Specification For Aluminum Brazing - American Welding Societ

Specification for
Aluminum Brazing
AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
An American National Standard
Copyright American Welding Society
Provided by IHS under license with AWS
Not for Resale No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS
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550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, Florida 33126
AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
An American National Standard
Approved by
American National Standards Institute
June 29 , 2005
Specification for
Aluminum Brazing
Supersedes AWS C3.7:1999
Prepared by
AWS C3 Committee on Brazing and Soldering
Under the Direction of
AWS Technical Activities Committee
Approved by
AWS Board of Directors
Abstract
This specification presents the minimum fabrication, equipment, material, process procedure and inspection require-
ments for the brazing of aluminum by all of the processes commonly usedatmosphere furnace, vacuum furnace, and
flux processes. Its purpose is to standardize aluminum brazing requirements for all applications in which brazed alumi-
num joints of assured quality are required. It provides criteria for classifying aluminum brazed joints based on loading
and the consequences of failure and quality assurance criteria defining the limits of acceptability of each class. The
specification defines acceptable brazing equipment, materials and procedures, as well as the required inspection for each
class of joint.
Key WordsBrazing, aluminum, aluminum
brazing, furnace brazing, quality
control, inspection of brazed joints,
brazing materials, brazing equipment,
classification of brazed joints, brazed
joint discontinuities, nondestructive
examination, furnace brazing
procedure specification
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Statement on Use of AWS American National Standards
All standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices, methods, classifications, and guides) of the American
Welding Society (AWS) are voluntary consensus standards that have been developed in accordance with the rules of the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). When AWS standards are either incorporated in, or made part of,
documents that are included in federal or state laws and regulations, or the regulations of other governmental bodies,
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approved by the governmental body having statutory jurisdiction before they can become a part of those laws and
regulations. In all cases, these standards carry the full legal authority of the contract or other document that invokes the
AWS standards. Where this contractual relationship exists, changes in or deviations from requirements of an AWS
standard must be by agreement between the contracting parties.
International Standard Book Number: 0-87171-022-6
American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126
2005 by American Welding Society. All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America
AWS American National Standards are developed through a consensus standards development process that brings
together volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus. While AWS administers the process
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of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances.
This standard may be superseded by the issuance of new editions. Users should ensure that they have the latest edition.
Publication of this standard does not authorize infringement of any patent or trade name. Users of this standard accept
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Finally, AWS does not monitor, police, or enforce compliance with this standard, nor does it have the power to do so.
On occasion, text, tables, or figures are printed incorrectly, constituting errata. Such errata, when discovered, are posted
on the AWS web page (www.aws.org).
Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may only be obtained by sending a request, in writ-
ing, to the Managing Director, Technical Services Division, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL
33126 (see Annex A). With regard to technical inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oral opinions on AWS standards
may be rendered. However, such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular individuals giving them. These
individuals do not speak on behalf of AWS, nor do these oral opinions constitute official or unofficial opinions or interpreta-
tions of AWS. In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as a substitute for an official interpretation.
This standard is subject to revision at any time by the AWS C3 Committee on Brazing and Soldering. It must be
reviewed every five years, and if not revised, it must be either reaffirmed or withdrawn. Comments (recommendations,
additions, or deletions) and any pertinent data that may be of use in improving this standard are required and should be
addressed to AWS Headquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS C3 Committee on
Brazing and Soldering and the author of the comments will be informed of the Committees response to the comments.
Guests are invited to attend all meetings of the AWS C3 Committee on Brazing and Soldering to express their comments
verbally. Procedures for appeal of an adverse decision concerning all such comments are provided in the Rules of
Operation of the Technical Activities Committee. A copy of these Rules can be obtained from the American Welding
Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
Photocopy Rights
Authorization to photocopy items for internal, personal, or educational classroom use only, or the internal, personal, or
educational classroom use only of specific clients, is granted by the American Welding Society (AWS) provided that the
appropriate fee is paid to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: 978-750-8400;
online: http://www.copyright.com.
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iii
Personnel
AWS C3 Committee on Brazing and Soldering
P. T. Vianco, Chair Sandia National Laboratories
R. W. Smith, 1st Vice Chair Materials Resources International
C. L. Jenney, Secretary American Welding Society
G. L. Alexy Prince & Izant Company
B. Barten Delphi Thermal and Interior
*A. Belohlav Lucas-Milhaupt, Incorporated
*S. S. Bhargava General Motors
D. W. Bucholz Conforma Clad, Incorporated
*S. Christy Pratt & Whitney
*N. C. Cole NCC Engineering
W. J. Engeron Engineered Alloy Systems & Support
Y. Flom NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
D. Fortuna Sulzer Metco (U.S.), Incorporated
C. E. Fuerstenau Lucas-Milhaupt, Incorporated
R. A. Gross Gourley Curtiss Wright
*P. K. Gupta Honeywell Aerospace
S. R. Hazelbaker Accurate Brazing, Incorporated
*M. J. Higgins Advanced Systems Technologies
T. P. Hirthe Kru-Mar Manufacturing Services, Incorporated
F. M. Hosking Sandia National Laboratories
J. R. Jachna Modine Manufacturing Company
D. Kane ADB Industries
*T. A. Kern Consultant
*H. H. Lang York International Corporation
*H. Lichtenberger Williams Advanced Materials
E. Liguori Scarrott Metallurgical
M. J. Lucas, Jr. Consultant
*E. Lugscheider Aachen University of Technology
*M. Manning GE Power System
R. P. McKinney Prince & Izant Company
*C. Moyer Consultant
T. Oyama Morgan Advanced Ceramic
C. A. Paponetti, Sr. Consultant
R. L. Peaslee Wall Colmonoy Corporation
A. Rabinkin Metglas, Incorporated
*W. D. Rupert Wolverine Joining Technologies
A. Severin Bradley Corporation
A. E. Shapiro Chemical Abstract Services
J. J. Stephens Sandia National Laboratories
*R. W. Walls Walls Engineering
*Advisor
AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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iv
C3D Subcommittee on Brazing Specifications
J. R. Jachna, Chair Modine Manufacturing Company
S. R. Hazelbaker, Vice Chair Accurate Brazing, Incorporated
C. L. Jenney, Secretary American Welding Society
*B. Barten Delphi Thermal and Interior
*N. C. Cole NCC Engineering
Y. Flom NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
C. E. Fuerstenau Lucas-Milhaupt, Incorporated
R. A. Gross Gourley Curtiss Wright
*P. K. Gupta Honeywell Aerospace
R. L. Hall, Jr. Copper Development Association, Incorporated
*M. J. Higgins Pratt & Whitney
T. P. Hirthe Kru-Mar Manufacturing Services, Incorporated
F. M. Hosking Sandia National Laboratories
D. Kane ADB Industries
*T. A. Kern Consultant
*H. H. Lang York International Corporation
E. Liguori Scarrott Metallurgical
M. J. Lucas, Jr. Consultant
R. P. McKinney Prince & Izant Company
*H. Mizuhara, P.E. H. Mizuhara Consulting Services
*C. Moyer Consultant
T. Oyama Morgan Advanced Ceramic
C. A. Paponetti, Sr. Consultant
R. L. Peaslee Wall Colmonoy Corporation
*W. D. Rupert Wolverine Joining Technologies
*A. Severin Bradley Corporation
R. W. Smith Materials Resources International
*K. P. Thornberry J. W. Harris Company, Incorporated
P. T. Vianco Sandia National Laboratories
*R. W. Walls Wall Engineering
*Advisor
AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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v
Foreword
(This Foreword is not a part of AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005, Specification for
Aluminum Brazing, but is included for informational purposes only.)
