Brazing Copper Tubes for a Solar Industry Application

A client contacted THE LAB at Ambrell because they needed to braze copper tubes for a solar industry application. They had been using a torch but wanted a faster, safer heating method. THE LAB determined that an Ambrell EKOHEAT^® 30 kW, 50-150 kHz induction heating power supply with a custom-designed single position multiple-turn split-helical coil would meet the client's objectives.

Initial tests were conducted to optimize the power delivered to the assembly. Temperature indicating paint was then applied, which dissolves when the assembly reaches target temperature. It was observed that the assembly reached temperature within one minute, which met the client’s objectives and was superior to what they were seeing with their torch brazing process.

Induction offered several key benefits. First, the client was able to braze their parts faster with induction heating than they were with a torch. Induction is also highly repeatable, while torch heating is operator dependent. It's also a very precise heating method, so only the portion of the part that requires heating gets heated. There is also no open flame with induction heating, which provides safety benefits. Finally, the expertise of THE LAB allowed the client to have peace-of-mind of knowing their application would work prior to investing in induction equipment. 

Visit our induction brazing page to see a wide variety of brazing applications across many industries. If you have an application you'd like assessed by our expert team, contact THE LAB to take advantage of complimentary induction heating application testing. We'll send your parts back for inspection, along with passing along a video showing you the heating process. You can even view it live with our Remote Lab Service or visit our facility to observe testing in person.