Aluminum 5356
AA 5356 · UNS A95356 · EN AW-5356, AW 5356 · ISO S Al 5356
5356 (EN AW-5356, AlMg5Cr(A)) is an Al–5Mg filler alloy with a titanium grain refiner, supplied almost entirely as MIG/TIG wire and rod rather than as mill product.
5356 tempers and conditions
5356 is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As-welded deposit | Design values for the deposited bead itself; use for joint sizing of 5356-filled welds (AWS A5.10 requires 240 MPa minimum UTS). | 145 | 290 | 22 | 68 HB | 29 % IACS |
As fabricated | Standard supply condition for ER5356 MIG spools and TIG cut lengths; pick this for stock purchasing. | 200 | 300 | 12 | 72 HB | 29 % IACS |
What is 5356?
5356 (EN AW-5356, AlMg5Cr(A)) is an Al–5Mg filler alloy with a titanium grain refiner, supplied almost entirely as MIG/TIG wire and rod rather than as mill product. It is the most common filler for 5000-series structures and many 6000-series joints because deposit strength and ductility exceed 4043, seawater corrosion resistance is good, and anodised colour matches 5000-series base metal closely. Limits: the high Mg content makes weld metal prone to stress-corrosion cracking in long-term service above about 65 °C, it is unsuitable for joints that must reach full T6 strength after welding, and the soft wire feeds poorly and can birdnest. Use 4643 where a post-weld solution and age cycle is planned. 5356 has a density of 2.64 g/cm³ (0.0954 lb/in³), lighter than 94% of aluminum grades. It melts at 575°C (1,067 °F). 5356 has a yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — stronger than 53% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
What is 5356 used for?
- MIG/TIG filler wire for 5083 and 5086 hull plate
- Aluminium boat hull and deck repair welds
- Marine tank and piping welds
- 5052 and 5454 sheet and tank weldments
- 6000-series extrusion frame welds not requiring T6
- Truck and trailer body welds
- Anodised architectural weldments
Advantages
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 95% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 76/100, better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Forms and bends easily — 60/100, better than 77% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 65°C (149 °F), worse than 97% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 116 W/m·K (67 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 84% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades
5356 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
5356 has a density of 2.64 g/cm³ (0.0954 lb/in³), lighter than 94% of aluminum grades. It melts at 575°C (1,067 °F).
Mechanical10
5356 has a yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — stronger than 53% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
5356 is rated for continuous service to 65°C (149 °F). It conducts heat at 116 W/m·K (67 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 84% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.9 µm/m·K (13.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
5356 conducts electricity at 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (76/100), better than 90% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 5356 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability7
5356's machinability is fair (45/100, worse than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability good (60/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. 5356 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 5356
Is 5356 easy to machine?
Rarely machined as a product; weld deposits are soft and gummy — use sharp polished carbide, high rake, generous coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can 5356 be welded?
Purpose-made GMAW/GTAW filler for 5083/5086/5052/5454 and many 6000-series joints; use AC TIG or spray/pulse MIG, keep interpass low, do not use on 6000-series parts that must reach full T6 strength or see >65 °C service.
Can 5356 be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as cold-drawn wire; the alloy work-hardens fast, so drawing needs interstage anneals — no forming operations at the user end besides spooling and straightening.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 5356. Every 5356 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better45 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Excellent60 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better92 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
5356 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | ≤ 0.25 | 0.1 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Mn | 0.05 – 0.2 | 0.12 |
| Mgprincipal alloying element | 4.5 – 5.5 | 5 |
| Cr | 0.05 – 0.2 | 0.12 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Tigrain refiner, reduces weld cracking | 0.06 – 0.2 | 0.12 |
| Berestricted/omitted in current AWS A5.10 revisions | ≤ 3×10⁻⁴ | |
| Others (each)0.15 total | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 5356?
Anodizes to a light grey with good colour match on 5000-series base metal; brushed/polished welds blend well, but chemical brightening can highlight the bead.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 5356 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- A95356
- Aluminum Association
- AA5356
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AW-5356AW 5356
- ISO
- S Al 5356
How much does 5356 cost?
5356 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 81% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
5356 — frequently asked
What is 5356 used for?
5356 is typically used for MIG/TIG filler wire for 5083 and 5086 hull plate, aluminium boat hull and deck repair welds, marine tank and piping welds, 5052 and 5454 sheet and tank weldments, 6000-series extrusion frame welds not requiring T6 and truck and trailer body welds. In short: most common 5000-series filler.
What is the yield strength of 5356?
5356 has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — stronger than 53% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is 5356 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, worse than 72% of aluminum grades). Rarely machined as a product; weld deposits are soft and gummy — use sharp polished carbide, high rake, generous coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can 5356 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Purpose-made GMAW/GTAW filler for 5083/5086/5052/5454 and many 6000-series joints; use AC TIG or spray/pulse MIG, keep interpass low, do not use on 6000-series parts that must reach full T6 strength or see >65 °C service.
What surface finishes work on 5356?
Anodizes to a light grey with good colour match on 5000-series base metal; brushed/polished welds blend well, but chemical brightening can highlight the bead.
Can 5356 be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as cold-drawn wire; the alloy work-hardens fast, so drawing needs interstage anneals — no forming operations at the user end besides spooling and straightening.
What is the maximum service temperature of 5356?
5356 is rated for continuous use to about 65°C (149 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 5356 cost?
5356 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 81% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 5356?
Yes — 5356 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- AWS A5.10/A5.10M — Bare Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Welding Electrodes and Rods — AWS (2021)
- ISO 18273 — Welding consumables, wire and rods for fusion welding of aluminium and aluminium alloys (S Al 5356) — ISO (2015)
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering (aluminium filler selection) — ASM International (1993)
- Aluminium filler metal selection and typical weld properties — Lincoln Electric / ESAB / Alcotec (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.