This specification is one of a series prepared at the request of the Aerospace Materials Division (AMD) of the Society
of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and a number of other organizations to replace MIL-B-7883, Brazing of Steels, Copper,
Copper Alloys, Nickel Alloys, Aluminum, and Aluminum Alloys, which addressed all of the brazing processes. It became
both obsolete and very cumbersome as brazing technology proliferated and became more complex.
Addressing all of the diverse brazing processes in one concise, easily understood document was found to be impracti-
cal; therefore, a series of four independent specifications on brazing were written, all in the same format. The first three
are AWS C3.4, Specification for Torch Brazing; AWS C3.5, Specification for Induction Brazing; and AWS C3.6, Spec-
ification for Furnace Brazing. The torch, induction, and furnace brazing of aluminum alloys are addressed in the present
document, AWS C3.7M/C3.7, Specification for Aluminum Brazing. The decision to subdivide the technology in this
way was based upon a survey of production brazing applications conducted by the AWS C3 Committee on Brazing and
Soldering. The survey demonstrated that these four specifications would cover the vast majority of brazing done in the
United States today.
An additional document, AWS C3.8M/C3.8, Recommended Practices for the Ultrasonic Examination of Brazed
Joints, complements this series. In the preparation of the first four brazing specifications, it was found that no such
document provided specific criteria and requirements for the application of this important new inspection technology to
brazed joints.
The present edition supersedes AWS C3.7:1999, bearing the same title. This edition includes new sections addressing
the molten metal bath brazing and the controlled-atmosphere brazing of aluminum.
Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary,
AWS C3 Committee on Brazing and Soldering, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may only be obtained by sending a
request, in writing, to the Managing Director, Technical Services Division, American Welding Society. A formal reply
will be issued after it has been reviewed by the appropriate personnel following established procedures (see Annex A).
AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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vi
AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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vii
Table of Contents
Page No.
Personnel .................................................................................................................................................................... iii
Foreword ...................................................................................................................................................................... v
1. Scope ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Normative References ........................................................................................................................................... 1
3. Terms and Definitions........................................................................................................................................... 2
4. Classification of Brazed Joints.............................................................................................................................. 2
4.1 Method of Classification.............................................................................................................................. 2
4.2 Class A Joints .............................................................................................................................................. 2
4.3 Class B Joints............................................................................................................................................... 2
4.4 Class C Joints............................................................................................................................................... 2
4.5 No Class Specified....................................................................................................................................... 2
5. Process Requirements ........................................................................................................................................... 3
5.1 Process Description ..................................................................................................................................... 3
5.2 General Heat Source Requirements............................................................................................................. 3
5.3 Temperature Requirements.......................................................................................................................... 4
5.4 Operating Requirements of the Furnace or Oven........................................................................................ 5
5.5 Fixtures ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
5.6 Aluminum Brazing Materials ...................................................................................................................... 5
5.7 Product Brazing Requirements.................................................................................................................... 6
5.8 Brazing Procedure Qualification ................................................................................................................. 7
5.9 Safety and Health......................................................................................................................................... 7
6. Quality Assurance Provisions ............................................................................................................................... 8
6.1 Responsibility for Inspection....................................................................................................................... 8
6.2 Requirements for Compliance ..................................................................................................................... 8
6.3 Sequence of Inspection and Manufacturing Operations.............................................................................. 8
6.4 Required Examination of Brazed Joints ...................................................................................................... 8
6.5 Acceptance Criteria ................................................................................................................................... 10
6.6 Process Completion ................................................................................................................................... 11
Nonmandatory Annexes.............................................................................................................................................. 13
Annex AGuidelines for Preparation of Technical Inquiries for AWS Technical Committees ................................ 13
Annex BBibliography.............................................................................................................................................. 15
List of AWS Documents on Brazing and Soldering.................................................................................................... 17
AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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viii
AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
1
1. Scope
This specification presents the minimum fabrication
and quality requirements for brazing of aluminum and
aluminum alloys. Its purpose is to standardize brazing
process requirements and control brazed joint quality for
all applications for which brazed joints of assured quality
are required. This document establishes the minimum
requirements for processes and products with a minimum
of explanatory information so that sources of ambiguity
are minimized. It assigns responsibility for the ultimate
quality of the brazed product to a single organization and
permits that organization to modify requirements if
appropriate to the application. It requires proper docu-
mentation of any such modification.
Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the
scope of this standard and therefore are not fully
addressed herein. Safety and health information is avail-
able from other sources, including, but not limited to,
ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Pro-
cesses, and applicable federal and state regulations.
This standard makes use of both the International
System of Units (SI) and U.S. Customary Units. The lat-
ter are shown within brackets or in appropriate columns
in tables and figures. The measurements may not be
exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used
independently.
2. Normative References
The following standards contain provisions which,
through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this American Welding Society standard. For dated ref-
erences, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any
of these publications do not apply. However, parties to
agreements based on this AWS standard are encouraged
to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent
editions of the documents shown below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the standard referred to
applies.
The following AWS documents
1
are referenced in the
mandatory sections of this standard:
(1) AWS A2.4, Standard Symbols for Welding, Braz-
ing, and Nondestructive Examination;
(2) AWS A5.8/A5.8 M, Specification for Filler
Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding;
(3) AWS A5.31, Specification for Fluxes for Brazing
and Braze Welding;
(4) AWS B2.2, Standard for Brazing Procedure and
Performance Qualification;
(5) AWS C3.3, Recommended Practices for the
Design, Manufacture, and Inspection of Critical Brazed
Components;
(6) AWS C3.8M/C3.8, Recommended Practices for
the Ultrasonic Examination of Brazed Joints.
