5083 / ER5183 Aluminum Welding Wire
HXM draws 5083 aluminum wire from the same marine-grade ingot as our plate and coil — supplied as ER5183-classified MIG/TIG filler wire (AWS A5.10 / EN ISO 18273 S Al 5183), 0.8–5.0 mm diameters, on 1 / 2 / 7 kg plastic spools, 16–20 kg steel spools and 300 kg drums, plus 6–12 mm straightened lengths for cold-heading and rivet production. This is the filler that produces the strongest, corrosion-matched joints on 5083 plate, tube and structure — the combination shipyards, tank builders and offshore fabricators standardise on. MOQ 500 kg, EN 10204 3.1 certificate per spool lot, quote in 24 hours.
⚡ Quick Answer
ER5183 is the AWS classification for 5083-type filler metal — an Al–Mg (≈4.7 % Mg + 0.8 % Mn) wire that welds 5083-to-5083 with ~90 % joint efficiency and full seawater corrosion matching. Choose ER5183 for maximum-strength 5083 structural welds, ER5356 as the general-purpose 5xxx alternative, and never ER4043 on structural 5083 — the low-Mg joint loses ductility and corrosion resistance. Feed 1.0–1.2 mm on MIG, run 2.4–4.0 mm rods on AC TIG. Full filler selection logic in our welding guide.
5083 / ER5183 Wire Specifications at a Glance
| Parameter | Range / Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy | 5083 wire / ER5183 filler (AlMg4.5Mn0.7) | AWS A5.10 · EN ISO 18273 · GB/T 10858 |
| MIG wire diameter | 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6 mm | ±0.01 mm tolerance |
| TIG rod diameter | 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2, 4.0, 5.0 mm | cut lengths 915 / 1000 mm |
| Cold-heading / rivet stock | 6, 8, 10, 12 mm straightened bar-stock wire | custom diameters on request |
| Spool types | 1 kg / 2 kg / 7 kg plastic (D100–D200); 16–20 kg steel (D300); 300 kg drum | standard feed on all MIG systems |
| Wire temper | H18 as-drawn (MIG feed stiffness); O/H12 available for heading | |
| Surface | clean, drawing-lubricant-free, foil-sealed | weld-ready out of the pack |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 per lot; ABS/DNV/LR filler approvals on request | |
| MOQ | 500 kg (mixed spool sizes OK within one order) | |
| Lead time | 10–20 days | faster for running diameters |
Chemical Composition — ER5183 vs 5083 Base Metal
ER5183 chemistry is tuned slightly above base-metal magnesium so the weld deposit compensates for Mg burn-off in the arc:
| Element | ER5183 wire (%) | 5083 base metal (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Mg | 4.7 – 5.2 | 4.0 – 4.9 |
| Mn | 0.6 – 1.0 | 0.40 – 1.00 |
| Cr | 0.05 – 0.20 | 0.05 – 0.25 |
| Ti | 0.05 – 0.20 | ≤ 0.15 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.10 |
| Si | ≤ 0.25 (note: Zr 0.05–0.15 in some specs) | ≤ 0.40 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.40 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.25 |
| Aluminium | remainder | remainder |
Actual wire analysis appears on the EN 10204 3.1 certificate per spool lot — the document marine surveyors ask for first during weld-procedure qualification.
Wire & Weld-Deposit Mechanical Properties
| Property | As-drawn 5083 wire (H18) | Weld deposit (as-welded, GMAW) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ≥ 410 MPa | ≥ 285 MPa |
| 0.2 % proof strength | ≥ 330 MPa | ≥ 130 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 3 % | ≥ 12 % |
| Joint efficiency on 5083 | — | ~90 % of base-metal strength |
| Bend ductility (deposit) | — | 180° wrap without cracking |
Design note: the as-welded deposit behaves like O-temper 5083 (~285 MPa), which is exactly what structural codes assume when they apply the ~0.9 weld-joint efficiency factor for 5083 weldments. The deposit matches base-metal corrosion — no preferential weld-line attack in seawater service.
