Aluminium-based braze alloy
Aluminium-based braze alloys have become increasingly popular in recent years and are widely used in many industries. Braze alloys are materials composed of two or more metals with a melting point lower than that of the base material, which are used to bond components of dissimilar materials. Copper, silver, and gold are the most commonly used metals in brazing, usually with a filler metal consisting of these same metals. Aluminium-based braze alloys, however, offer many advantages over the traditional braze alloys, making them ideal for the manufacture of complex components and for applications requiring lightweight, corrosion-resistant structures.
Aluminium-based braze alloys are formulated from aluminium and either copper, silicon, manganese, chromium, zinc, titanium, or nickel. Each of these additive elements affects the alloys physical and mechanical properties in different ways. For example, alloying with copper increases the strength and ductility, while alloying with silicon increases the tensile strength and electrical conductivity of the alloy. The addition of manganese increases the hardness and machinability of the alloy, while chromium provides superior oxidation resistance. Zinc and titanium are used to further enhance the corrosion resistance of aluminium-based alloys, while nickel can be used to improve the ductility and toughness of the alloy.
Aluminium-based braze alloys have excellent thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion and are generally stronger, lighter and more corrosion-resistant than traditional copper or silver-based brazes. These alloys are particularly advantageous in applications requiring permanent joining of dissimilar materials with varying sizes and shapes, as they provide good gap-filling properties and offer improved strength characteristics. They are widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries to fabricate engine components and exhaust systems, as well as in the manufacture of electronic components and power tools.
Aluminium-based brazes can also be used for other applications in which cost and weight are essential. For example, this alloy is commonly used for the joining of rigid and flexible circuit boards, as well as for bonding electronic components and heat exchangers. The relatively low cost of aluminium-based braze alloys makes them a popular choice for fabricators, as well as for small-scale and home-based projects.
Aluminium-based braze alloys offer many benefits, not only in terms of cost and weight, but also in terms of ease of use. These alloys are generally easier to braze and have a higher wetting ability than traditional alloys, allowing for quick and efficient assembly. Since they have a lower melting point than most brazing alloys, they are also easier to apply and cool, allowing for fewer defects and a faster production time.
In summary, aluminium-based braze alloys offer a number of advantages over traditional copper and silver-based brazes. They are stronger, lighter, and offer superior corrosion resistance, as well as improved gap-filling characteristics for complex components. Aluminium-based braze alloys are cost-effective and easy to use, making them ideal for the joining of dissimilar materials and for fabricating lightweight structures.