The following American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) document
2
is referenced in the mandatory sec-
tions of this standard:
(1) ANSI Z540-1, General Requirements for
Calibration Laboratories and Measuring and Test
Equipment.
The following American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) documents
3
are referenced in the
mandatory sections of this standard:
(1) ASTM E 230, Standard Specification and
Temperature-Electromotive Force (EMF) Tables for
Standardized Thermocouples;
(2) ASTM E 1417, Standard Practice for Liquid
Penetrant Inspection; and
(3) ASTM E 1742, Standard Practice for Radio-
graphic Examination.
1. AWS documents are published by the American Welding
Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
2. ANSI standards are published by the American National
Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New
York, New York 10036.
3. ASTM documents are published by the American Society
for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
Specification for Aluminum Brazing
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
2
The following American Society for Quality (ASQ)
document
4
is referenced in the mandatory sections of this
standard:
(1) ASQ Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for
Inspection by Attributes.
The following Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE)/Aerospace Materials Specifications (AMS) docu-
ment
5
is referenced in the mandatory sections of this
standard:
(1) SAE/AMS 2750, Pyrometry.
3. Terms and Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and defi-
nitions listed below apply:
braze joint. The total area, as defined by the engineering
drawing, of the faying surfaces to be joined by braz-
ing and the fillets that form at the edges of that area.
braze joint proper. The total area, as defined by the
engineering drawing, of the faying surfaces to be
joined by brazing, excluding any fillets that form at
the edges of that area.
brazing symbol. The symbol on the engineering draw-
ing designating the location, class, and configuration
of the brazed joint. Such symbols shall be in accor-
dance with AWS A2.4, Standard Symbols for Weld-
ing, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination.
getter. v. The action of absorbing or chemically binding
elements in the furnace atmosphere (i.e., oxygen) to
inhibit the flow of the brazing filler metal; n., A metal
or alloy added to a vacuum furnace for the purpose of
absorbing or chemically binding elements in the
furnace atmosphere (i.e., oxygen) that may inhibit the
flow of the brazing filler metal.
lack of bond or unbond. A condition in a brazed joint in
which brazing filler metal is present between the joint
faces but does not adhere or form a metallurgical
bond with the base metal. It most commonly occurs
when brazing filler metal is preplaced between
contaminated joint faces. In many cases, lack of bond
is only nondestructively detectable by means of ultra-
sonic examination.
4. ASQ documents are published by the American Society for
Quality, 600 North Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203.
5. SAE/AMS documents are published by the Society of
Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warren-
dale, PA 15096-0001.
Organization Having Quality Responsibility. The
organization responsible to the end user of the product
for the quality of the product and its suitability for the
intended use. This organization is usually the manu-
facturer and marketer of the final product in commer-
cial business and the prime contractor in government
procurement. Although such organizations may sub-
contract brazing and related operations to others, they
cannot delegate the ultimate responsibility for the ser-
vice suitability of the product to these subcontractors.
pinhole porosity. Porosity consisting of numerous small
gas holes on the surface or in the subsurface of a
brazed joint proper or fillet.
surface porosity. A roughened or spongy appearance or
open pore on the surface of the brazed fillet. Such
pores are not sharply linear or crack-like in shape.
Surface porosity is confined to the surface of the fillet
and does not progress into the brazed joint proper.
void. An area of a brazed joint proper that is not
completely filled with brazing filler metal.
Additional terms and definitions can be found in
AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions,
Including Terms for Brazing, Soldering, Thermal Spray-
ing, and Thermal Cutting.
4. Classification of Brazed Joints
4.1 Method of Classification. Brazed joints are classi-
fied in this specification based on two criteria: (1) the
design requirements and (2) the consequences of failure.
It is the responsibility of the Organization Having Qual-
ity Responsibility to evaluate these or other factors and
assign the proper classification. This classification con-
trols which inspection methods and acceptance limits are
required.
4.2 Class A Joints. Class A joints are those joints sub-
jected to high stresses, cyclic stresses, or both, the failure
of which could result in significant risk to persons or
property or significant operational failure.
4.3 Class B Joints. Class B joints are those joints sub-
jected to low or moderate stresses, cyclic stresses, or
both, the failure of which could result in significant risk
to persons or property or significant operational failure.
4.4 Class C Joints. Class C joints are those joints sub-
jected to low or moderate stresses, cyclic stresses, or
both, the failure of which would have no significant det-
rimental effect.
4.5 No Class Specified. When no class is specified on
the engineering drawing or other applicable document
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
3
approved by the Organization Having Quality Respon-
sibility, Class A requirements shall apply. However,
because of the confusion that can result, all engineering
drawings referencing this specification should state the
class of the brazed joint in the brazing symbol. Symbols
shall be in accordance with AWS A2.4, Symbols for
Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination.
5. Process Requirements
5.1 Process Description. Aluminum and aluminum
alloys are brazed using techniques that disrupt the sur-
face oxides and limit their ability to re-form during the
brazing process. These include brazing in a molten flux
bath or molten metal bath, torch brazing with fluxes,
induction brazing with fluxes, brazing in a controlled-
atmosphere furnace with special fluxes, and brazing in
vacuum or controlled-atmosphere furnaces. Fluxless pro-
cesses use elemental magnesium, magnesium-containing
brazing filler metal, or magnesium-bearing base metals
to getter available oxygen in the vacuum retort and to
disrupt and penetrate the oxide film present on the alumi-
num surface.
The magnesium and other active elements can modify
the wetting and alloying characteristics of the standard
aluminum brazing filler metals, making them signifi-
cantly more effective, as well as making the base metal
more susceptible to brazing filler metal penetration.
Because the melting ranges of the base metal and the
brazing filler metal are usually close together, the tem-
perature control requirements are more restrictive than
those commonly used in the brazing of other metals.
5.2 General Heat Source Requirements. All furnaces
and molten baths used in the brazing of aluminum shall
have automatic temperature controlling and recording
devices in good working order that are capable of con-
trolling the temperature of the furnace or molten bath to
the requirements of this specification. Furnaces and mol-
ten baths shall have adequate heating capacity to accom-
plish uniform heating of the workload at the rate required
to prevent both thermal distortion of the assemblies and
liquation of the brazing filler metal. They shall be prop-
erly maintained in good working order.
5.2.1 Temperature-Measurement and Control
Instruments. In closed batch-type furnaces and molten
baths, suitable instruments and thermocouples shall be
provided to measure and control the temperature of
assemblies being brazed. The instrument shall be of the
potentiometer type or equivalent and capable of measur-
ing, recording, and providing a permanent record of the
temperature throughout the entire brazing thermal cycle.
In furnaces with multiple heating zones, similar instru-
mentation shall be provided for each zone.
