Professional Documents
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An Introduction to Brazing
Fundamentals Materials Processing
Contents
Contents
Fundamentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What Is Brazing?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
How Is Soldering Different From Brazing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
How is Brazing Different From Welding? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Why Braze?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Considerations for Brazing Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Heat Sources for Brazing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Brazing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Capillary Braze Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Wetting in Braze Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Typical Heating and Cooling Cycle for Furnace Brazing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Vapor Pressure Curves for Vacuum Brazing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Braze Joint Morphology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Brazing Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
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Fundamentals
Fundamentals
Brazing is a joining process wherein metals are bonded Welding is a joining process wherein metallic compo-
together using a filler metal with a melting (liquidus) tem- nents are joined through fusion (melting) or recrystal-
perature greater than 450 C (840 F), but lower than lization of the base metal by applying heat, pressure or
the melting temperature of the base metal. Filler metals both. This process differs from brazing, where only the
are generally alloys of silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), gold filler metal melts during processing.
(Au), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni).
Why Braze?
How Is Soldering Different From Brazing? Components can be batch processed
Brazing is production and cost efficient
Soldering is a joining process wherein metals are Component distortion is minimized or eliminated
bonded together using a non-ferrous filler metal with a Base metal dilution is low
melting (liquidus) temperature lower than 450 C (840 Process thermal cycles are predictable
F). Whenever the filler metal liquidus is greater than Joining of dissimilar materials can be achieved
450 C (840 F), the joining process is considered to be Thin-to-Thin or Thin-to-Thick members can be joined
a brazing process rather than a soldering process. Small and wide gap sizes can be filled
Specialized labor is not required
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Fundamentals
Fundamentals
Torch Brazing
A heating source supplied by a fuel gas flame. Gases
include acetylene, hydrogen or propane. A typical ap-
plication is to braze a tube into a fitting using copper or
silver brazing filler metals.
Induction Brazing
Electric coils, which are designed for specific joint ge-
ometries, are used to heat the part and the brazing filler
metal until the liquid metal flows via capillary attraction
into the joint. This process is primarily used for brazing
with copper and silver alloys. A typical application is a
tube to tube assembly.
Continuous Furnace
Conveyor belts transport the pre-alloyed components
through preheating, heating and post-heating zones Hot
where the braze alloy reaches temperature, then reso-
lidifies during cooling. Silver and copper based brazing
filler metals are most commonly used in these pro-
cesses.
Vacuum Furnace
A furnace with electrically heated elements that sur-
round the workload and heat the brazing filler metal to
the liquidus state so flow and capillary attraction are Load
achieved. To permit brazing of alloys that are sensitive Vac
to oxidation at high temperatures, a pumping system is Pump
employed that removes oxygen. Gold, copper, nickel,
cobalt, titanium and ceramic based filler metals are suc-
cessfully vacuum brazed.
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Base Material Nickel (Ni) Cobalt (Co) Silver (Ag) Gold (Au) Aluminum (Al) Copper (Cu)
Braze Range 927 1205 C 1175 1245 C 620 980 C 890 1230 C 570 620 C 705 1150 C
1700 02200 F 2150 2275 F 1150 1800 F 1635 2250 F 1060 1150 F 1300 2100 F
Applications Alloy Steels Cobalt Alloys Alloy Steels Alloy Steels Aluminum Alloy Steels
Carbon Steels Carbon Steels Carbon Steels Alloys Carbon Steels
Copper Alloys Cast Iron Copper Alloys Cast Iron
Stainless Copper Alloys Nickel / Cobalt Copper Alloys
Steel Nickel Alloys Alloys Nickel Alloys
Nickel / Cobalt Stainless Stainless Stainless
Alloys Steel Steels Steels
Tool Steels Tool Steels Tool Steels
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Various elements are added to braze filler metals. The Molybdenum (Mo) Can combine with carbon to form
purpose and behavior of these alloying elements are complex carbides that enhance joint strength and effec-
listed below. tively controls rapid grain growth. Also stiffens the matrix
against plastic deformation.
