Brazing is a well established joining process that uses a braze filler metal to join almost any metallic or ceramic material. The closely fitted components to be joined together with the filler metal, are heated to a temperature such that the filler metal is completely melted. The liquid filler metal is pulled, by capillary attraction, into the volume between the components and completely covers the mating surfaces. The filler metal “alloys” with the components being joined and, when cooled, forms a permanent metallurgical leak tight bond.

To achieve a good braze joint the parts must be properly cleaned and protected from oxidation during the process. Oxidation protection is accomplished by fluxing or use of a controlled atmosphere. In addition, the components must be designed so that when they are at braze temperature they are properly aligned and a capillary is formed in which the liquid filler metal can flow. With proper joint clearance the joint strength will approach that of the base material. A heating process must be selected which will produce the proper brazing temperature and heat distribution. For detailed information you can buy the American Welding Society Brazing Handbook (www.aws.org) or contact the brazing experts at Thermal-Vac Technology.

Thermal-Vac is an independently owned Southern California company with an excellent reputation for providing more than two decades of heat-treating and brazing experience. Our traditional values include personal pride in each and every project undertaken, exceptional expertise by our dedicated personnel, and over two decades of diversified experience have earned a Thermal-Vac Technology a reputation for outstanding performance, personalized service and attention to detail.