Nitrogen can be used for brazing, especially in controlled atmosphere brazing (CAB) processes. It acts as an inert gas to prevent oxidation and corrosion. Nitrogen is popular due to its availability and cost-effectiveness, providing a dew point low enough to maintain an inert environment suitable for brazing.
Can Nitrogen Be Used for Brazing? 4 Key Points to Consider
1. Inert Gas Brazing
Inert gases like nitrogen are crucial in brazing processes. They create an environment that prevents oxidation of the materials being joined. The dew point of the nitrogen used must be less than 51°C to ensure its effectiveness. Nitrogen is often preferred over other inert gases like helium and argon due to its lower cost and adequate performance in preventing oxidation.
2. Nitrogen in Brazing Furnaces
The specification of nitrogen from liquid sources typically shows very low moisture content (<1.5 ppm, with a dew point of -73°C) and minimal oxygen levels (<3 ppm). However, in practical brazing furnace settings, the atmospheric conditions can exceed these levels due to various factors such as the introduction of water and oxygen from the incoming products, the furnace's stainless steel mesh belt, and potential back-streaming of the factory atmosphere. Proper management of the nitrogen flow and exhaust is essential to maintain the required inert conditions.
3. Controlled Atmosphere Brazing (CAB) with Nitrogen
In aluminum brazing, nitrogen is used as a controlled atmosphere to join aluminum alloy parts without causing oxidation or corrosion. This process is vital in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and air conditioning, where the quality of brazing directly impacts the product's performance and longevity. The use of nitrogen in CAB ensures that the brazing environment is stable and conducive to high-quality bonding.
4. Alternative Atmospheres
While nitrogen is commonly used, other atmospheres like exothermic hydrogen and dissociated ammonia are also employed, particularly for specific materials like stainless steel and nickel alloys. These atmospheres help in reducing surface oxides and improving the wetting properties of the base material, which enhances the flow of the filler material and reduces the risk of soot generation.
In summary, nitrogen is a viable and commonly used gas for brazing, particularly in controlled atmospheres where its inert properties help prevent oxidation and maintain the integrity of the brazing process. Its use is supported by its low cost and effective performance in various brazing applications.
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