Hydrogen furnace brazing eliminates the need for fluxes to protect braze joint surfaces from oxidation. In a hydrogen atmosphere, oxides on parts which are heated to braze temperature tend to dissociate, and are subsequently flushed from the retort with the positive flow of hydrogen, in this way parts emerge from the retort looking bright and clean. Hydrogen furnace brazing also allows for precise control of the entire brazing cycle and, with the aid of imbedded or attached thermocouples, ensures an exacting braze joint temperature.

Thermal-Vac’s hydrogen furnace has two retorts these allow the unloading and set-up of one while the other is in use to process parts. After parts are loaded, air is vacuumed out of the retort which is then purged with inert gas prior to introduction of hydrogen gas. Oxygen sensors prevent premature introduction of the hydrogen into the retort.

Typically Thermal-Vac uses copper braze filler metal in hydrogen for brazing stainless or carbon steel assemblies.

Industry standards for hydrogen brazing include:

* Mil-B-007883C, Type II
* AWS C3.6: 1999

Partial lists of materials appropriate for hydrogen furnace brazing is included in the Parent Materials section and appropriate braze filler materials are listed in the Brazing Alloys section.

Thermal-Vac is one of North America’s leading, independently owned precision brazing, heat treating and metal finishing firms. With nearly three decades of diversified industry and application experience, we have earned a reputation for outstanding performance, personalized service and attention to detail. Leverage our expertise by allowing us to serve your company’s precision brazing and heat treating needs.