The temperature needed to braze stainless steel varies depending on the type of stainless steel and the specific brazing conditions. For austenitic stainless steel without stabilizing elements like Ti or Nb, brazing should avoid the sensitization temperature range of 500-850°C to prevent chromium carbide precipitation and corrosion resistance reduction. Martensitic stainless steel requires a more stringent temperature, either matching the quenching temperature or being lower than the tempering temperature to avoid material softening. The minimum brazing temperature for most alloys is typically at least 25°C above the liquidus temperature, ensuring proper flow and reaction with the base metal. The brazing time should be sufficient to uniformly heat all parts, usually between 5 and 10 minutes. Cooling should start after the braze soak, ensuring the temperature is at least 25°C below the solidus temperature before quenching to prevent braze alloy loss.
For specific examples, martensitic stainless steels like 1Cr13 and Cr17Ni2 require a hydrogen gas dew point below -40°C at 1000°C brazing temperature. Unstabilized 18-8 chromium-nickel stainless steels need a dew point below 25°C at 1150°C, while stabilized 1Cr18Ni9Ti requires a dew point below -40°C at the same temperature. These requirements reflect the need for lower dew points with lower brazing temperatures and higher stabilizer content in the base material.
When brazing, the choice of protective gas and its purity also affects the process. Argon, for instance, requires higher purity levels. The brazing technique, whether using flame, induction, or furnace heating, must also consider the cleanliness of the stainless steel and the need for immediate brazing after cleaning to prevent contamination.
In summary, the optimal brazing temperature for stainless steel depends on the type of steel and the specific brazing conditions, with careful consideration of the temperature range to avoid material degradation and ensure proper alloy flow and bonding.
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