you should always use a Teflon or plastic liner to reduce friction and prevent wire shaving contamination that occurs with steel liners.

ESAB OK Autrod wires are manufactured to a tolerance that is 1/10th of the AWS A5.10 specification range, ensuring superior consistency and feedability.