Aluminium keeps its toughness at very low temperatures and resists many media thanks to its oxide layer – that makes it a material for cryogenic tanks, cold boxes and chemical and food plants. MIGAL.CO supplies the matching wires: MA-5183 for EN AW-5083 vessels at low temperatures, MA-1450 and MA-1070 for pure aluminium where corrosion resistance is the priority, and MA-5754 and MA-5554 where the Mg content of the filler must match the base metal or service temperatures exceed 65 °C. MA-5183 and MA-5754 are TÜV approved.
Which wire for which base material?
Typical base materials in plant and vessel construction 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 | cryogenic tanks, cold boxes, vessels | MA-5183 (ER5183) | AlMg weld metal with high strength and elongation, TÜV approved |
| EN AW-1050A, 1070A, 1200 (pure aluminium) | chemical tanks, piping | MA-1450 (Al99.5Ti) or MA-1070 (Al99.7) | matching pure aluminium filler; Ti refines the grain and reduces hot cracking |
| EN AW-5754, 5052, 5454 in corrosive media | tanks and vessels | MA-5754 (S Al 5754) | Mg content matches the base metal – lowers the risk of intergranular and stress corrosion |
| EN AW-5454 at service temperatures of 65 °C and above | heated tanks, process vessels | MA-5554 (ER5554) | Mg content below 3 % avoids stress corrosion at elevated temperatures |
| EN AW-3003, 3103 (AlMn) | heat exchangers, ducts | MA-4043 (ER4043) | recommended AlSi filler for AlMn alloys |
What matters in vessel construction
- Service temperature decides the filler: AlMg fillers with more than 3 % Mg may become prone to intergranular and stress corrosion at 65 °C and above – use MA-5554 or a filler matched to the base metal.
- Corrosion resistance: in aggressive media the filler should be as close to the base metal as possible – pure aluminium with pure aluminium, AlMg3 with AlMg3.
- Approvals and documentation: TÜV approvals for MA-5183, MA-5754 and MA-4043 – see approvals aluminium.
- Porosity and leak tightness: vacuum-packed wire, dry storage, removal of the oxide layer – see welding of aluminium.
Frequently asked questions
Which aluminium welding wire for cryogenic tanks?
For EN AW-5083 vessels the standard filler is ER5183 (S Al 5183). AlMg alloys keep their toughness at low temperatures; MIGAL.CO MA-5183 is TÜV approved.
Which wire for pure aluminium tanks in chemical plants?
A pure aluminium filler matching the base metal: MA-1450 (Al99.5Ti) when corrosion resistance is the priority, or MA-1070 (Al99.7).
Why should AlMg5 fillers not be used above 65 °C?
At operating temperatures of 65 °C and above, fillers with more than 3 % Mg may become prone to intergranular and stress corrosion. MA-5554 (AlMg2.7Mn) stays below this limit.
Can I test the wire first?
Yes – request a free test spool.