Working With Braze Aluminum

Brazing aluminum involves joining two pieces of aluminum using a filler metal that has a melting point above 840°F but below the melting point of the base metal. It is a useful technique in joining aluminum parts in various applications, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.

Types of Braze Aluminum

There are two main types of braze aluminum:

Fluxed brazing aluminum

Fluxed brazing aluminum is used when the surfaces being joined are heavily oxidized. The flux removes the oxide layer, allowing the filler metal to bond directly with the base metal. Fluxed brazing aluminum typically uses a filler metal that contains silicon.

Non-fluxed brazing aluminum

Non-fluxed brazing aluminum is used when the surfaces being joined are clean and free of oxidation. The filler metal is melted directly onto the clean base metal. Non-fluxed brazing aluminum typically uses a filler metal that contains zinc, copper, or silver.

Brazing Process

The brazing process involves several steps:

Cleaning the surfaces

Before brazing, the surfaces being joined must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any oils, dirt, or other contaminants that could affect the bond. This can be done using solvents or a wire brush.

Applying flux (if needed)

If fluxed brazing aluminum is being used, a flux must be applied to the surfaces being joined. The flux removes the oxide layer, allowing the filler metal to bond directly with the base metal.

Applying heat

The surfaces being joined are heated to the appropriate temperature using a torch or furnace. The filler metal is then melted onto the joint, forming a bond between the two surfaces.

Cooling the joint

The joint is allowed to cool slowly to prevent cracking. Once cooled, the joint should be inspected for any defects, such as cracks or voids.

Advantages of Brazing Aluminum

Brazing aluminum offers several advantages:

Strength

Brazed joints are typically as strong as the base metal.

Durability

Brazed joints are highly resistant to corrosion and wear.

Cost-effective

Brazing aluminum is a cost-effective method of joining aluminum parts compared to other welding methods.

Conclusion

Brazing aluminum is a useful technique in joining aluminum parts in various applications. The brazing process involves cleaning the surfaces, applying flux (if needed), applying heat, and cooling the joint. Brazed joints are typically as strong as the base metal, highly resistant to corrosion and wear, and cost-effective compared to other welding methods.

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