Nickel (Ni) Provides desirable high temperature chemi-
cal and physical properties. Very compatible with other Carbon (C) This element is included in the generally
alloying elements. accepted impurities and minor constituents of the alloy-
ing elements. Therefore, its inclusion is kept to a mini-
Cobalt (Co) Has physical behavior that is very simi- mum. Carbon acts to lower the melting range.
lar to nickel and can be freely substituted for a major
portion of the nickel in any specific formulation. When Titanium (Ti) and Niobium (Nb) Appear to form car-
added to nickel, it provides increased solubility, higher bides in the presence of excess carbon, providing
service temperature and increased matrix strength. added high temperature strength without noticeable
side effects. In solid solutions, they increase the corro-
Manganese (Mn) Functions as a melting temperature sion resistance of the matrix.
suppressant.
Germanium (Ge) Has the ability to lower the melting
Boron (B) Acts as a temperature suppressant, aids temperature and toughen the joint. It is often recognized
wetting through self-fluxing of oxides and contributes to microscopically as a finely distributed nodular phase.
high temperature strength and oxidation resistance. As
an effective deoxidizer, boron provides additional joint Rare Earths of Lanthanum (La), Yttrium (Y),
strength and corrosion resistance. Can be readily dif- Neodymium (Nd), Praseodymium (Pr) and Cerium
fused from the braze deposit. (Ce) are normally added to the melt as misch metal to
promote outgassing. In the alloy, they enhance oxidation
Silicon (Si) Behaves in much the same manner as resistance, promote grain refinement, increase fluidity
boron. Primary duty is as a self-fluxing temperature sup- and increase joint ductility.
pressant. Secondary role is as a grain refiner affording
strength, oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance
to the joint at elevated temperatures. Cannot be readily Typical Brazing Temperature Ranges for
diffused. Various Filler Metals
C F
Iron (Fe) Appears to promote flow of the molten alloy
and tends to make a sounder, tougher joint. Acts as a 1370 2500
barrier to the migration of base metal elements into the
braze joint. 1260 2300
Cobalt
Iron 1150 2100
Chromium (Cr) Enhances both joint strength and high
temperature oxidation resistance. Gold
1085 1985 Nickel
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Braze products can be purchased in a variety of forms. most convenient and efficient for their particular produc-
Where available, customers can choose the form that is tion needs.
Braze Powder is produced by a process Braze Preforms are custom shapes cut
that generates clean, dense, spheri- from braze tape that are easy to apply
cal and dry particles. Each particle for brazing. The adhesive backing will
contains precise amounts of all the hold the preforms in place during as-
elements of a particular alloy and the sembly and brazing of component parts.
powders are uniform and homogeneous.
Braze Paste is composed of one or Braze Foil is a flexible material that con-
more braze alloy powders and a neu- tains no binders or fluxes and can be
tral, flux-free binder. The binder content as thick as 0.06 mm (0.0025 in.). Foil
ranges between 10 and 14 percent by can be cut into shapes and resistance
weight, which results in a consistent, tacked (spot welded) into place prior
easily extruded braze paste. Binders may to assembly or brazing of components.
be water or organic based, producing pastes that are Several sheets of foil can be used for added thickness.
slow drying or fast drying. Syringes, cartridges and bulk
packs are available.
Braze Tape is manufactured by casting Braze Rod and Wire are binder free and
a uniform layer of braze alloy and a are commonly used in torch or induc-
binder wound in rolls for ease of han- tion brazing applications. Rod and wire
dling. The tapes are made to order with materials are typically available in di-
a specified thickness and width suitable ameters from 0.8 to 9.5 mm (0.3125 to
for the component to be brazed. Adhesive 0.375 in.). Cored forms of these products
can be applied to one or both sides of the tape. may also contain flux materials.
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Magnesium Alloys
Carbon Steel and
Aluminum Alloys
Magnesium and
Titanium Alloys
Stainless Steel
Aluminum and
Copper Alloys
Cobalt Alloys
Titanium and
Nickel Alloys
Copper and
Cobalt and
Tool Steels
Nickel and
Ceramics
Cast Iron
Cobalt Based
[BCo]
Copper (pure)
[BCu]
Copper Phosphorus
[BCuP]
Copper-Zinc
[BCuZn]
Iron Based
Gold Based
1
[BAu]
Magnesium Based
[BMg]
Nickel Based
[BNi]
Silver Based
[BAg]
Titanium Based
1
applications are limited
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Joint Properties
Shear Strength. The ability to resist the angular defor- Oxidation Resistance. The ability of a material, par-
mation, calculated as the sideways displacement of two ticularly a metal, to resist reaction with oxygen, which
adjacent planes divided by the distance between them. can cause a loss of structural integrity resulting from the
formation of undesirable oxide compounds.
