Brazing facilities are used to join copper or stainless steel tubes through a process known as brazing. Brazing would melt and flow a filler metal into the joint between the two pieces of metal being joined. The filler metal typically has a lower melting point than the metals being joined. This characteristic allow it to melt and flow into the joint without melting the base metals.
To perform brazing on copper and stainless steel tubes, the following equipment are typically needed:
- Brazing torch or furnace: A brazing torch is a handheld tool that uses a fuel gas and oxygen to create a flame that melts the filler metal. A brazing furnace is a larger piece of equipment that can be used to heat multiple pieces of metal at once.
- Induction brazing equipment. Use electromagnetic induction to create a heating effect. The equipment consists of an alternating current power supply, an induction coil, and a work-piece. This Induction brazing equipment typically used for stainless steel tubes.
- Filler metal: The filler metal used for brazing copper and stainless steel tubes is typically a silver-based alloy. This type of filler metal has a low melting point and good flow characteristics.
- Flux: Flux is a material that is used to clean the surfaces of the metals being joined and to prevent oxidation during the brazing process. The flux also helps the filler metal flow into the joint.
- Jigs and fixtures: Jigs and fixtures are used to hold the tubes in place during the brazing process. They are designed to ensure that the tubes are held at the correct angle and distance from each other.
- Protective equipment: When brazing, it is important to wear protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a face shield to protect against heat, sparks, and hot metal.