Inert Atmosphere Brazing

Induction heating expert Greg Holland explains how brazing in an inert atmosphere works.Braze without messy flux! Watch the video to see how inert atmosphere brazing works or listen to a podcast on Heat Treat Radio to learn more.

Induction brazing in an inert atmosphere is a great way to create high quality brazed joints while speeding up production. The inert gas provides additional advantages over traditional brazing:

  • Keep parts from oxidizing without using flux.
  • No need to clean parts afterwards.
  • Ideal for single part flow and high throughput operations.
  • Copper connections can also be brazed without phosphorus in the alloy.
  • And, since a flame is not used, the inert atmosphere reduces the chances of fire and injury.

Typical atmospheres used are:

  • Nitrogen
  • Hydrogen
  • Argon
  • Dissociated Ammonia
  • Vacuum

Example: Semi-Automated Tube Brazing

The final workpiece pictured above is a stainless steel tube that was brazed with a copper brazing alloy in an inert atmosphere. The parts were brazed in three individually, manually loaded, semi-automated, tube brazing cells.

Watch the video below to see how it worked.

How the induction brazing process works

When alternating current is applied to the workpiece flowing through the induction coil a time dependent magnetic flux is created around the coil.  This magnetic flux creates eddy currents in the part of the workpiece located inside the coil’s field.  The depth of the penetration of the induced current depends on the frequency created by the power supply.  The eddy currents are generated by the electrical resistance of the workpiece.

Want to learn more?

Give us a call or request to schedule a consultation or demo. We would be happy to discuss your specific project and manufacturing environment.  Our experienced technicians can review your process and make suggestions that can save you time, money and aggravation.