New brazing processes using anneal-resistant copper and brass alloys

New brass and copper alloys offer high strength as well as excellent retention of strength at elevated operating temperatures. They can withstand high-temperature brazing processes without a substantial loss in strength. A brazing center has been established to demonstrate this new brazing process and evaluate the technology through prototype building. Manufacturing processes are now being applied globally in the manufacture of advanced heat exchangers using the new brazing process. Brazing furnaces have been developed for all levels of production including batch, three-chamber (semi-continuous) and continuous furnaces. This paper provides an update on brazing manufacturing technology in use today. It reviews current trends in the selection of furnaces, the application of filler materials, the assembly of components and the control of brazing operations. The impact of this new brazing process on the design and manufacture of heat exchangers is discussed.