How to Braze Steel to Aluminum
Brazing is the act of joining two pieces of metal by melting another piece of metal between them. The metal being joined is called base metal and the metal used to fuse them together is called filler metal. A temperature of 840 degrees Fahrenheit is needed for brazing to occur. Such heat will turn the filler metal to liquid and begin to melt the base metals. Brazing steel and aluminum is more difficult than with other metals. This is due to the fact that aluminum, unlike steel, is non-iron based. Special components are needed to braze aluminum and steel.
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Things You'll Need
- Double-sided filler
- Jig
- Welding mask
- Gloves
- Welding torch
- Cold brazing product such as JB Weld
Instructions
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Obtain the filler. You will need a piece of filler metal that is aluminum on one side and steel on the other. Visit your local machine shop to buy one.
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Put on protective gear. Don your welding helmet and gloves.
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Position the filler. Place the filler in your jig and position it between the metal you wish to join. Place the steel side of the filler against the steel base and the aluminum side against the aluminum base.
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Apply heat. Fire up your torch and set the heat to 840 degrees. Put fire to the filler until it melts and fills in the gap between the base metals.
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Cold braze the aluminum and steel. Because regular brazing of steel to aluminum takes special materials, many people choose to use a cold brazing product such as JB Weld, which comes packaged in two tubes, one containing epoxy resin and the other hardener. Mix a small amount of resin with hardener and use the mixture to fill the gap between the steel and aluminum.
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References
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