181524R15A - ESAB OK Tigrod 5356 Aluminum TIG Welding Rod - 2.5mm, 5kg Tube

High-Performance Aluminum Alloy Filler Metal

The ESAB OK Tigrod 5356 is a premium quality, general-purpose aluminum welding rod designed for the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) process. Classified as an ER5356 filler metal under AWS A5.10 standards, this rod is composed primarily of aluminum with approximately 5% magnesium (AlMg5). This specific alloy composition is the most widely used in the industry due to its versatile mechanical properties and compatibility with a broad range of base materials. It is specifically engineered for welding 5XXX series alloys (such as 5050, 5052, 5083) and 6XXX series alloys (such as 6061, 6063), making it an essential consumable for industrial fabrication sectors ranging from automotive to aerospace.

One of the defining technical characteristics of the OK Tigrod 5356 is its superior shear strength. When compared to the alternative ER4043 silicon-based alloys, the 5356 magnesium-based alloy provides significantly higher ductility and tensile strength, typically achieving around 265 MPa. This makes it the preferred choice for structural applications where the weldment must withstand dynamic loading or stress. Furthermore, the alloy exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, particularly against seawater and salt spray, which qualifies it for rigorous marine applications and shipbuilding.

In terms of post-weld finishing, the ESAB OK Tigrod 5356 offers distinct advantages for anodizing processes. Unlike 4043 alloys which tend to turn dark gray or black after anodizing, the 5356 alloy maintains a white color that closely matches the base metal, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and uniform finish. The 2.5mm diameter of these rods provides optimal deposition rates for medium-thickness materials, allowing for precise control over the weld pool. Packaged in a robust 5kg tube, the rods are protected from environmental contaminants, ensuring that the filler metal remains clean and oxide-free until the moment of use.