Arc Brazing of Aluminium, Aluminium Matrix Composites and Stainless Steel in Dissimilar Joints

Abstract

Abstract:The publication describes the approaches and results of the investigation of arc brazing processes to produce dissimilar joints of particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites (AMC) to aluminium alloys and steels. Arc brazing allows for low thermal energy input to the joint parts, and is hence suitable to be applied to AMC. In addition, a braze filler B-Al40Ag40Cu20 alloyed with Si with a liquidus temperature of below 500 • C is selected to further reduce the thermal energy input during joining. The microstructures of the joining zones were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), as well as their hardness profile characterised and discussed. Joint strengths were measured by tensile shear tests, and resulting areas of fracture were discussed in accordance to the joints' microstructures and gained bond strength values.

Light-Weight Aluminum-Based Alloys—From Fundamental Science to Engineering Applications

“…In ever-more complex combinations of materials in machine parts and components, the need may arise to combine AMCs with either aluminum alloys or with steel. Grund et al [21] analyze how arc brazing can be used as a joining method at relatively low temperatures in such cases. As materials scientists and engineers, we are often intrigued when new processing techniques make it possible to produce novel materials with interesting microstructures.…”

Microstructural Study of Al-Ag-Cu-Si Filler Metal for Brazing High-Strength Aluminum Alloys to Stainless Steel

“…However, stress-induced cracks occurred at the interface to the stainless steel. Therefore, also brazed joints of aluminum matrix composites and stainless steel could achieve an average tensile shear strength of 20 MPa [11]. The main problem of the low joining strength of the arc brazed joints is the local overheating of the liquid brazing filler, which causes the formation of thick brittle Fe-Al intermetallic layers at the interface to the stainless steel.…”