Butt Tensile Strength. The ability to resist a force ap-
plied perpendicular to a given plane without rupturing. Microstructure. The composition and microscopic
structure of a material, as studied using metallographic
Stress Rupture. A fracture caused as a result of re- methods.
peated physical strain.
Joint Configuration. The design and shape of the joint
Hardness. The ability of a material to resist scratching, chosen to join members that will meet or exceed struc-
abrasion, indentation or machining, as measured by a tural requirements in service. Types of joint configurations
specifically chosen method or standard. include lap, butt, tee, tubing, tube thru plate and scarf
(see section on Joint Configuration).
Corrosion Resistance. The ability of a material to
resist attack resulting from environmental, chemical or
galvanic action.
Formula: Example:
W
Result:
X = (2 482.6 1.5) / 172.4 = 8.4 mm (length of lap)
X
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Joint Configurations
Butt Joint
Lap Joint
Butt-Lapp Joint
Scarf Joint
Maximum
Bonding Surface
Tee Joint
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Brazing
Brazing
Capillary Attraction: The force by which a liquid, in this ability of the filler metal, in a liquid state, to pull its mass
case the braze filler metal, in contact with a solid is dis- along the solid contact surfaces between two compo-
tributed between closely fitting adjacent surfaces. The nents permits brazing of blind joints.
Before Brazing
During Brazing
After Brazing
Q < 90
Braze alloy deposit on a prepared metal The conditions are present to allow the braze
surface (prior to brazing) alloy to spread out onto the base metal
Poor, Non-Wetting Condition De-Wetting Condition
Q > 90
Q = 90
Poor conditions during brazing prohibit the Braze conditions were so poor that the alloy
alloy from wetting pulled up and away from the base metal
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Brazing
Brazing
Alternate
4 diffusion cycle
5
3
co
co
o
o
lin
lin
2
g
1
1. Hold #1: At 150 to 260 C (300 to 500 F) for 10 Ramp Up Rate: Heat as fast as possible (without
to 15 minutes. This allows solvents or water in the part distortion or compromise of metallurgical prop-
paste or binder vehicle to outgas from the braze alloy erties) to the braze temperature to prevent liquation
deposit. of the braze alloy.
Helps to prevent eruptions (holes) in the brazed 4. Hold #4: Typically, a hold time of 0 to 60 minutes at
deposit the braze temperature allows sufficient time for the
Restore the atmosphere quality which can degrade alloy to melt and flow into the joint.
from gasses
Ramp Down Rate: Slowly reduce the temperature
2. Hold #2: At approximately 540 C (1000 F) for 10 to to allow liquid alloy to solidify in place. Begin to
15 minutes. This allows the organics (not liquids) in quench below the solidus temperature of the braze
the braze vehicle sufficient time to become gaseous alloy.
and to be removed through the pumping system.
5. Hold #5: A diffusion hold of two to four hours at
Allows time for the quality of the furnace atmo- 1065 to 1150 C (1950 to 2100 F) will allow boron
sphere to return to diffuse and raise remelt temperature of the braze
alloy.
3. Hold #3: At 10 to 38 C (50 to 100 F) below braze
alloy solidus temperature. Cooling Ramp: Use a rate that will control distor-
tion, meet required metallurgical properties and pro-
Stabilization hold for a minimum of ten minutes or duction needs.
until part thermocouples have reached set Delta T
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Brazing
Brazing
105 108
104 107
Boiling Point All Substances at 1 Atmosphere
103 106
102 105
101 104
As4
1 103
Bi
10-1 102
10-2 101
Pressure mm of Hg
10-3 1
Pressure microns
Hg
10-4 Al 10-1
10-5 Mg 10-2
Pb
10-6 10-3
Mo
10-7 10-4
Ta
10-8 10-5
10-9 Ti 10-6
Zn
10-10 Ni 10-7
10-11 Cd 10-8
W
10-12 10-9
Ca Mn
C
10-13 10-10
Cu Co
Fe
10-14 Pt 10-11
Cr
Zr
10-15 10-12
0
0
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
20
40
60
80
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
Temperature C
Under reduced pressure, the boiling point of metals is lowered. For combinations of temperatures and
pressures lying left of the curve, the metal is a liquid or solid. To the right of the curve it is a vapor.
