In what cases is the soldering of an aluminum surface using a torch?

One of the economical and practical problems is aluminum brazing in vacuum with a torch. This process becomes necessary in the event of shallow cracks in different microsystems, to eliminate all kinds of leaks.

The burner in these cases becomes an irreplaceable device that is helpful to use in ventilation and air conditioning systems. In this case, only aluminum brazing can save the situation.

Torch for brazing aluminum

So, you can carry out the use of a torch for brazing aluminum with the help of additional materials, such as tin, copper, and other flexible metals. Further, in their chemical composition, they are similar to aluminum and you can also solder with them.

Basic instruction applied in the aluminum soldering process

To carry out the soldering of aluminum, you can use equipment. It is portable and accessible to every person who is forced to use it in the process of malfunctions. The torches that are useful to use in this case become more practical than bulky welding machines. It also requires a constant connection to the electricity.

The process of aluminum brazing

First of all, in this case, in the process of soldering aluminum brazing in vacuum, you should pay attention to the following nuances and take them into account in your work:

You should prepare strong fire-retardant clothing, special devices that must be worn during work;

using degreasing agents and sandpaper of a certain size, you should clean the aluminum surface from dirt, dust, oil, paint, or other substances that can interfere in work in any way;

How to prepare aluminum brazing in vacuum?

It is necessary to clamp the repaired aluminum surface with some strong clamping device to securely fix the material.

In order to speed up the soldering process, it is necessary to apply an acid solution along the drawn line of breakage or rupture.

 

Then, in the process of work, the aluminum section should be heated with the help of a gas torch necessary for brazing until an orange color appears. This happens in the case of maximum heating of aluminum and reaching its limiting soldering point;

How to ensure effective process?

There is a need to use a solution of silver, vitriol and silumin for effective processing and securing the seam of an aluminum product. Using a gas torch, you can actively control the soldering itself with a different kind

aluminum brazing in vacuum close in physical properties;

Stopping the heating process, it is worth noting that further, it is necessary to water the defective area with boiled water;

The next step is to clean up remaining residues with a wire brush or sandpaper. Then the fixer should be applied to the defective area of ​​aluminum.

All of the above points, at which a full range of procedures carries out in the process of aluminum brazing in vacuum with a torch, are important components of an important troubleshooting process on this soft material. This is a necessary set of recommendations that we need to take into account in the process of work.

What are the advantages of using aluminum brazing in vacuum?

There are a lot of pluses and I find this use case for repairs suitable for some problems.

• Practically you need no additional equipment, except for a gas tank
• Mobility
• The possibility of soldering magnesium alloys with a content of the latter more than 3%.
• Ability to "solder" aluminum with copper.

Hardness/strength of the composition after cooling, generally higher than that of the base metal

• Cheapness of repair.

The cons are not so significant.

Although it is written that it is not harmful but I would not advise touching the rods with bare hands. (there is still chemistry that corrodes the aluminum oxide film)

To repair large parts, it is necessary to almost completely heat the entire part. I think it is not suitable for relatively high operating temperatures for aluminum (the melting temperature of aluminum is about 600g, the bar is 300-350)

 

In practice, everything is almost as simple as in the training videos. The only difference that parts such as honeycomb radiators can create problems to repair, due to insufficient "visibility" of the soldering point.

First of all, you need to clean everything mechanically and degrease. Then heat the part to that temperature until touching with the bar begins to "leave traces" of the liquid bar. I do NOT recommend directing the burner flame directly to the bar for aluminum brazing in vacuum.

The principle of the soldering iron

Soldering is especially popular in the assembly of various electrical and radio engineering devices.

Thanks to it, an electrically conductive connection of copper wires and other copper products with each other or with components of electrical circuits has been provided. Similarly, the soldering of elements made of aluminum and copper alloys.

When working with a soldering iron, the following occurs: from the moment when you connect the tool to the mains, the nichrome spiral begins to transmit electric current. Due to which it heats up. It transfers heat to the sting (rod), the heating temperature of which can increase up to 300 degrees.

To start soldering, you need a special substance - solder. Its melting point is lower so that the solder melts under the influence of the warm rod and provides the mandatory connection.

Soldering iron power and components for aluminum brazing work

First of all, you will need to purchase the tool itself. Today there are many varieties of soldering irons, they can differ in power, and also have different types of heating elements.

In cases where you need to solder large elements or wires with a large cross-section, you will need devices with a large rod, the power of which is about 100 watts. The power of soldering irons is available in the range of 50-80 watts.

It has specially designed to work with electrical and radio equipment. But for soldering small elements, a low-power tool with a thin rod is beneficial to use for aluminum brazing in vacuum.

Soldering aluminum for sensitive microcircuits

The lowest power rating of a soldering iron is in the range of 3-10 watts - such models are created specifically for soldering the most sensitive microcircuits.

In addition to the main tool, for proper soldering you will need:

Special stand

An accessory that is designed to securely fix the soldering iron.

Solder

In this alloy, as a rule, substances are essential to use: tin, lead, cadmium. Or any other metal with a suitable melting point.

Flux

A special substance that helps the adhesion (adhesion) of the solder by removing oxide and degreasing.

Additional tools

For more convenient and safe work with a soldering iron, you will need auxiliary tools:

Nippers

 They are necessary for cutting off the wire, stripping insulation, maintaining the part in the process.

File

Useful for cleaning the heated part of the tool.

Scalpel

It will be useful in the process of cleaning the treated surface.

Tweezers

It will help you not to burn yourself while working with very small parts.

Basic rules for soldering aluminum brazing in vacuum

You need to start with the correct preparation for soldering aluminum brazing in vacuum. The cleanliness of the object you are going to work with determines how quickly and efficiently you cope with the task, so first you will need to prepare the surface of the object with which you are going to work.

It must be free of grease, paintwork, or insulation residues. If you find them, the surface will need to be gently scrubbed with a scalpel and wiped off so that no dust remains.

Why it is good to use rosin fluxes?

In the process of soldering, it is better to use alcohol-rosin fluxes, as well as POS-61, POS-50, POS-40 solders. The flux must be applied immediately before the soldering itself when you complete all the preparations of the parts, otherwise, it may evaporate.

Next, you need to warm up the junction - to such a temperature that the solder attached to it can melt. With the help of solder, you gently solder the elements in the right place. This is a relatively straightforward process, the accuracy of which occurs with experience.

Rules to remember while working with a soldering iron:

1. The spike should be fast.
2. If the soldering of the wires did not work out the first time, let them cool down. Then you can try again.
3. Apply the tip of the tip as tightly as possible for the most effective process.

Good adhesion is usually shiny in aluminum brazing in vacuum. It was applied in a thin, even layer, without any cracks. Thanks to her, the device will last as long as possible, taking into account that nothing else in the device will break.