All instruments used to measure the temperature of
assemblies being brazed or to control furnace or bath
temperature shall have an indicated temperature accu-
racy range of not more than 0.5% of the maximum for
which the furnace or bath is qualified over the entire
operating range.
The indicated temperature accuracy of the instrument
shall be determined in accordance with the equipment
manufacturers recommendations using a known electro-
motive force input traceable to the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST). All instruments shall
be calibrated in accordance with SAE AMS 2750,
Pyrometry, and ANSI Z540-1, General Requirements for
Calibration Laboratories and Measuring and Test
Equipment. Instruments shall be calibrated whenever
repairs or modifications are made to them.
Instruments used exclusively to protect the furnace or
bath from over-temperature accidents are not subject to
the requirements of this subclause.
5.2.1.1 Workload Thermocouples. Workload
control thermocouples shall be of a type listed in ASTM
E 230, Standard Specification and Temperature-Electro-
motive Force (EMF) Tables for Standardized Thermo-
couples. They shall be calibrated by comparison to a
calibrated test instrument traceable to the National Insti-
tute of Standards and Technology. The frequency of cali-
bration shall be in accordance with ANSI Z540-1.
5.2.1.2 Work-Zone Thermocouples. Work-zone
control thermocouples shall be of a type listed in
ASTM E 230. They shall be calibrated by comparison to
a calibrated test instrument traceable to the National
Institute of Standards and Technology. The frequency of
calibration shall be in accordance with ANSI Z540-1.
5.2.2 Atmosphere Control Instruments. Atmo-
spheres shall be monitored in order to maintain estab-
lished atmosphere limits as specified in the brazing
procedure specification. One or more of the following
devices shall be used to assure that these limits are met.
5.2.2.1 Electronic Dew Point Measuring
Devices. Electronic dew point measurement instruments,
when used, shall be calibrated in accordance with the
manufacturers recommendations against reference
devices traceable to the National Institute of Standards
and Technology. Such gauges shall be calibrated before
initial use and as needed thereafter in accordance with
ANSI Z540-1.
5.2.2.2 Vacuum Measuring Device. Vacuum
measuring devices shall be used on all vacuum brazing
furnaces. Thermocouple gauges or the equivalent shall
be used to measure higher than 0.13 Pa [10
3
torr]. Suit-
able electronic gauges shall be used to measure pressures
of 0.13 Pa [10
3
torr] or less. These gauges shall be
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
4
mounted so as to measure the pressure within the work
zone of the furnace. Suitable instruments for reading and
recording the pressure within the furnace work zone shall
also be provided.
These instruments and gauges shall be calibrated in
accordance with the manufacturers recommendations
against reference standards traceable to the National
Institute of Standards and Technology. Such gauges shall
be calibrated before initial use and as needed thereafter
in accordance with ANSI Z540-1.
5.2.2.3 Oxygen-Sensing Device. Oxygen-sensing
devices, when used, shall be used to indicate the pres-
ence and the quantity of oxygen within the brazing fur-
naces interior. When a multiple-zone brazing furnace is
employed, the oxygen-sensing device shall have a pick-
up point in each zone, as specified in the brazing proce-
dure specification.
This device shall be calibrated in accordance with the
manufacturers recommendations or using a sampling
gas that includes a known quantity of oxygen and as
needed thereafter in accordance with ANSI Z540-1.
5.2.2.4 Residual Gas Analyzer (RGA). Residual
gas analyzers, when used, shall be employed to indicate
the presence of contaminants within the braze furnace
interior. When a multiple-zone brazing furnace is uti-
lized, the RGA device shall have a pick-up point in each
zone, as specified in the brazing procedure specification.
The device shall be calibrated in accordance with
manufacturers recommendations and as needed there-
after in accordance with ANSI Z540-1.
5.3 Temperature Requirements. All furnaces and baths
shall be qualified for temperature uniformity and control
prior to their initial use for production brazing. All fur-
naces and baths used in the brazing of aluminum, includ-
ing preheat ovens, shall be requalified as appropriate.
They shall be requalified after any repairs or alterations
that might affect temperature control or uniformity [e.g.,
the installation of new heating elements or new control
thermocouple(s), or the replacement of shielding].
Requalification is not required when the repair or
alteration has previously been documented as not affect-
ing the temperature control or uniformity of the furnace
or bath.
5.3.1 Temperature Qualification Procedure. Uni-
formity tests of furnaces shall be conducted using a typi-
cal production atmosphere or vacuum level. All tests of
furnace or baths shall be conducted using calibrated ther-
mocouples. The temperature-measuring equipment shall
meet the requirements of 5.2.1. Instruments used to con-
trol the furnace or bath during production brazing shall
not be used to monitor the qualification thermocouples.
A minimum of two thermocouples shall be used to de-
termine the temperature uniformity of furnaces or baths
having a work-zone volume of 0.28 m
3
[10 ft
3
] or less. A
minimum of nine thermocouples, or one thermocouple
per 0.70 m
3
[25 ft
3
] of working zone, whichever yields
the greater number of thermocouples, shall be used to
determine the uniformity of furnaces or baths having a
work zone larger than 0.28 m
3
[10 ft
3
]. A control thermo-
couple shall be located within each temperature zone of
control to determine the temperature uniformity of the
work zone of any furnace. The location of each tempera-
ture control thermocouple shall be determined by the
user.
Qualification shall be performed at the normal braz-
ing temperature or 598C 5C [1110F 10F] if the
furnace or bath is used at multiple temperatures. The
temperature of all furnace test and control thermocouples
shall be recorded at intervals of no more than 5 minutes
starting at not less than 93C [200F]. Temperature mea-
surement and recording shall continue at least 30 minutes
after the furnace or bath has reached thermal equilibrium
to determine the recurrent temperature pattern of the fur-
nace or bath.
The results of the test shall be posted at the furnace or
bath. The posted results shall include the date of testing,
the due date of next test, the size of the work zone, and
the results of the tests, including the location within the
work zone of the hottest and coldest areas. The require-
ments of 5.3.1 are considered met if the equipment is
controlled and operated in accordance with SAE/AMS
2750.
5.3.2 Temperature Uniformity Requirements. The
requirements of 5.3.2 are considered met if the equip-
ment is controlled and operated in accordance with
SAE/AMS 2750.
5.3.2.1 Aluminum Brazing Furnaces. Before
thermal equilibrium has been reached, no temperature
reading shall vary from the temperature for which the
furnace is being qualified by more than 11C [20F].
After thermal equilibrium has been reached, the tempera-
ture measured by any test thermocouple shall not vary
from the selected furnace control temperature by more
than 3C [5F]. Within a continuous moving convey-
ance-type system, the temperature set-point rate of
recovery upon the mass loads entering the brazing
furnace must be within established time limits of an
acceptable braze profile for the subject assembly.
