Infrared brazing of Ti–6Al–4V using two silver-based braze alloys

Infrared brazing of Ti–6Al–4V using two silver-based alloys is evaluated in the study. For the 72Ag–28Cu brazed specimen, Ag-rich matrix, eutectic Ag–Cu and Cu–Ti interfacial reaction layer(s) are observed in the experiment. In contrast, both Ag-rich matrix and interfacial titanium aluminides, TiAl or Ti3Al, are found in the 95Ag–5Al brazed joint. In general, the shear strength of 72Ag–28Cu brazed joint is much higher than that of 95Ag–5Al brazed specimen. Additionally, the use of infrared brazing with lower brazing temperature and/or less time can significantly decrease both dissolution of the substrate into molten braze as well as excessive growth of the interfacial reaction layer(s) in the joint. Therefore, infrared brazing has the potential to be applied in industry.