MASTERING BRAZING TECHNIQUES : PROCESS, APPLICATIONS, AND ADVANTAGES
Brazing involves heating the assembly to a temperature where the filler rod or solder liquefies, allowing it to flow and spread through the gap between closely adjacent surfaces of the parts being joined. Capillary action between the liquid filler metal and the parent material surface ensures metallurgical continuity between the parts as the filler metal solidifies.
Unlike welding, where the base metal is melted, brazing keeps the base metal in a solid state. Brazing is typically associated with melting points higher than 450°C (900°F) for brazing and lower than 450°C for soldering. This means that base metals are less susceptible to heat and oxidation, minimizing warping.
Brazing finds applications across various industries including plumbing, electronics, automotive, aerospace, food processing, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, refrigeration, and air conditioning. Its advantages lie in its ability to be mechanized or automated for high-speed production. This process is suitable for intricate joints across a wide range of metals and ceramics, whether for similar or dissimilar joints.
Heating methods for brazing include torch, electric resistance furnace (with controlled atmosphere or vacuum), magnetic induction, and salt bath. Filler rods are available in various forms such as rod, wire, strip, powder, or paste. Flux is typically in powder or liquid form (gel or cream), and it may be integrated into the filler metal itself (flux cored rod/wire). The flux's role is to dissolve surface oxide, promote wetting, and protect the liquid filler metal and heated base metal from atmospheric contamination during brazing.
A wide range of filler metals series exists, including silver-based alloys, copper alloys, nickel alloys, gold-based alloys, aluminum, and magnesium alloys. The choice of filler metal type depends on factors such as the base metals to be joined, joint design, service conditions (temperature, corrosion, etc.), brazing method (e.g., Vacuum furnace, torch), aesthetic preferences, and health and safety considerations.
Need assistance in selecting the right filler metal and flux for your brazing project ? Contact us today for expert advice tailored to your specific requirements !
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