5.3.2.2 Flux Drying and Preheating Ovens.
Before thermal equilibrium has been reached, no temper-
ature reading shall vary from the temperature for which
the oven is being qualified by more than 11C [20F].
After thermal equilibrium has been reached, the tempera-
ture measured by any test thermocouple shall not vary
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
5
from the selected furnace control temperature by more
than 6C [10F]. The temperature set-point rate of
recovery (within a continuous moving conveyance-type
system) upon the mass loads entering the brazing fur-
nace must be within established time limits of an accept-
able braze profile for the subject assembly.
5.3.2.3 Molten Metal and Flux Baths. Baths used
for the brazing of aluminum base metals having a solidus
temperature of 604C [1120F] or greater shall have
temperature uniformity throughout the working zone
within 6C [10F] of the controller set point. Baths
used for the brazing of aluminum base metals having a
solidus temperature of less than 604C [1120F] shall
have temperature uniformity throughout the working
zone within 3C [5F] of the controller set point.
5.4 Operational Requirements of the Furnace or
Oven
5.4.1 Atmosphere Furnaces. Atmosphere furnaces
shall be suitable for the intended purpose and in good
working order. The gas supply and purification system,
if any, shall be capable of supplying atmosphere gases
in accordance with the approved brazing procedure
specification.
Atmosphere furnaces for the brazing of fluxed alumi-
num assemblies shall be suitable for the intended pur-
pose and in good working condition. The temperature of
the working zone shall be controlled to within 3C
[5F] of the set temperature. Suitable means shall be
provided to control the composition of the furnace atmo-
sphere and dew point.
The products of combustion shall not contaminate the
brazing chamber in any way or impinge on the assem-
blies being brazed. Furnace atmospheres, the means to be
used to control them, and the limits to which they are to
be controlled shall be specified by the approved brazing
procedure specification.
5.4.2 Vacuum Furnaces. Vacuum furnaces used for
the fluxless brazing of aluminum shall be suitable for the
intended purpose, in good working order, and comply
with the following performance requirements. A cold
and previously outgassed furnace shall have a total leak-
age (i.e., real leakage plus virtual leakage) of no more
than 2.6 Pa [20 10
3
torr] per hour when the vacuum
chamber is isolated from the pumping system after being
evacuated to less than 0.65 Pa [5 10
3
torr]. The leak
rate shall be measured over a time period of no less than
15 minutes. Such a leak rate test shall be performed at
least once a week or whenever there is reason to suspect
an unacceptable leak rate exists.
A cold, outgassed furnace shall be capable of reaching
a vacuum of 0.0013 Pa [10
5
torr] in a time specified in
the brazing procedure specification. It shall have the
capability of backfilling with inert gas after evacuation to
0.013 Pa [10
4
torr] when required by the brazing proce-
dure specification. The inert gas shall have a dew point at
the entry point to the furnace retort no higher than 68C
[90F]. Suitable provision shall be made for measure-
ments of the dew point.
5.4.3 Flux Drying and Preheating Ovens. Preheat
ovens shall be in good working order and suitable for the
intended purpose. Combustion-type ovens shall not
exhaust combustion products onto the assembly. The
temperature in the work zone shall be controlled to
within 6C [10F] of the set temperature.
5.4.4 Molten Metal and Flux Baths. The molten
metal and flux baths used for the brazing of aluminum
shall be in good working condition and suitable for the
intended purpose.
5.4.5 Molten Metal/Flux Bath Qualification. A suit-
able braze sample shall be assembled and brazed using a
brazing procedure specification. The brazed joint pro-
duced shall be smooth and continuous and shall exhibit
adequate flow of the brazing filler-metal, as specified by
the brazing procedure specification.
Failure to meet these requirements shall require suit-
able corrective action and successful retest before the use
of the equipment for production brazing. The results of
the qualification test shall be documented. Molten bath
qualification procedures shall be performed on a daily
basis to assure the brazing capability of the bath. Other
brazing processes shall be qualified on a timely basis as
established by the user.
5.5 Fixtures. Fixtures shall be made of suitable materials
that are stable at the brazing temperature and do not con-
taminate the flux, atmosphere, base metal, or brazing
filler metal. The fixtures shall be designed to allow for
thermal expansion of the components being brazed. To
the greatest extent possible, the fixtures shall control the
components at points or along lines of contact. All fix-
tures, racks, and baskets used in aluminum brazing with
fluxes should be made of corrosion-resistant materials
such as nickel-based alloys or stainless steels.
5.6 Aluminum Brazing Materials
5.6.1 Brazing Filler Metals. The brazing filler metal
to be used should be specified on the engineering draw-
ing or accompanying documents and shall meet the
requirements of AWS A5.8/A5.8M, Specification for
Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding, unless
otherwise specified by the engineering drawing or
accompanying documents. Brazing filler metal selection
considerations shall be based on the base materials, pro-
cess selection, and part/mass configurations.
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
6
5.6.2 Fluxes. Fluxes shall be compatible with the base
metals and the brazing filler metals that are specified by
the engineering drawing. Fluxes shall remove oxides and
prevent their re-formation during the brazing operation.
They shall promote the flow of filler material and its wet-
ting onto the base metal surfaces of the joint. Acceptable
flux(es) shall be specified by the approved brazing pro-
cedure specification.
Fluxes should conform to the requirements of AWS
A5.31, Specification for Fluxes for Brazing and Braze
Welding.
5.6.3 Cleaning Materials. The components to be
assembled shall be cleaned in accordance with the braz-
ing procedure specification. Cleaning materials shall not
leave any residues that interfere with the wetting or flow
of the filler metal or contaminate the flux or filler metal.
5.6.4 Braze Stopoff. Stopoff, if used, shall be speci-
fied in the brazing procedure specification. Brazing stop-
off materials shall be suitable for the intended purpose
and compatible with the base metal(s), brazing filler
metal(s), fluxes, and furnace atmosphere. In certain
applications, the residues from stop-off materials can
produce unacceptable contamination of the product or
furnace atmosphere.
5.7 Product Brazing Requirements. Procedures shall
be established to control the following:
5.7.1 Surface Preparation. Components to be brazed
shall be sufficiently free of oil, grease, paint, dirt, scale,
or other foreign substances that could interfere with the
brazing process or contaminate the braze joint. Burrs
shall be removed as required to permit proper assembly
and brazing filler metal flow.
5.7.2 Joint Clearance. In assemblies for aluminum
brazing in which the brazing filler metal is in the form of
cladding on the base metals or filler metal tape or foil,
the base and brazing filler metals should have a maxi-
mum joint clearance of 0.08 mm [0.003 in.], but point
contact is required to initiate capillary flow.
