Active metal brazing is a form of brazing which allows metal to be joined to ceramic without metallization.
Ceramic, metal (stainless steel, kovar, molybdenum, tungsten, CuW, titanium, etc), sapphire, zirconia, and more.
Pricing depends on various factors including size of items, complexity of project and volume. Smaller items are generally less expensive.
Yes.
Yes. When sending a request for quotation (RFQ) please indicate if the material will be customer supplied or INTA supplied.
Lead times depend on several factors, such as material lead times and amount of fixturing and/or tooling required. If the customer supplies the material, the lead time is often 1-2 weeks. If INTA Technologies supplies the materials, it will likely add three weeks to the lead time. Tooling and fixtures for proper hermetic brazing are often required.
Yes.
Vacuum.
INTA Technologies can braze very small parts including .2” or 5mm diameter. INTA can braze parts much thinner than 1mm [.040”]. Each project is unique, contact us for a free design review and quote.
INTA Technologies is limited in terms of maximum size for active metal brazing. Typically, items larger than 6” in diameter and/or longer than 6” may be currently too large for INTA to active metal braze until the planned expansion is in-place (scheduled for 2009).
Here are some common materials:
Ceramic
Steel (most types)
Kovar
Titanium
Molybdenum (and alloys)
Copper (and alloys)
Silver
Zirconia
Other
INTA performs active metal brazing in a vacuum atmosphere. The temperature is quite high and varies according to the exact project. Typical temperatures are in the range of 800 deg C.
Rating vary according to product specifications but in general a typical rating is in the order of 800 deg C.
No, not a major concern. For critical applications, INTA recommends adding QC criteria to drawings including a thermal cycling test. One may also consider destructive tests on an AQL basis to determine failure modes. INTA has been using this process for many years and our inspection process is very rigorous. Field failures are virtually unknown to INTA, we thoroughly test in-house and with third parties when necessary.
The type of testing recommended depends on the application. Common tests include:
Force (stress, strain, pressure)
Thermal (cycling)
Electrical (high pot, resistivity)
Helium leak
Bubbler
Die check
Salt spray
Saline soak
INTA specifies tight fits to avoid braze gaps. We also engineer our coatings and pre-plating techniques to guarantee a better bond. INTA uses an Alcatel helium leak checking MS and visual inspections to ensure against voids. INTA also occasionally cuts cross-sections and sends material out for SEM analysis. Voids are unacceptable to INTA, we look for a clean and even fillet in accordance with MIL-B-7883.
In many cases, yes. Some braze materials are made with metals such as Cu, Ag and Ti. Many designers choose a protective coating such as nickel or gold to fight corrosion and protect the joint against marine environments or hot high pressure gases.
The answer varies. Typical coatings include nickel, silver, gold, copper, tin, platinum, rhodium and palladium.
See MIL-B-7883 or contact Jerry Walias, Manufacturing Engineer (jerry@intatech.com).
Designs with lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chrome (especially hexavalent) can be problematic, particularly in the wake of RoHS and WEEE.
In many cases, yes. Active metal brazing involves less processing and can be cost-effective.
Very reliable if thorough tests are performed prior to field launch. INTA has been using this process for many years and the results are sound and trustworthy.
INTA uses the following equipment to perform active metal brazing:
Lathes
Furnaces
Chemical processing equipment
Air dryer
XRF equipment (QC)
Microscopes (QC)
He leak checking MS (testing)
Yes, we welcome guests. An NDA may be required. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
Yes, not a problem. In those situations, communication is paramount and the first thing we do is place the order on hold and contact the customer.
In many cases, yes. The service is called expedite, speak to Jerry for further details. 408-748-9955 x106
http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1079
This link is to an article showing in-depth information and charts/graphs regarding active metal brazing and related topics.
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Last revised: 3 DEC 2009
