AWS Classification Explained: What Does ER5183 Mean?
Detailed breakdown of the AWS classification system, specifically defining each alphanumeric character within the ER5183 designation for welding applications.
| Designation |
Meaning & Technical Significance |
| ER |
Electrode / Rod: A solid wire suitable for both MIG (consumable electrode) and TIG (filler rod) welding processes. |
| 5183 |
Alloy Chemistry: A high-magnesium (4.3–5.2%) and high-manganese (0.50–1.0%) alloy designed for maximum strength in the 5XXX series. |
ER5183 is the high-strength choice for 5083 aluminium, utilising 0.50-1.0% manganese for superior solid-solution strengthening. It reliably meets code-minimum tensile requirements of 276 MPa (40 ksi), outperforming standard fillers in demanding marine and structural applications.
Chemical Composition of ER5183 Wire per AWS A5.10
The table below presents the precise chemical element limits for ER5183 wire according to the established AWS A5.10 industry standard guidelines.
| Specification |
Silicon (Si) |
Iron (Fe) |
Copper (Cu) |
Manganese (Mn) |
Magnesium (Mg) |
Chromium (Cr) |
Zinc (Zn) |
Titanium (Ti) |
Beryllium (Be) |
Aluminium (Al) |
| AWS A5.10 Req. (%) |
0.40 max |
0.40 max |
0.10 max |
0.50–1.0 |
4.3–5.2 |
0.05–0.25 |
0.25 max |
0.15 max |
0.0003 max |
Balance |
Mn at 0.50-1.0% is the defining difference versus ER5356 (0.05-0.20%). Combined with Mg at 4.3-5.2%, the Mg + Mn effect exceeds ER5356 in as-welded tensile. Cr at 0.05-0.25% refines grain structure. Cu and Si are held low to minimise hot-cracking sensitivity.
Mechanical Properties of ER5183 Weld Deposits
Summary of typical mechanical properties, including tensile strength and elongation, for deposits created using ER5183 aluminium filler metal.
| Specification |
Tensile Strength |
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) |
Elongation |
Shear Strength |
| Typical Value |
276 MPa (40 ksi) |
131 MPa (19 ksi) |
16% |
165 MPa (24 ksi) |
At 276 MPa (40 ksi), ER5183 delivers the highest as-welded tensile achievable on 5083 with any standard Al-Mg filler.
Base Metal Compatibility for ER5183
A compatibility guide listing various aluminium base alloys that are suitable for high-strength structural welding with ER5183 filler materials.
| Base Metal |
ASME P-Number |
Application Note |
| 5083 |
P-25 |
High-strength marine alloy used in shipbuilding and cryogenic storage. |
| 5456 |
P-25 |
Structural alloy requiring maximum tensile strength for armour and bridges. |
| 5086 |
P-22 / P-25 |
Used for tank trucks and boat hulls where corrosion resistance is key. |
| 5454 |
P-22 |
Designed for elevated temperatures, such as hot asphalt tankers. |
| 5052 / 5652 |
P-22 |
General-purpose alloys; often joined to higher-strength grades via ER5183. |
Do not use ER5183 for: 2XXX aerospace alloys (use ER2319), Al-Si castings (use ER4043/ER4047), 1XXX pure aluminium (use ER1100), or sustained service above 65°C (150°F).
Recommended Welding Parameters for ER5183
Below are the suggested operating conditions for voltage, current, and gas flow to achieve the best result with the use of ER5183 consumables:
| Process / Diameter |
Amperage (A) |
Polarity / Gas |
| GTAW – 1.6 mm |
60–110 |
AC (HF) / 100% Ar |
| GTAW – 2.4 mm |
100–170 |
AC (HF) / 100% Ar |
| GTAW – 3.2 mm |
140–240 |
AC (HF) / 100% Ar |
| GMAW – 1.0 mm |
80–160 |
DCEP / 100% Ar |
| GMAW – 1.2 mm |
120–250 |
DCEP / 100% Ar |
Remove the aluminium oxide layer before welding with stainless-steel wire brushing or chemical cleaning. Degrease all joint surfaces. Preheat thick sections to 100-150°C to reduce porosity.
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Industrial Welding Applications of ER5183
The following are the industrial applications of ER5183:
Storage and Handling of ER5183 Welding Wire
The ER5183 aluminium filler wire must be stored in its original unopened packaging in a clean, dry location. It should not be exposed to moisture, oil, grease, or hydrocarbons. TIG rods should be handled with clean gloves. Because ER5183 carries higher magnesium, exposed surfaces oxidise faster than lower-Mg fillers. Return partially used MIG spools to protective packaging after each shift.
Available Forms, Diameters and Packaging of ER5356
Nicorex Alloys stocks ER5356 Aluminium TIG Filler Rod & MIG Wire in the following forms, diameters, and packaging options.
| Form |
Diameters |
Packaging |
| TIG Rod |
1.6, 2.4, 3.2, 4.0 mm |
5 kg tubes, 1000 mm lengths |
| MIG Wire |
0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6 mm |
5 kg, 7 kg, 15 kg spools |
How to Order ER5183 from Nicorex Alloys
To place an order for ER5183 aluminium TIG rods and MIG wires, please provide the following 10 details:
Frequently Asked Questions