Brazing and De-brazing Carbide and Steel Plate Assemblies

A client from the oil and gas industry came to THE LAB at Ambrell with a new application that involved brazing and de-brazing carbide and steel plate assemblies. Speed and quality (for brazing) were significant considerations that led them to consider induction heating. They also wanted the ability to de-braze for any repair scenarios. 

Ambrell's applications engineers determined that an Ambrell EKOHEATⓇ 30 kW, 50-150 kHz induction heating power supply would meet the client's objectives. A custom-designed special multiple-turn helical coil was built to generate the required heating for the application. Temperature indicating paint was then applied to the part, which dissolves when the part reaches temperature. It took about 120 seconds to heat samples to temperature, meeting the client's objective. 

Induction offers several benefits compared to alternative heating methods such as torch brazing. Speed is a significant benefit. Additionally, it is also highly repeatable so the client can expect the same result in the same amount of time. And, finally, induction provides work environment and safety advantages since no open flame is introduced into the work place. 

Visit our drill bit brazing page to learn about more oil and gas industry applications, or visit our brazing page to see a wide array of brazing applications across various industries. And, if you have an application you'd like assessed, contact THE LAB to take advantage of complimentary induction heating application testing.