Abstract: 5083-O alloy plates were welded by metal inert gas (MIG) welding method using domestic and imported 5183 welding wire. The microstructures and mechanical properties of wire and welded joints were studied by optical microscopy， tensile test methods and SEM. The results showed that the domestic 5183 wire has higher yield strength and slightly lower elongation than that of the imported 5183 wire. Weld beads are fairly good under the chosen welding parameters. The microstructures of welded joints using domestic and imported 5183 welding wire are similar. The weld zone is the typical casting structure formed during weld solidification. Grains are elongated along the rolling direction and parts of precipitated phases dissolve in the matrix in the heat-affected zone. The tensile strength of the joints welded with either domestic or imported 5183 welding wire can reach more than 85% of the base material.

Key words: domestic and imported 5183 welding wire, MIG welding, welded joint, microstructure, mechanical property