ER5556 Aluminum Welding Wire

ER5556 Aluminum Welding Wire – High-Strength Al-Mg5Mn0.8 Filler Metal

As a Er5556 Aluminum Welding Wire.html manufacturer, we match product configuration to the application, operating limits, interfaces and acceptance criteria defined for each project.

Hangzhou Kunli Welding Materials Co., Ltd. is a specialized ER5556 Aluminum Welding Wire manufacturer and supplier from China, producing this 5xxx-series filler metal for structural applications that demand higher strength than ER5356. With over 20 years of aluminum alloy wire production experience, we supply ER5556 in MIG, TIG, and drum formats to shipyards, pressure vessel fabricators, rail and truck manufacturers, and general structural workshops across more than 30 countries.

Our ER5556 is formulated with 4.5–5.5% magnesium and 0.5–1.0% manganese. The manganese addition provides solid-solution strengthening and grain refinement, giving as-welded tensile strength of 340–370 MPa without post-weld heat treatment. The wire is manufactured with a shaved surface finish to remove oxides and residual lubricants, keeping hydrogen content below 0.12 ml/100g for radiographic-quality welds with minimal porosity.

Product Range and Packaging

We supply ER5556 in the diameters and packages most commonly used in production environments. All spools are vacuum-sealed with desiccant to protect the wire surface until use.

For automated lines, we recommend D200 (2 kg), D300 (7 kg), or K355 (50 kg) spools depending on your feeder configuration. Drums are available for high-volume robotic welding cells.

Applications and Base Material Fit

ER5556 is designed for welding 5xxx series alloys where higher mechanical properties are required, and it also performs well on many 6xxx and 7xxx alloys. Typical base materials include 5050, 5052, 5083, 5456, 6005A, 6061, 6063, 6082, and 7005. Common applications include:

• Marine structures: ship hulls, offshore platforms, deck equipment, marine risers
• Pressure vessels: welded tanks, chemical containers, cryogenic storage
• Transportation: rail cars, truck trailers, dump bodies, fuel tankers
• Structural fabrication: crane booms, bridges, scaffolding, aluminum components

Compared to ER5356, the higher manganese content in ER5556 improves strength and workability, making it the preferred choice for load-bearing and fatigue-critical welds. It also offers better resistance to hot cracking in thick-section or multi-pass welding.

Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties

Our ER5556 meets AWS A5.10, ISO 18273, and GB/10858 S AL 5556 classifications. The controlled composition ensures consistent weld metal properties.

Typical as-welded joint properties on 5456-H112 base material: tensile strength 310 MPa, yield strength 160 MPa, elongation 14%. The wire has a melting range of 570–635°C and density of 2.66 g/cm³.

Welding Parameters and Shielding Gas

For MIG welding, we recommend the following starting parameters for 1.2 mm wire:

• Voltage: 21–25 V
• Current: 130–190 A
• Wire feed speed: 4.5–7.5 m/min
• Argon flow: 18–24 L/min
• Stickout: 12–18 mm
• Interpass temperature: below 120°C

Use 100% argon (99.996% purity) for most applications. For sections thicker than 12 mm, an argon-helium 75/25 mixture improves penetration and wetting. The wire delivers stable arc and good bead appearance across a wide parameter window.

Quality Control and Compliance

Our ER5556 is produced in our Hangzhou factory with internationally advanced manufacturing lines and complete testing equipment. We operate a strict quality control system and have obtained DB, CE, ABS, DNV, and CCS certifications. Our in-house lab includes optical emission spectrometry, metallographic microscopy, tensile testing, and welding robots for procedure testing.

Each production lot is tested for chemical composition, mechanical properties, and weldability. We provide material test certificates and, upon request, third-party inspection reports. Our monthly production capacity exceeds 200 MT, allowing us to supply both standard spools and custom packaging for large projects.

Storage and Handling

To maintain wire quality, store spools in their original vacuum-sealed packaging at 10–35°C with relative humidity below 55%. Once opened, use the wire within 96 hours. For longer storage, place spools in a heated cabinet at 35–45°C. Avoid exposure to oil mist, grinding dust, or chemical vapors. Use clean, powder-free gloves when handling wire, and replace the Teflon liner in your MIG torch every 150 kg of wire consumption.

Information We Use to Configure Your Solution

To prepare a precise quotation and recommend the right ER5556 configuration, we need the following project details:

• Base material alloy and thickness
• Welding process (MIG, TIG, or automated)
• Required wire diameter and packaging format
• Joint design and welding position
• Mechanical property requirements (e.g., tensile, yield, elongation)
• Compliance standards or customer specifications
• Estimated monthly or annual consumption

With this information, we can match the wire chemistry, surface finish, and packaging to your production environment. We also offer OEM/ODM services for custom diameters, spool types, and labeling.

Related Products

Our aluminum welding wire range includes other 5xxx-series options such as Aluminum Welding Wire ER5356, Aluminum Welding Wire ER5183, and Aluminum Welding Wire ER5087. For 4xxx-series applications, we offer ER4043 Silicon Aluminum Welding Wire and ER4047 Aluminum Mig Welding Wire. Our team can help you select the right filler metal for your base alloy and service requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions