Electron Beam Brazing of Austenitic Stainless Steel AISI 304

Abstract

Electron beam brazing is a joining technology combining the advantages of a precisely controlled heat source and those of vacuum brazing process. The oxide layer decomposes in high-temperature vacuum conditions, which improves the wetting process and, consequently, leads to the obtainment of more favourable properties of the brazed joint. In comparison with brazing in vacuum furnaces, the electron beam brazing process enables the precise heating of selected areas without the necessity of heating the entire element, which, in turn, results in smaller structural changes in the brazed material and the lower consumption of energy. During tests discussed in this article, sheets made of stainless steel AISI 304 were brazed using various copper and silver filler metals. Brazed joints were subjected to microstructural tests and shear strength tests. The results revealed the high efficiency of the electron beam brazing of corrosion-resistant steel sheets using filler metals.