In assemblies in which the brazing filler metal is
applied by a molten bath or preplaced adjacent to the
joint, the clearance between the joint surfaces of the base
metals should be controlled by the assembly procedures
so that proper joint clearance is provided at the brazing
temperature unless otherwise specified by the engineer-
ing drawing. Suggested joint clearances for typical mate-
rials are presented in the AWS Brazing Handbook.
5.7.3 Assembly. Components shall be assembled and
held in place by suitable fixtures per 5.5. Assembly by
means of fusion or resistance tack welding or using tabs
or rivets should be specified by an approved brazing
procedure specification.
Fixturing and assembly techniques that prevent the
clearance of the braze joint from closing during brazing
shall not be used for fluxless brazing (i.e., vacuum braz-
ing). However, such techniques are acceptable when
external brazing filler metal placement and flux are
employed. Vent and drain holes in components shall be
as specified on the engineering drawing.
5.7.4 Application of Brazing Filler Metal. Brazing
filler metal of the type specified on the engineering
drawing and approved brazing procedure specification
shall be applied to the joint in the form and application
method specified in sufficient quantity to produce a satis-
factory brazed joint. On joints having one end inaccessi-
ble to visual examination, the brazing filler metal shall
be placed at the blind end of the joint or in the joint prior
to assembly. Binders used in brazing filler metal slurries
shall not leave harmful residues or in any way interfere
with the flow of the brazing filler metal.
5.7.5 Application of Flux. Flux shall be applied in
the form and quantity and by the method specified in an
approved brazing procedure specification. The quantity
and location of placement shall be such as to produce a
satisfactory brazed assembly.
5.7.6 Application of Stop Off. Braze stop-off materi-
als shall be applied in quantities and locations as neces-
sary to control brazing filler metal flow in order to meet
the requirements of the engineering drawing. Stopoff
shall be applied in such a manner so as to prevent the
surfaces of the braze joint or the brazing filler metal from
being contaminated.
5.7.7 Maintenance of Molten Metal and Flux
Baths. Baths shall have sludge removed from the sides
and bottom of the tank by suitable means prior to any
additions to the bath and at least once per week when in
operation. In addition, at the beginning of each day of
operation, the bath shall be dehydrated by repeatedly
immersing sheets or coils of clean AA 1100 or AA 3003
aluminum. When this aluminum is free of visual surface
contamination upon removal from the bath (i.e., it is light
gray in color), brazing shall commence.
This treatment shall also be performed immediately
after flux is added to the bath prior to the commencement
of brazing. The chemical composition of the flux shall be
analyzed using suitable techniques at least once a month
and maintained within the limits recommended by the
manufacturer of the flux. The pH of the flux shall be
measured at least once a week by suitable means and
shall be maintained between 6.4 and 7.0. Baths not main-
tained to these requirements shall not be used to braze
assemblies to this specification, and assemblies brazed in
them shall be rejected.
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5.7.8 Procedure for Dip Brazing. The process of dip
brazing is divided into two basic techniques: (1) dipping
the assemblies to be brazed into molten brazing filler
metal bath or (2) dipping the assemblies to be brazed into
a molten salt bath. Components that have been cleaned
and assembled to the requirements of this specification
shall be preheated in a suitable furnace to a temperature
14C to 60C [25F to 100F] below the solidus temper-
ature of the brazing filler metal until the entire assembly
has reached this temperature.
The assembly shall then be removed from the preheat
furnace and immediately lowered into the molten bath at
a uniform rate such that the positioning of the assemblies
and any preplaced brazing filler metal is not disturbed.
The temperature of the bath shall not exceed the solidus
of the base metals.
Assemblies shall remain in the bath until the flow of
the brazing filler metal is complete. Removal shall be at
a uniform rate such that neither the components nor the
brazing filler metal is disturbed before solidification is
complete. Assemblies shall be hung over the bath until
all draining has ceased. Assemblies shall be cooled in a
suitable manner to prevent cracking, reduce residual
stresses, and accomplish any postbraze heat treatment
required by the engineering drawing.
Procedures shall be qualified and documented per 5.8.
5.7.9 Procedure for Flux Drying and Preheating.
Clean components and/or assemblies that have had flux
applied must then have all moisture removed from the
applied flux prior to their entering the inert gas atmo-
sphere brazing furnace. The flux drying oven must
remove the moisture from the flux without removing a
significant amount of flux from the intended braze joint
locations of the component and/or assembly.
Once the flux moisture has been removed, the second-
ary purpose of the flux drying oven is to preheat the com-
ponent and/or assembly prior to its entering the inert gas
atmosphere brazing furnace. The preheating function of
the flux oven must not allow part temperature to reach
the temperature that would induce the formation of any
detrimental oxides on the surfaces of the aluminum com-
ponent and/or assembly or activate the flux.
The reasons for preheating the component and/or
assembly are to aid in reducing the thermal inertia
needed to overcome the mass load as product enters the
continuous conveyance brazing furnace and to enhance
the component or assemblys temperature uniformity
level necessary to achieve acceptable braze results.
5.7.10 Procedure for Controlled-Atmosphere
Brazing. Components cleaned, fluxed (when required),
and assembled or flux dried/preheated to the require-
ments of this specification shall be placed in the furnace
in such a manner that the atmosphere can readily reach
all surfaces. They shall be heated to the required temper-
ature in the shortest possible time after temperature sta-
bilization, if stabilization is required, by the approved
brazing procedure specification.
Assemblies shall be cooled in a suitable manner to
prevent cracking, reduce residual stresses, and accom-
plish any heat treatment required by the engineering
drawing.
Procedures shall be qualified and documented per 5.8.
5.7.11 Flux Removal. All residual corrosive fluxes
shall be removed by suitable means after brazing until
the requirements of 6.4.3.5 are met.
5.7.12 Procedure for Aluminum Fluxless Brazing.
Assemblies cleaned and assembled to the requirements
of this specification shall be brazed to a cycle as required
by the engineering drawing or documents referenced by
it or to a procedure qualified and documented in accor-
dance with 5.8.
5.7.13 Torch Brazing. Torch brazing is normally
controlled by visual indicators related to process vari-
ables. Since these indicators are developed through expe-
rience related to outcome as opposed to specific
measured values, torch brazing has been excluded from
the sections of this specification on process description
and control. The balance of the torch brazing require-
ments, as applicable to torch brazing, beginning with 5.6
shall be applied.
5.7.14 Induction Brazing Induction brazing is
addressed in AWS C3.5, Specification for Induction
Brazing. Brazing procedures shall be qualified in accor-
dance with C3.5 or used with the approval of the Organi-
zation Having Quality Responsibility.