Choosing Between ER5183, ER5356 and ER5556
The most frequent technical question from buyers. Decision table, field-tested across shipyard and tank projects:
| Filler | Strength on 5083 | Corrosion match | Feedability | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ER5183 | Highest (~90 %) | Excellent | Good — stiffer wire feeds well | Structural hull, tank and offshore welds on 5083 |
| ER5356 | ~10 % lower | Excellent | Excellent — softest feed | General 5xxx work, mixed 5052/5083 assemblies, cosmetic anodising |
| ER5556 | Very high | Excellent | Good | Defence and high-spec marine welds, high-deposition MIG |
| ER4043 | Low joint ductility | Poor in high-Mg joints | Excellent | Avoid on structural 5083; fine on 6xxx castings |
All three 5xxx fillers ship from HXM: ER5356 wire, ER5554 wire and this ER5183 page. Selection deep-dive: how to select aluminum welding wire · methods & filler metals guide.
MIG & TIG Parameters for 5083 Fabrication
Starting points our customers’ weld engineers use to qualify WPS documents faster (final parameters belong in your qualified procedure):
| Process | Material | Wire/Rod | Current | Shielding gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIG spray/pulse | 3–6 mm 5083 plate | 1.2 mm ER5183 | 180–240 A | 100 % Ar, 15–18 L/min |
| MIG short-arc | 0.8–2 mm sheet | 0.8–1.0 mm ER5183 | 60–120 A | 100 % Ar, 12–15 L/min |
| MIG spray | 3–10 mm 5083 tube/pipe | 1.2 mm ER5183 | 160–220 A | Ar + 0.5–2 % O₂ for arc stability |
| TIG AC | 1–5 mm sheet & fittings | 2.4–4.0 mm ER5183 | 120–220 A | 100 % Ar, AC balance 65–70 % |
| TIG AC | 6–12 mm plate | 4.0–5.0 mm ER5183 | 220–300 A | 100 % Ar + helium mix for penetration |
| Best practice | Why it matters on 5083 |
|---|---|
| Wipe joints with acetone, brush with clean SS wire brush | Oxide removal prevents porosity — the #1 weld-rejection cause |
| Preheat 50–80 °C only below 5 °C ambient | Drives condensation; avoids HAZ over-aging |
| Interpass ≤ 150 °C | Protects H116/H321 base-metal properties |
| Store spools sealed, use within 12 months of opening | Oxidised wire feeds poorly and pores |
| Skip-weld & fixture thin sections | Controls distortion on long marine panel welds |
What Buyers Build with 5083 Wire
| Application | Wire form used | Buyer pain point solved |
|---|---|---|
| Ship hull & superstructure welds | 1.2 mm MIG spools, 16–20 kg | Class-approved filler with society certificates attached |
| Seawater pipe & fuel-line welds | 1.0–1.2 mm MIG; 2.4–3.2 TIG rods | Corrosion-matched joints that don’t attack next to 5083 tube |
| Cryogenic / LNG tank welds | 1.2–1.6 mm, per-lot certs | Toughness at −162 °C with full traceability |
| TIG repair & fitting work | 2.4–5.0 mm 1,000 mm rods | Consistent feed and clean wetting on cosmetic welds |
| Rivets & cold-headed fasteners | 6–12 mm straightened wire | Marine-grade rivet stock that won’t corrode against 5083 plate |
| Marine handrails & ladders | 1.0 mm MIG | Weld lines that survive salt spray without preferential attack |
Weld Quality You Can Inspect on Arrival
Welds made with HXM ER5183 on HXM 5083 base metal — clean ripples, no porosity lines, and deposits that pass dye-penetrant and radiographic inspection first time. The base-metal/filler pairing from one mill removes the classic failure mode where unknown wire chemistry meets unknown plate chemistry.
Joint Preparation — Where Most Weld Problems Actually Start
| Thickness | Joint type | Groove angle | Gap (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 3 mm | square butt | — | 0–1.0 |
| 3–6 mm | V-groove single side | 60–70° | 1.0–2.0 |
| 6–12 mm | V-groove or double-V | 60° / 2×50° | 1.5–2.5 |
| > 12 mm | double-V or U-groove | 50–60° | 2.0–3.0 |
| Fillet, all thicknesses | — | — | 0–1.5 root opening |
Degrease → brush → weld, in that order, with a stainless brush used only on aluminium. Full surface-prep technique is covered in our aluminum welding guide; grooved plate can be ordered pre-bevelled from our 5083 plate line.