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Brazing
Brazing
Non-Continuous Dendrites
Amorphous Matrix
Gap
base metal
Solid
Solutioning
Loops
Alloy Diffusion
fillet
Eutectic
base Matrix
metal
Primary
Idiomorphic
Crystals
Gap
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Processing
Supplementary Process Elements
Braze Procedure
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Alloy Stop-Off Thermal Post
Cleaning Assembly Application Cycle Inspection
Application Treatment
Safety
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Brazing Tips
Brazing Tips
Problem: Problem:
The braze alloy balls up and fails to wet the surface There is indication the alloy melted but there was no
or run into the joint. flow.
Problem: Problem:
Capillary action doesn't occur even though the braze A tight fitting joint opens up during brazing.
alloy melts and forms a fillet.
Possible Solutions:
Possible Solutions: 1. Check for high coefficient of expansion.
1. Increase time at heat. 2. Check for incompatible expansion between dis-
2. Loosen or tighten the joint fit-up. similar metals.
3. Increase braze temperature. 3. Check for release of base metal stresses during
4. Clean mating parts more thoroughly. heat cycle.
5. Check for improper or insufficient cleaning. 4. Check for poor support of the components.
6. Check for contamination in the joint from cements 5. Check for a press fit that is too tight and stretches
or gels used to apply the filler metal. the outer component beyond its elastic limit.
7. Check for voids in the fillet. 6. Check for fixturing that constrains the part too
8. Check for bad fit-up of mating parts during much.
assembly. 7. Try adjusting the heating and cooling rates to
allow for differences in expansion.
8. Try lighter weight fixtures that support well but do
Problem: not constrain the components.
The braze alloy flows away from the joint rather than
into it.
Problem:
Possible Solutions: Braze splatters appear around the braze joint.
1. Check base metal properties for elements that
oxidize and inhibit braze flow. Possible Solutions:
2. Check cleaning process. 1. Try slowing the heating rate between 150 540
3. Compare actual size of the joint gap to the size C (300 1000 F) and use stabilizing holds to
recommended for the braze alloy being used. help remove liquids from binders used to apply
4. Remove any burrs at the edge of the joints or any the filler metals.
other obstacles which stop the flow of the alloy. 2. Try changing the form of the alloy, if possible.
5. Try providing a reservoir for better placement of 3. Try to control cooling from 35 95 C (100 200
the alloy at the joint. F) from the braze temperature before quenching
6. Try using a stop-off to retard the flow of the alloy the parts.
away from the joint area.
7. Try changing the alloy form to pre-place the braze
alloy into the joint area.
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Brazing Tips
Brazing Tips
Problem:
The joint appears starved or lacking alloy in areas.
Possible Solutions:
1. Check the braze alloy deposit to be sure there is
sufficient material to fill the joint.
2. Make sure the alloy is securely attached to the
part right up to the melting temperature.
3. Be sure the filler metal has not been blown off by
quench gas while it is still liquid from the brazing
temperature.
4. Check if the braze gap is too large.
5. Check the vapor pressure chart to see if a com-
ponent in the braze alloy was vaporized, leaving
the alloy unable to melt or flow.
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Glossary
Glossary of Brazing Terms
binder. A liquid material used in the application of pow- brazing operator. One who operates machine or auto-
ders that cause the powder to compact and stay in place, matic brazing equipment.
even after the binder is removed during brazing.
brazing procedure. The detailed methods and prac-
blind joint. A joint where no part of it is visible to view. tices including all joint brazing procedures involved in the
production of a brazement. See joint brazing procedure.
block brazing (BB). A brazing process in which the heat
required is obtained from heated blocks applied to the brazing sheet. Brazing filler metal in sheet form, which
parts to be joined. can be with or without a binder.
