UltraFlex brazing stainless steel fittings to flexible metal hoses using induction

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. - Oct. 4, 2019 - PRLog -- A recent, customer-requested, demo by UltraFlex Power Technologies showed how stainless steel fittings can be reliably brazed to corrugated hoses using induction brazing. UltraFlex - a leading induction heating manufacturer - had a potential customer interested to replace their current torch-based brazing process with induction brazing, thanks to the considerable time and cost savings for induction brazing. The strength of the joints achieved was a critical factor to take the decision to switch and a demo application was set up for brazing results evaluation.

The induction heating demo had been done using flexible metal hoses with ID 1.575in (40mm) and ID 2.99in (76 mm) and stainless steel fittings. A 5-15 kW induction heating equipment from the UltraFlex UltraHeat W series, along with a SM-5/200 power supply had been used for this heating case. UltraHeat W are advanced, cost-effective 5-15 kW Induction Heating systems utilizing the latest switching power supply technology.

A custom, 1-turn coil with ID matching the size of the hoses had been used for this demo. The brazing process was initiated by putting borax flux paste onto the surface area of the elements to be brazed. A brazing rod was then prepared in the form of a ring fitting around the diameter of the joint. The elements to be brazed were then placed inside the custom coil and induction heating was applied until the braze was completed.

At power output of Pre-curie – 5 kW and target temperature of 1382°F (750°C), it took 38 seconds to braze the smaller size hose and 1 min 26 seconds to braze the larger size one.

The result from the induction brazing were strong and durable joints. Thanks to having a selective and precise heat zone, the joints were done with less joint stress, less oxidation and minimized chance for distortion. The automated control on the time and temperature ensured consistent and stable results, even with large volume production. The faster heating cycles meant energy-, and hence, cost-efficiency.

Finally, since induction brazing is a no-flame brazing process, it was completely safe for both the operator and the environment, causing no smoke, pollution or noxious emissions.

About UltraFlex Power Technologies:

UltraFlex Power Technologies (ultraflexpower.com) is an induction heating manufacturer offering the most advanced and innovative digitally controlled induction heaters in the industry. Its compact modular and flexible systems are suitable for a wide variety of induction heating, casting and melting applications.