5.8 Brazing Procedure Qualification. Brazing proce-
dure specifications, equipment, and operators shall be
qualified in accordance with AWS B2.2, Standard for
Brazing Procedure and Performance Qualification, in
accordance with 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, and 6.4.1 of this document,
or as specified by the Organization Having Quality
Responsibility.
Such qualifications shall be documented and
approved in writing. The modification of procedures
requires the written approval of the Organization Having
Quality Responsibility before use.
5.9 Safety and Health. Brazing fluxes and filler materi-
als may emit hazardous fumes during the brazing cycle.
It is mandatory that brazing operations be properly and
adequately ventilated or that operators be provided with
adequate breathing apparatus, or both, as required to
assure that all relevant federal, state, and local govern-
ment safety and health requirements are met. In addition,
there are other hazards involved in brazing, such as those
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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relating to the use of corrosive fluxes, potentially explo-
sive gases, and hot surfaces.
For information on these and other safety and health
hazards that must be controlled during brazing, refer to
ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Pro-
cesses. Information on the hazards associated with mate-
rials used in the brazing process can be found in the
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), available from
the manufacturer.
6. Quality Assurance Provisions
6.1 Responsibility for Inspection. Unless otherwise
specified in the contract or purchase order, the organiza-
tion performing a brazing operation is responsible for the
performance of all inspections of the brazed joints. This
requirement includes a system of quality control and
documentation that assures and can prove that all
required operations and procedures were performed.
Suppliers may use their own facilities or any other facil-
ity acceptable to the Organization Having Quality
Responsibility for the inspection of the final product.
The Organization Having Quality Responsibility shall
retain the right to perform or witness the required tests,
or to perform any other tests necessary to ensure that the
brazed assemblies conform to the requirements of this
specification and of the engineering drawing.
6.2 Requirements for Compliance. All products must
meet all the requirements of this specification except in
cases in which deviation is specifically approved in writ-
ing by the Organization Having Quality Responsibility
or is part of the engineering drawing.
The braze inspections required shall become a part of
the contractors overall inspection system or quality pro-
gram. The absence of any inspection requirements in this
specification shall not relieve a contractor of the respon-
sibility of ensuring that all products or supplies produced
under this specification meet all contractual obligations.
The use of inspection sampling systems (see 6.4.4) does
not authorize the shipment of known defective material,
nor does it obligate any person or organization to accept
defective material.
6.3 Sequence of Inspection and Manufacturing Oper-
ations. Brazed joints may be inspected at the subassem-
bly or assembly level, provided the entire joint is
accessible for inspection. Brazements requiring post-
braze heat treatment shall be inspected after the heat
treatment has been completed unless otherwise specified
on the engineering drawing.
When brazed joints are inspected in process prior to
machining of joint edges, reinspection shall be required
after machining to ensure that the brazed joint has not
been damaged in the machining operations. Final flux
residue testing shall be performed per 6.4.3.5 after all
machining operations of the brazed joint have been
completed.
6.4 Required Examination of Brazed Joints
6.4.1 Destructive Tests. Metallurgical analysis and
inspection for excessive silicon diffusion into base met-
als and for undercutting and erosion of the base metals
shall be performed as part of the brazing qualification
procedure per AWS B2.2 for all brazed aluminum joints.
A microsection through the joint shall be prepared and
etched by suitable means and examined at a magnifica-
tion of 100X.
Evidence of intergranular attack and excessive braz-
ing filler metal penetration further than 20% into the
base metal shall be unacceptable unless qualified by the
Organization Having Quality Responsibility. The braz-
ing procedure specification shall be modified, as
required, to eliminate the undesirable or unwanted reac-
tions. Assemblies brazed in accordance with the modi-
fied procedure shall be inspected to and shall meet the
requirements of this paragraph. This test shall be
repeated periodically if so specified by the Organization
Having Quality Responsibility.
6.4.1.2 Burst Test. Burst testing shall be con-
ducted when required by the Organization Having Quality
Responsibility.
6.4.1.3 Other Destructive Tests. The destructive
testing of assemblies or samples shall be performed as
required for process qualification or corrective action.
The destructive testing of samples or sample parts shall
not be substituted for any nondestructive examination
required by this specification except as part of an
approved sampling plan in accordance with the require-
ments of this specification or as part of an inspection pro-
cedure complying with 6.4.3.2.
6.4.2 Visual Examination. All brazed joints shall be
visually examined to the acceptance criteria specified in
6.5.
6.4.3 Nondestructive Examination. Class A and
Class B brazed joints shall be examined either radio-
graphically or ultrasonically to determine the area of the
joint surfaces actually brazed and detect internal discon-
tinuities unless the requirements of 6.4.3.3 are met. The
choice of process is optional, except for the criteria
established in 6.4.3.1 and 6.4.3.3. However, ultrasonic
examination is generally the preferred method for
inspecting brazed joints. Ultrasonic examination shall be
required when the criteria for radiographic examination
is not met, except as specified in 6.4.3.4.
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6.4.3.1 Radiographic Examination. Radiographic
examination shall be performed in accordance with
ASTM E 1742, Standard Practice for Radiographic
Inspection. When the joint clearance is less than 4% of
the total thickness of the base metals or when the brazing
filler metal is preplaced between the joint faces, the
capability of the radiographic technique to detect the
minimum discontinuity size required by the Organization
Having Quality Responsibility shall be demonstrated.
NOTE: When brazing filler metal is preplaced be-
tween the joint faces, unmelted filler metal may result in
unreliable interpretations.
Ultrasonic examination shall be required when the
above criterion is not met, except as specified in 6.4.3.4.
6.4.3.2 Ultrasonic Examination. Ultrasonic
examination shall be performed in accordance with AWS
C3.8, Recommended Practices for Ultrasonic Examina-
tion of Brazed Joints. Ultrasonic examination shall be
performed only when the following configuration and
process criteria are met:
(1) Surface through which the sonic pulse enters the
material shall be parallel to the joint faces, and the
assembly must be processed so that all brazing filler
metal run over is removed prior to ultrasonic inspection;
(2) A suitable ultrasonic reference standard shall be
available. It shall be identical to the assemblies it repre-
sents with respect to joint configuration, joint clearance,
and filler material. The reference standard shall have
defects of known size and location suitable for calibrat-
ing the ultrasonic apparatus; and
(3) Ultrasonic apparatus shall produce a joint facsim-
ile suitable for making quantitative measurements of the
percentage of the brazed joint actually bonded and for
documenting the testing of the assembly.
Radiographic examination shall be required when any
of these criteria are not met except as specified in 6.4.3.4.