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Glossary
Glossary of Brazing Terms
brazing technique. The details of a brazing operation cement. A viscous liquid, of either a rubber or acrylic
which, within the limitations of the prescribed brazing base, which acts as both a vehicle and a binder. It is
procedure, are controlled by the brazer or the brazing mixed with any powdered filler metal to permit applica-
operator. tion with a brush, eyedropper, etc. It causes the metal to
compact, holding it in place, even after it volatilizes.
brazing temperature. The temperature to which the
base metal is heated to enable the filler metal to wet the clad brazing. A metal sheet on which one or both sides
base metal and form a brazed joint. are clad (coated) with brazing filler metal. Clad brazing is
found most often in aluminum brazing.
brazing temperature range. The temperature range
within which brazing can be conducted. copper brazing. A term improperly used to denote braz-
ing with copper filler metal. See preferred terms furnace
brazing and braze welding.
C
capillary action. The force by which liquid, in contact corrosive flux. A flux with a residue that chemically at-
with a solid, is distributed between closely fitted facing tacks the base metal. It may be composed of inorganic
surfaces of the joint to be brazed or soldered. salts and acids, organic salts and acids or activated ros-
ins or resins.
-15
-20
-25
-30
-35 Liquidus
1055 C
(1931 F)
-40
1550 1600 1650 1700 1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000 2050
Temperature (F)
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Glossary
Glossary of Brazing Terms
D F
dew point. The temperature at which water condenses feed side. That external face of an intended joint to
out of an atmosphere for a given pressure. which the main reservoir of the filler metal is added prior
to the braze operation.
differential thermal analysis (DTA). A test procedure
for determining the solidus and liquidus temperatures of filler metal. The metal to be added in making a welded,
a material. brazed or soldered joint.
diffusion bonding. See preferred terms diffusion brazing fillet. A radiussed area of filler metal at the site where
and diffusion welding. components are joined.
diffusion brazing (DFB). A brazing process which fissure. A small crack-like discontinuity with only slight
produces coalescence of metals by heating them to suit- separation (opening displacement) of the fracture sur-
able temperatures and by using a filler metal of an in-situ faces. The prefixes macro or micro indicate relative size.
liquid phase. The filler metal may be distributed by capil-
lary attraction or may be placed or formed at the faying flash. The material which is expelled or squeezed out
surfaces. The filler metal is diffused with the base metal of a joint.
to the extent that the joint properties have been changed
to approach those of the base metal. Pressure may or flaw. A near synonym for discontinuity, but with an un-
may not be applied. desirable connotation.
diffusion heat treatment. A thermal cycle, usually per- flow brazing (FLB). A brazing process which produces
formed at 1065 to 1093 C (1950 to 2000 F) for two to coalescence of metals by heating them with molten,
four hours to cause migration of filler metal suppressants nonferrous filler metal poured over the joint until brazing
into the base metal. This effectively raises the remelt temperature is attained. The filler metal is distributed in
temperature and strengthens the joint. the joint by capillary attraction.
dip brazing (DB). A brazing process in which the heat flowability. The ability of molten filler metal to flow or
required is furnished by a molten chemical or metal bath. spread over a metal surface.
When a molten chemical bath is used, the bath may act
as a flux. When a molten metal bath is used, the bath flux. Material used to prevent, dissolve or facilitate
provides the filler metal. removal of oxides and other undesirable surface sub-
stances.
E
electric brazing. See preferred terms resistance brazing flux cover. In metal bath dip brazing and dip soldering,
and arc brazing. a cover of flux over the molten filler metal bath.
B
erosion (brazing). A condition caused by dissolution of 2000 Liquid 1981
the base metal by molten filler metal resulting in a post- 1761
A Solid & us
Liquid
braze reduction in the thickness of the base metal. 1600
Liquid Solid &
C Liquid
d
Temperature F
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Glossary
Glossary of Brazing Terms
freezing point. See preferred terms liquidus and solidus. intergranular penetration. The penetration of a filler
metal along the grain boundaries of a base metal.
furnace brazing (FB). A brazing process in which the
parts to be joined are placed in a furnace and heated to J
a suitable temperature. joint. The junction of members or the edges of members
which are to be joined or have been joined.
fusion. The melting together of filler metal and base
metal (substrate) or of base metal only, which results in joint brazing procedure. The materials, detailed meth-
coalescence. ods and practices employed in the brazing of a particular
joint.
