Aluminum Brazing

Benefits of Aluminum

Aluminum is a cost effective, low impact machining material that is heat treatable and corrosion resistant. Also aluminum is a lightweight material that provides excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.

Available Coolant Media include:

• Ethylene Glycol
• Coolanol
• PAO
• Flourinerts
• Hydraulics friendly

Limitations

• Operating Environments only up to 300 DegF
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) Limitations with Board Materials
• Inability to use Untreated Water as Coolant

Customer Acceptance
Aluminum brazing is considered a special process. Customers look to established, certified facilities to perform braze operations.

Technology Barriers
Aluminum brazing requires tighter process parameters than most brazing processes because of the close relationship between the melting point of the braze filler metal and the base metal. Cleanliness is very important when brazing aluminum base metals. Interdependent, multi-variable control required to achieve final product specifications and characteristics makes aluminum brazing for these markets difficult to replicate without experienced and knowledgeable employees.

Capital Barriers
Equipment required to perform aluminum dip and vacuum brazing process including pre and post treatments is highly specialized. Business case must support investment in infrastructure and personnel.