How HXM Draws 5083 Wire — and What Gets Tested
Wire quality shows up on your shop floor as feed consistency and porosity-free deposits. Behind that:
| Checkpoint | Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Ingot chemistry | OES at casting | every heat |
| Wire diameter | laser micrometer | 100 % inline, ±0.01 mm |
| Surface | visual + cleanliness test (weld coupon) | every spool lot |
| Tensile | per lot on finished wire | every lot |
| Feedability | test-feed on industrial MIG system | every production batch |
| Spool winding | traverse control, no crossovers | 100 % |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 per lot | 100 % |
Spool Formats, Packing & Delivery
| Format | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic spool D100 | 1 kg | TIG workstations, service kits |
| Plastic spool D200 | 2 kg / 7 kg | standard MIG feeders |
| Steel spool D300 | 16–20 kg | production lines, robotic cells |
| Drum / pay-off pack | 300 kg | high-volume automated welding |
- Vacuum-foil sealed spools with desiccant — wire arrives oxide-free and feeds dry.
- Cartons on ISPM-15 pallets, shrink-wrapped; drums steel-strapped.
- Mixed-spool containers: ER5183 + ER5356 + TIG rods in one load, per-line labelled.
- Incoterms FOB / CIF / DAP; 24-hour quotation against spool schedule and destination port.
Wire Pricing Drivers & the 7-Point RFQ
| Price factor | Impact | Optimisation |
|---|---|---|
| LME aluminium | +/-10–15 % monthly | LME formula on frame agreements |
| Diameter | fine wires cost more per kg | 1.2 mm MIG is the volume sweet spot |
| Spool format | D300 steel and drums cheaper per kg | consolidate to 16–20 kg spools for production |
| Approval level | class-approved filler adds testing | order society certs only where welds are classed |
| Order size | 500 kg MOQ vs container | mixed spool sizes OK in one container |
Send for a firm quote in 24 hours:
- Wire class — ER5183 / ER5356 / ER5556 (or describe the base metals)
- Diameter(s) and spool format(s)
- Process — MIG, TIG, or cold-heading stock
- Application + environment (marine class if applicable)
- Certificate needs — 3.1 MTC minimum; ABS/DNV/LR filler approval?
- Monthly volume and delivery schedule
- Destination port + Incoterm
Why Fabricators Buy 5083 Wire from HXM
- Matched-mill system: ER5183 wire drawn from the same 5083 ingot stream as our plate, coil, tube, bar and strip — no chemistry surprises between base metal and filler.
- Feed-tested batches: every production batch is test-fed on industrial MIG equipment before packing.
- Class-ready paperwork: ABS/DNV/LR filler approvals coordinated for classed welds.
- Spool flexibility: 1 kg service spools to 300 kg drums in one shipment.
- 24-hour quotes with transparent LME-referenced pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions About 5083 / ER5183 Wire
What is the difference between 5083 wire and ER5183 wire?
They’re the same alloy family. ER5183 is the AWS A5.10 classification for filler wire with chemistry tuned slightly above 5083 base metal — higher Mg (4.7–5.2 %) compensates for burn-off in the arc. When buyers say ‘5083 welding wire’, ER5183 is the product they need.
Can I weld 5083 with 5356 wire instead of 5183?
Yes. ER5356 is the general-purpose 5xxx filler and works well, giving roughly 10 % lower joint strength but excellent feedability and a nicer anodising colour match. For high-strength structural hull and tank welds, ER5183 is the specified choice.
Why shouldn't I use ER4043 on 5083?
ER4043’s low magnesium produces a joint with poor ductility and reduced corrosion resistance in high-Mg 5083 welds. It’s fine on 6xxx castings and extrusions, but structural 5083 work should always use 5xxx fillers — ER5183, ER5356 or ER5556.
What diameters are available and on which spools?
MIG wire: 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.6 mm on 1/2/7 kg plastic spools, 16–20 kg steel spools (D300) or 300 kg drums. TIG rods: 1.6–5.0 mm in 915/1,000 mm lengths. Cold-heading stock: 6–12 mm straightened wire.
What spool sizes feed standard MIG machines?
