Brazing stainless to copper is a quick and easy task with the right tools.
In this video, Mike uses SSQ-6 silver solder and a propane torch to bond a stainless steel plate to a piece of copper tubing. SSQ-6 is a mixture of 56% silver solder and a proprietary flux–our SSF-6 product in a convenient 1 oz tube for precision brazing. Each syringes include a precision tip for easy extrusion on the most delicate brazing projects.
Many modern industries utilize stainless steel parts fused to copper:
- dining
- medical
- distilling
- plumbing
- automotive applications
- and more
making brazing stainless steel to copper a valuable maintenance welding skillset.
Stainless steel and copper are dissimilar metals with different melting points, 2500-2785°F and 1983°F, respectively. Brazing dissimilar metals requires proper technique and a bit of brazing knowledge.
Always pre-clean both metals, especially at the joint, prior to brazing. A wire brush, sander, sandpaper, Dremel tool etc may be used for precleaning.
After properly preparing the joint, squeeze SSQ-6 from the syringe onto cold metal and use any torch to bond the stainless steel to copper.
Your torch should evenly apply the heat in a broad fashion to guard against overheating or melting either metal. If one metal is thicker than the other, focus a bit more of the heat on the thicker metal to bring them to working temperature at the same time. Copper has a slightly lower melting point than stainless, so apply slightly more heat to the stainless to ensure even heating.
Remember that SSQ-6 flows at 1050°F, so you must bring both metals to this working temperature to properly flow the solder. The solder follows the heat, so use your torch to guide it in and around the entire joint.
Air cool the part, remove residual flux with warm water and a wire brush, and you’re done.
Note: Please observe all AWS Safety & Health Guidelines when using Muggy Weld products.
Caution: Do not store near edible items. If you refrigerate SSQ-6, please store in a “chemical only” designated refrigerator.
