All operating parameters are pre-loaded into a PLC and the operator simply has to enter the component part number into the control panel (top centre of the fixture) at the start of a production run.
Typically one station will be used to braze the handle into place and the other station will be used to braze the head into place.
Because of the aggressive nature of the brazing flux used by some of our clients, brazing fixtures are constructed from stainless steel and a base with a spray gun can be provided to "wash down" the jigs. The fixture shown also has two heated water baths at working height so that the flux can be immediately removed from the components after brazing. If component cooling is required on the fixture, we provide component "bins" that are flooded in sequence via a controlled wire. We either allow the components to air cool or provide forced air cooling before flood quenching/washing the brazed part. This avoids the potential problem of cracking the joint by thermal shock. The induction heater shown here on the far right hand side can be positioned 100 metres (100 yards) away from the brazing fixture if required.
Vacuum Brazing
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This photograph shows several mineral insulated, stainless steel, sheathed data communication conductors being brazed into a stainless steel disk. The completed assembly is typical of a high vacuum "lead through". The vacuum brazing method is used to create very high integrity joints and as the joint is made without the use of flux, the problem of flux entrapment within the joint is totally eliminated.
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Copper Brazing
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This photograph shows the simultaneous brazing of 10 assemblies. These particular components are for use in the automotive industry, however the general arrangement is typical of that used for multiple brazing.
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This photograph shows a twin station multiple brazing system. The brazing fixture (on the left) supports 2 multiple work coil assemblies. The left hand coil has 10 tubular components in place to be brazed. On the lower left hand side, 4 gas flow indicators and flow valves can be seen. The sloping control panel on the right of the fixture houses the PLC control unit that "sets up" the system.
The operator only has to enter a part number that relates to the parts to be brazed and then the PLC ensures that the relevant heating times and powers are maintained together with nitrogen/hydrogen flows and cooling times.
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The induction heater seen here on the right hand side, can be positioned up to 100 metres (100 yards) away from the brazing fixture if required. This two station system makes full use of the induction heater. Whilst a group of components are being induction heated, the other group is being loaded/unloaded.The PLC diverts the heating energy from one work coil to the other and as the whole system is under PLC control, the heating times and powers etc. can be set so as to allow different sized components to be brazed on each half of the fixture. For instance, a tube may have different fittings at each end. The first end can be brazed in the first coil assembly and then the parts can be transferred to the second coil to have the other end brazed. This of course provides true inline production. For other soldering and brazing applications, please contact our head office, Technical Sales Staff who will be pleased to help you.