All of them — D100/D200 plastic spools fit portable feeder spool guns; D300 steel spools and 300 kg drums fit shop floor feeders and robotic cells. Tell us your feeder model when ordering and we match the hub size.
Does the weld zone lose corrosion resistance in seawater?
No — ER5183 deposits match 5083 base-metal corrosion performance, with copper kept below 0.05 % so no galvanic cells form. This corrosion match is exactly why class societies approve it for hull plating welds.
How strong is a 5083 weld compared to the base metal?
The as-welded deposit delivers about 285 MPa tensile — roughly 90 % joint efficiency on 5083, matching what structural codes assume. The heat-affected zone of the base plate anneals to O-temper class; design weldments with code efficiency factors.
Do you supply class-approved (ABS/DNV/LR) welding wire?
Yes — wire can be produced and certified under ABS, DNV, LR, BV and CCS filler approval schemes. Add the society requirement to your RFQ and we include the approval certificate with each lot.
What is the shelf life of aluminum welding wire?
Sealed vacuum-foil spools last 24+ months in dry storage. Once opened, use within about 12 months — longer exposure oxidises the surface and causes feed problems and porosity. Reseal partial spools in airtight bags.
How do I stop porosity in 5083 welds?
Ninety percent of porosity is contamination: degrease with acetone, brush with a clean stainless brush, weld within hours of prep, and keep shielding gas dry and at correct flow. Hydrogen from moisture and oxide is the enemy — see our welding guide for the full technique.
Do you make 6–12 mm wire for rivets and cold heading?
Yes — 5083 straightened wire in 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm (custom diameters on request) for marine rivets, fasteners and cold-headed parts, in O/H12 temper for formability. It’s the corrosion-matched choice for fasteners in 5083 structure.
What is the MOQ and lead time?
MOQ 500 kg; mixed diameters and spool sizes are fine within one order. Lead time is 10–20 days for running diameters, plus 25–35 days sea freight. Drum orders and class-approved lots run toward the longer end.
How much does a 7 kg spool of 1.2 mm wire actually weld?
A 7 kg spool contains roughly 650 m of 1.2 mm wire. At typical 1.2 mm spray-transfer deposition rates that’s several hours of arc time — enough for a full shift on panel work. Weight per spool by diameter: order our wire weight table with your quote.
Can you mix ER5183, ER5356 and TIG rods in one container?
Yes — mixed-spool containers are routine for our export desk, per-line labelled with diameter, lot and certificate. Consolidating wire with your 5083 plate, tube or coil order cuts freight per kilo.
Is 5083 wire suitable for electrical conductors?
No — high magnesium drastically lowers conductivity. For electrical use, see our 1350/1050/1060 electrical-grade wire and busbar pages; 5083/5183 is strictly a mechanical and welding product.
How is the wire packed to stay clean during sea freight?
Vacuum-foil sealed spools with desiccant inside, cartons on ISPM-15 pallets, shrink-wrapped container loads. Drums are steel-strapped with sealed pay-off openings. Wire should feed dry straight from the pack on arrival.
Related Wire Products & Guides
- 5356 (ER5356) Aluminum Welding Wire · ER5554 Wire · 4043 Wire
- 5052 Wire · 5056 Wire · 5154 Wire · 6061 Wire
- Aluminum-Magnesium Wire · Brazing & Welding Wire
- 5083 Sheets & Plates · 5083 Coils · 5083 Tubes · 5083 Bars · 5083 Strips
- Aluminum Wire Guide: Types & Sourcing · How to Select Welding Wire
- Aluminum Welding Guide: Methods & Filler Metals — technique deep-dive
- 5083 Marine Grade Aluminum Guide · 5052 vs 5083 Buyer’s Guide
- Aluminum Tube for Marine Piping — the pipe side of welded systems
- Corrosion Resistance Guide · Price Trends 2026 · Weight Calculation Guide · Sourcing from China
- All Aluminum Wires · Aluminum Tubes · Aluminum Sheets
- All HXM Products · Contact the Factory
Get Your ER5183 / 5083 Wire Quote in 24 Hours
Send the 7-point RFQ above — diameters, spools, volume and destination. We reply with firm pricing, lot certificate samples and spool photos within 24 hours.
