Hello bozaktwo1, I believe that you will not realize the same appearance when comparing the two fillers. There are inherent differences between the two that will preclude that from happening. On numerous occasions there have been threads and posts here on the forum speaking of some of the differences betweeen these two fillers. What makes one(4043) more tolerant of centerline cracking and cracking in general, is the same thing that doesn't make it applicable in some cases(less strength). The lack of certain alloying elements in this same alloy also doesn't make it suitable for certain chemical environments or physical exposures. So when you are looking at using the 5356 you will be giving up some of the ease of application and physical aesthetics that the 4043 posesses, yet you will gain the feeding ability of the wire as it is stiffer than the 4043. This stiffness might allow you to use a smaller diameter of wire in some cases and allow for tailoring the weld bead size to more suitably match material thickness. As you have also stated you will see an increase in the "soot" that is present upon completion of the weld. I believe Al stated very well where this comes from, if my memory serves me correctly it is from the additional magnesium that is present and is vaporized in the arc. So, this may not go away even with a change in shielding gas. Hope some of this makes sense. Best regards, Allan
Alan is right...
And furthermore the hotter gas mix you suggest will only add to the volitization of the Magnesium in the 5356 and cause more smut.
Smut reduction (not elimination) will be achieved by careful surface prep and the minimum arc voltage to produce the transfer mode that is required... The higher the voltage the larger the arc plasma cone and arc length thus, the more smoke/smut.
Yeah, thanks Allan and Lawrence...just got done with a good read over at weldreality. I'm staying with 100% Ar, and I'll adjust my voltage, cut and polish samples until I'm happy with the penetration and profile, then start welding coupons. 3/64" wire all the way.
I beleive I will try a smaller wire right now we are using .035 the welds were also little larger with the 5556 wire compaired to the 4043.