5356 or 4340

[dyn88]

Ive read in several posts that the two fillers are interchangeable. Harris(the primary manufacturer of my filler) states that the two have specific alloying components that make them specific to said alloys. please help me to straighten this out.(Ive allways used 4043 on my 6061 and 5356 on my 3000 series and 5000 series[bendable] aluminums)

[Paul Seaman]

I use the 4043 for nearly all my Al work I like the way it flows it matches the color of most of the alloys and is acceptable for more alloys than the others. Kinda makes it win, win for me. If you weld alot of 5356 specificly then it is a great choice but I don't like the way it flows as well as 4043.

my .02

[joebass]

I use mostly 4043, unless it has to be anodized then 5356 for a better color match. If its a casting usually 4047.

[klsm54]

This link should answer any questions about which aluminum filler to use....Aluminum Welding