G
gap. See joint clearance. joint clearance. The distance between the mating sur-
faces of a joint. In brazing, this distance can vary during
the brazing process as a result of thermal expansion.
gas brazing. See preferred term torch brazing.
joint design. The joint geometry together with the re-
H quired dimensions.
hard solder. A term erroneously used to denote silver-
base brazing filler metals. joint efficiency. The ratio of the strength of a joint to the
strength of the base metal (expressed in percent).
heat-affected zone (HAZ). The region of the base metal
that has been thermally altered as a result of welding, joint geometry. The shape and dimensions of a joint in
brazing, soldering or thermal cutting processes. cross-section prior to brazing.
hot crack. A crack that develops during solidification. lap joint. A joint between two overlapping members.
hydrogen brazing. A term erroneously used to denote liquation. The separation of the low melting constituent(s)
any brazing process which takes place in a hydrogen or of an alloy from the remaining constituents, which is usu-
hydrogen-containing atmosphere. ally apparent in alloys having a wide melting range. The
remaining deposit no longer brazes at the established
I melting temperature.
inadequate joint penetration. Joint penetration by the
braze alloy that is less than specified. liquidus. The lowest temperature at which a metal or an
alloy is completely liquid.
incomplete fusion. A condition where all of the braze
filler metal in a joint did not melt. M
machine brazing. See preferred term mechanized
induction brazing (IB). A brazing process in which the brazing.
heat is obtained from the resistance of the work piece to
induced electric current. manual brazing. A brazing operation performed and
controlled completely by hand.
infrared brazing (IRB). A brazing process in which the
heat is furnished by infrared radiation. mechanized brazing. Brazing with equipment which
performs the brazing operation under the constant obser-
infrared radiation. Electromagnetic energy with wave- vation and control of a brazing operator. The equipment
lengths from 770 to 12,000 nanometers. may or may not perform the loading and unloading of the
work. Also see automatic brazing.
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Glossary
Glossary of Brazing Terms
melting range. The temperature range defined by the protective atmosphere. A gas envelope surround-
solidus and liquidus temperatures between which a braz- ing the part to be brazed, with the gas composition
ing filler metal begins to melt and becomes completely controlled with respect to chemical composition, dew
fluid. point, pressure, flow rate, etc. Examples are inert gases,
combustible fuel gases, hydrogen and vacuum.
N
noncorrosive flux. A brazing flux which, in its original or R
residual form, chemically attacks the base metal. It usu- reaction flux. A flux composition in which one or more
ally is composed of rosin- or resin-base materials. of the ingredients reacts with a base metal upon heating
to deposit one or more metals.
P reducing atmosphere. A chemically active protective
parent metal. See preferred term base metal.
atmosphere which, at an elevated temperature, will
reduce metal oxides to their metallic state. Reducing
partial pressure. In a closed system having a mixture of atmosphere is a relative term as an atmosphere may be
gases and vapors, the pressure a specific gas or vapor reducing to one oxide but not to another oxide.
would exert if it occupied the entire volume of that mixture
by itself. A gas is often added to a vacuum atmosphere resistance brazing (RB). A brazing process in which the
to prevent the vaporization of a filler metal or base mate- heat required is obtained from the resistance to electric
rial without increasing moisture or contamination levels. current in a circuit of which the work is a part.
preheat. The heat applied to the base metal to achieve self-fluxing alloys. Certain materials that wet the sub-
and maintain a preheat temperature. strate and coalesce when heated to their melting point,
without the addition of a fluxing agent.
preheat temperature. A specified temperature that the
base metal must attain in the brazing area immediately semiautomatic brazing. Brazing with equipment which
before this operation is performed. controls only the brazing filler metal feed. The advance of
the brazing is manually controlled.
preheating. The application of heat to the base metal
immediately before brazing. semiblind joint. A joint in which one extremity of the
joint is not visible.
procedure. The detailed elements (with prescribed val-
ues or ranges of values) of a process or method used to silver soldering, silver brazing. Nonpreferred terms
produce a specific result. used to denote brazing or soldering with a silver-base
filler metal. See preferred terms furnace brazing, induction
procedure qualification. The demonstration that braze- brazing and torch brazing.
ments made by a specific procedure can meet prescribed
standards. skull. The unmelted residue from a liquated filler metal.
An 22/24
Introduction to Brazing Issued: August 2011
Sulzer Metco
Glossary
Glossary of Brazing Terms
An 23/24
Introduction to Brazing Issued: August 2011
Sulzer Metco
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