Abstract
Many high strength aluminium engineering alloys cannot be joined by brazing because they either degrade or melt at the temperature at which commercially available aluminium brazes are used. A brazing process suitable for joining aluminium engineering alloys has been developed employing two novel low melting point brazes. The brazes are available as ductile foil preforms. The process is fluxless and no post-joining cleaning treatments are necessary. The aluminium components and the brazing foil require a simple chemical treatment before use. The brazing process is tolerant and can be satisfactorily implemented by heating to a temperature of 510–550°C, maintained for a period of 5–45 min, in either vacuum or a furnace chamber that is purged continuously with nitrogen gas. The joints exhibit high strength and adequate resistance to corrosion for most applications. Some promising new applications for aluminium brazing technology based on this new process are described.
MST/3183
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