Aluminum 5356 · heat-treated state
Aluminum 5356-AW
Properties of the AW condition, compared with the other 5356 tempers.
Design values for the deposited bead itself; use for joint sizing of 5356-filled welds (AWS A5.10 requires 240 MPa minimum UTS).
What is 5356-AW?
5356-AW is 5356 heat treated to AW — design values for the deposited bead itself; use for joint sizing of 5356-filled welds (AWS A5.10 requires 240 MPa minimum UTS). 5356-AW has a yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — weaker than 68% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). 5356-AW 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).
Advantages
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 95% of aluminum grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 22%, better than 91% 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-AW properties
Typical room-temperature values for 5356-AW — 8 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 5356 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
5356-AW 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-AW has a yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — weaker than 68% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
5356-AW 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-AW 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-AW 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-AW's machinability is fair (45/100, worse than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability good (60/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other 5356 tempers and conditions
5356 is also supplied in 1 other condition. The full side-by-side table is on the 5356 overview.
- FStandard supply condition for ER5356 MIG spools and TIG cut lengths; pick this for stock purchasing.200 MPa yield · 72 HB
- AWDesign values for the deposited bead itself; use for joint sizing of 5356-filled welds (AWS A5.10 requires 240 MPa minimum UTS).145 MPa yield · 68 HB
Working with 5356-AW
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 6xxx joints; use AC TIG or spray/pulse MIG, keep interpass low, do not use on 6xxx 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.
What surface finishes work on 5356?
Anodizes to a light grey with good colour match on 5xxx base metal; brushed/polished welds blend well, but chemical brightening can highlight the bead.
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 | — |
5356-AW — frequently asked
What is 5356-AW used for?
5356-AW 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, 6xxx extrusion frame welds not requiring T6 and truck and trailer body welds. In short: most common 5xxx filler.
What is the yield strength of 5356-AW?
5356-AW has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — weaker than 68% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is 5356-AW 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-AW be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Purpose-made GMAW/GTAW filler for 5083/5086/5052/5454 and many 6xxx joints; use AC TIG or spray/pulse MIG, keep interpass low, do not use on 6xxx parts that must reach full T6 strength or see >65 °C service.
What surface finishes work on 5356-AW?
Anodizes to a light grey with good colour match on 5xxx base metal; brushed/polished welds blend well, but chemical brightening can highlight the bead.
Can 5356-AW 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-AW?
5356-AW 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in 5356-AW?
Yes — 5356-AW is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.