Machine parts that accelerate and brake quickly – gantries, slides, robot arms, grippers and transfer systems – benefit from low mass: less inertia means shorter cycle times and smaller drives. MIGAL.CO supplies wires for welded aluminium constructions from plate and extrusions (MA-5087, MA-5183, MA-5556, MA-4043), for joint and repair welding of castings (MA-4018, MA-4046) and for wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with heat-treatable fillers such as MA-6063.
Which wire for which joint?
Typical base materials in mechanical engineering and the matching MIGAL.CO wire. For other combinations see the material selection table for aluminium alloys.
| Base material | Typical use | Recommended wire | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN AW-5083 plate | machine frames, base plates | MA-5183 or MA-5087 | naturally hard weld metal; 5087 insensitive to hot cracking in thick, rigid structures |
| EN AW-7020 (AlZnMg) | highly loaded beams and arms | MA-5087 or MA-5556 | AlMg fillers for AlZnMg; MA-5556 has the highest strength in the range (Rm 290 MPa) |
| EN AW-6082 extrusions | gantries, slides, frames | MA-5183 or MA-4043 | 5183 for strength, 4043 against solidification cracking |
| AlSi7Mg castings | housings, levers, repair welding | MA-4018 (S Al 4018) | heat-treatable: Rm 140 MPa as welded, 310 MPa in T6 |
| AlSi10Mg castings | housings, repair welding | MA-4046 (S Al 4046) | Si content matches the cast alloy |
| WAAM of 6xxx-like parts | near-net-shape components | MA-6063 (AlMg0.7SiTiB) | Rm 250–280 MPa after T6 heat treatment |
What matters for dynamic machine parts
- Distortion and dimensional accuracy: aluminium expands about twice as much as steel – careful tacking, sequence planning and machining allowances.
- Strength in the weld zone: in heat-treatable alloys (6xxx, 7xxx) the heat-affected zone loses strength; place welds in low-stress areas or choose high-strength AlMg fillers.
- Castings: the Si content of the filler should match the cast alloy; heat-treatable fillers such as MA-4018 regain strength after T6. See WAAM for additive manufacturing.
- Weld calculations: heat input, cooling time and weld cost with the free welding calculators.
Frequently asked questions
Which welding wire for 7020 aluminium?
AlMg fillers such as S Al 5087, ER5183 or ER5556 are recommended for AlZnMg base metals like EN AW-7020. MA-5556 offers the highest weld strength in the MIGAL.CO range (about 290 MPa).
Can welded aluminium castings be heat-treated?
Yes, with heat-treatable fillers. MA-4018 (AlSi7Mg) reaches about 310 MPa tensile strength in T6 instead of 140 MPa as welded.
Which wire for wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM)?
MIGAL.CO supplies MA-4018 (AlSi7Mg), MA-4046 (AlSi10Mg) and MA-6063 (AlMg0.7SiTiB) for WAAM; MA-6063 reaches 250–280 MPa after T6.
Can I test the wire first?
Yes – request a free test spool.