Do you have a project that requires joining two or more pieces of flat copper? If so, induction brazing could be your best solution for creating precise and consistent joints. Amazingly as our video shows, once the parts are in place, the process takes only 40 seconds at 28 kW.
Brazing is a process in which a filler metal is melted and flowed into a joint to connect two or more metal items at a high temperature.
Brazing differs from welding in that brazing does not involve melting of the pieces being connected. Brazing differs from soldering in that soldering is performed at a lower temperature.
In the past, brazing projects were completed either by using a hand-held torch, which required a very skilled worker with a steady hand, or in large batches using a furnace. Today, induction brazing, a precise process that heats only the braze points and the brazing alloy, is a faster, safer and more efficient method – especially if your shop produces in large volumes and incorporates a level of automation. That said, manufacturing outfits that braze in smaller quantities can also benefit from induction brazing thanks in part to a handy tool called a brazing pistol.
Brazing pistols are pneumatic tools designed to safely grip the workpiece as well as hold the induction coil during the brazing process. These tools can be customized for your part and along with custom-designed inductors and a power supply from eldec LLC to make the brazing job much easier.
Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of induction brazing as well as how eldec LLC’s experience and induction heating equipment can improve your brazing process.
Induction Brazing Systems and Processes
Precisely controlled, powerful generators from eldec LLC provide fast and accurate heating, ensuring that your production process can enjoy these benefits. Whether your workpieces are large, medium or small, in the plant or in the field, eldec LLC makes an induction brazing generator to meet your specific needs.
Each system is manufactured to improve your part quality as well as increase the speed and efficiency of your manufacturing process. eldec LLC manufactures several categories of induction heating generators for a wide variety of processes and applications. They are easy to setup and use.
All of our induction generators come with:
- A simple and intuitive screen for all generator commands, including heating modes (continuous, tap and timer) and heating times/powers.
- An auto-adjustment of frequency based on induction coil and work part self-tuning. eldec LLC’s power supplies (generators) feature fixed power programming and automatic variable frequency (not fixed frequency), which means that they can operate at different frequencies within a specific range, with equal power and precision, without resetting switches or capacitor banks.
- Handheld coax output transformers for flexible setup.
- The ability to remove and replace inductor coils very quickly — often in less than two minutes — allowing switching between processes and applications.
Many are also easily integrated into larger system cells via optional interface modules, such as Profibus, Profinet or Ethernet IP.
eldec LLC offers solutions for induction brazing workpieces with the following materials:
- Copper and copper alloys
- Brass
- Aluminum
- Iron
- Steel, stainless steel and all types of carbides
- Tungsten
- Chromium
- Nickel and nickel alloys
- Cobalt and precious metals
- Dissimilar metal brazing applications
Common Applications for Induction Brazing
New applications for induction brazing are discovered every day, but here is a list of common induction brazing applications:
- Brazing copper heat exchanger tubes in refrigeration units and custom trucks
- Strand brazing flat copper wire and squirrel cage rotors used in motor and transformer manufacturing
- Brazing bus bars
- Brazing brass screw fittings in a diverse range of piping systems
- Brazing carbide pins used in road construction
- Carbide blade manufacturing
- Steel tube assembly
- Large motor and transformer repair for things like wind turbines, hydro-electric turbines, nuclear power transformers, mining equipment and farming equipment
- Electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturing
- Medical device manufacturing
Induction Heating Benefits for Brazing
Induction brazing has many advantages over flame or furnace brazing. This short list may make you reconsider your current manufacturing process:
- Speed up production
- Braze more precisely
- Create superior joints with consistent heat
- Easily setup a reproducible process
- Increase energy efficiency and lower utility costs
- Improve worker safety
- Reduce down time
- Increased equipment reliability
Examples of Induction Brazing
Discover how other manufacturers were able to use induction brazing in their operations.
Generators and Inductors for Induction Brazing
eldec LLC offers a wide array of generators for induction brazing. Whether your parts are large or small, simple or complex, eldec LLC can custom manufacture an induction brazing system to match your workpiece as well as you specific manufacturing environment.
An inductor’s shape and construction style are determined predominantly by the geometry of the workpiece section to be heated, and the possibilities are infinite. The location of the components during the manufacturing process can also determine which type of inductor to use.
eldec LLC can help you decide which type of generator and induction coil is best for your parts and operation.
EXPERTS BOOSTING YOUR BUSINESS ROI
Leading Manufacturer of Induction Heating Equipment for Your Brazing Application
Since 1998 eldec LLC has manufactured induction power supplies and induction heating coils in Auburn Hills, Michigan for manufacturers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Our skilled technicians and application engineers have years of experience designing and manufacturing customized solutions for specific production applications and parts as well as unique manufacturing environments. We can custom design a system to match your workpiece – large or small. Our power supplies are rugged and flexible enough to be used in your shop or in the field, in remote locations or tight spots.
eldec LLC offers a complete range of aftermarket services because we know that sharing technical knowledge and hands-on experience is just as important as selling quality equipment and tools. Our staff will work hard for you – from project concept through design and manufacturing, equipment commissioning, trouble shooting and maintenance as well as employee training. Our goal is to make your job easier, more cost effective and efficient, and to nurture a long-lasting, mutually beneficial, working relationship.
Want to learn how induction brazing can help your operation? Schedule a consultation with our induction heating experts. eldec LLC’s team will help you choose the induction power supply and design induction coils for your specific parts and production environment. If induction heating is new to you and your staff, operator and maintenance training is available in our plant in Auburn Hills, Michigan or at your site.
Give us a call or send a request for a consultation and we’ll contact you. We look forward to talking with you.
