The optimal temperature range for brazing copper is typically between 1,100 and 1,500°F (593 to 816°C). This temperature range is chosen to ensure effective bonding of the filler metal to the copper base metal without causing damage to the copper itself.
Temperature Selection for Copper Brazing: The selection of brazing temperature for copper is influenced by several factors including the type of atmosphere used in the furnace, the properties of the filler metal, and the specific requirements of the brazing process. For copper, it is common to use a "wet" hydrogen atmosphere, which is beneficial for removing residual hydrocarbons. This is preferred over "dry" hydrogen, which is more suited for removing additional oxides, typically needed when brazing copper to materials high in oxides like stainless steels.
Filler Metal Considerations: The brazing temperature should be as low as possible within the recommended range to facilitate the flow of the filler metal and ensure it reacts well with the base metal. The minimum brazing temperature is usually at least 25°C (50°F) above the liquidus temperature of the filler metal. This is crucial for maintaining the fluidity of the molten braze alloy, especially when dealing with large gaps or thin materials. The time spent at the brazing temperature should be sufficient to ensure uniform heating across all parts of the load, typically ranging from 5 to 10 minutes, but potentially longer for heavier loads.
Post-Brazing Cooling: After the brazing process, the cooling cycle is initiated. It is recommended to cool the load to a temperature at least 25°C (50°F) below the solidus temperature of the braze alloy before initiating gas quenching. This precaution ensures that the molten braze alloy has solidified and will not be dislodged from the joint during the quenching process.
Conclusion: The temperature range of 1,100 to 1,500°F (593 to 816°C) for brazing copper is critical for achieving a strong, reliable joint. The choice of brazing atmosphere, careful selection of filler metal, and controlled cooling processes are all essential components of a successful copper brazing procedure.
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