6.4.3.3 Leak and Pressure Testing of Class A
and Class B Joints. If specified on the engineering
drawing or approved in writing by the Organization Hav-
ing Quality Responsibility, pressure and leak testing to
the following requirements may be substituted for radio-
graphic and ultrasonic examination of Class A and Class
B joints:
(1) Class A joints shall be air pressure tested at an in-
ternal pressure and according to procedures specified in
writing by the Organization Having Quality Responsibil-
ity. No measurable leakage shall be allowed. They shall
then be helium leak tested in accordance with the proce-
dure outlined in AWS C3.3, Recommended Practices for
the Design, Manufacture, and Inspection of Critical
Brazed Components. Leakage of not more than 3.0
10
5
standard cubic centimeters (cc
3
) per second [2.0
10
6
in
3
/s] shall be detected with a suitable mass spec-
trometer leak detector in good working condition cali-
brated as specified by its manufacturer;
(2) Class B joints shall be air pressure tested at an
internal pressure and according to procedures specified
in writing by the Organization Having Quality Responsi-
bility. Class B joints shall be bubble leak tested using a
selected procedure defined in AWS C3.3. The procedure
shall be specified in writing by the Organization Having
Quality Responsibility. No visually detected bubbles
shall be allowed; and
(3) Internal pressure test fixtures and devices shall be
suitable for the intended purpose and shall be adequately
shielded to prevent injury to persons in case of cata-
strophic failure during pressure testing.
6.4.3.4 Alternate Examination Techniques. Cer-
tain specialized brazed components may not be inspect-
able using radiographic or ultrasonic techniques and may
be unsuitable for leak or pressure testing in accordance
with 6.4.3.3. In such cases, alternate examination tech-
niques and acceptance limits shall be as specified in writ-
ing by the Organization Having Quality Responsibility.
This organization is responsible for the suitability of the
final product for service and the suitability of the brazed
joints.
6.4.3.5 Flux Removal Test. All aluminum compo-
nents brazed using corrosive chloride-based flux shall be
tested for flux and flux residues after flux removal. This
test shall consist of rinsing the assembly with deionized
or distilled water such that all areas of the component are
flushed, and a representative sample of this rinse water is
collected. Five percent by weight aqueous solution of sil-
ver nitrate equal to 1% of the total volume of the sample
shall then be added to it in a suitable, clean glass con-
tainer. Any evidence of a precipitate shall be cause for
rejection.
Other test methods may be used as alternates with the
written approval of the Organization Having Quality
Responsibility if they are shown to be capable of depend-
ably detecting chloride ion concentrations five parts per
million, or less. Any assemblies so tested and rejected
shall (1) be recleaned by suitable means to remove the
flux and flux residues, (2) undergo retesting, and (3) meet
the requirements of this paragraph prior to acceptance.
6.4.3.6 Fluorescent or Dye Penetrant Examina-
tion. Fluorescent or dye penetrant examination tech-
niques performed in accordance with ASTM E 1417,
Standard Practice for Liquid Penetrant Inspection, may
be used only on assemblies but are not suitable for the
inspection of brazed fillets because they may result in
unreliable interpretations.
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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6.4.3.7 Other Nondestructive Tests. Additional
nondestructive examination may be required by the
Organization Having Quality Responsibility at its discre-
tion. In such cases, the acceptance criteria shall be
clearly defined in writing by this organization.
6.4.4 Sample Inspection Plans
6.4.4.1 Class A Joints. Class A joints require
inspection of every unit. No sampling plans shall be
used.
6.4.4.2 Class B Joints. Class B joints shall be
inspected using a sample plan in accordance with ASQ
Z1.4 provided the following criteria are met:
(1) Sampling techniques are based upon the assump-
tion that all of the products in a given batch or lot are
identical. In most cases, each lot will be a single furnace
load or a single shifts or less production of a molten flux
bath made from identical detail parts identically pro-
cessed; and
(2) Proof of such identical processing is therefore a
precondition for the approval of sample inspection plans.
Such proof shall be documented and available to the
Organization Having Quality Responsibility.
When allowed, a random sample shall be selected
from each inspection lot in accordance with ASQ Z1.4,
Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by
Attributes, acceptable quality levels (AQL) 2.5, C = 0
(i.e., no defects) and inspected in accordance with this
specification. Lot sizes for the purposes of sampling
shall consist of all brazed parts of the same design or
kind manufactured using the same process from identical
details, identically prepared during one continuous
period, and submitted for acceptance at the same time.
6.4.4.3 Class C Joints. Class C joints may be
inspected using sample plans in accordance with ASQ
Z1.4, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by
Attributes.
When allowed, a random sample shall be selected
from each inspection lot in accordance with ASQ Z1.4,
Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by
Attributes, acceptable quality levels (AQL) 2.5, C = 0
(i.e., no defects) and inspected in accordance with this
specification. Lot sizes for the purposes of sampling
shall consist of all brazed parts of the same design or
kind manufactured using the same process from identical
details, identically prepared during one continuous
period, and submitted for acceptance at the same time.
6.5 Acceptance Criteria. Unless otherwise specified by
the engineering drawing or a document referenced by it,
the criteria specified below are the minimum acceptance
criteria for inspection of aluminum brazed joints. Any
assembly failing to meet these minimum requirements
shall be rejected.
6.5.1 External Discontinuities
6.5.1.1 Pinhole Porosity and Voids. Pinhole
porosity and voids are allowed provided they do not
exceed the following limits:
(1) Class AMaximum size 2.3 mm [0.090 in.] with
a total accumulated length less than 10% of fillet length;
(2) Class BMaximum size 2.3 mm [0.090 in.] with
a total accumulated length less than 25% of fillet length;
and
(3) Class CMaximum size 3.1 mm [0.120 in.] with
a total accumulated length less than 50% of fillet length.
6.5.1.2 Cracks. Cracks are unacceptable.
Imperfections of less than 0.38 mm [0.015 in.] are
uninterpretable and are not considered defects.
6.5.1.3 Erosion. Any evidence of braze filler ero-
sion of the exposed surfaces of the base metal is un-
acceptable if the erosion of either member exceeds 5% of
the thickness of the thinnest component of the brazed
joint for Class A and 15% for Class B or Class C.
6.5.1.4 Lack of Brazing Filler Metal Melting.
Failure of the brazing filler metal to melt completely is
unacceptable. However, filler residue is acceptable on
assemblies brazed using a fluxless process as long as
evidence of brazing filler metal flow is visible.
6.5.1.5 Edge Voids. For Class A and Class B
joints, no through voids (i.e., voids that extend through
the entire brazed joint) are acceptable. For Class C,
through voids are acceptable. There must be evidence of
brazing filler metal penetration across the joint. Lack of
such evidence of brazing filler metal penetration is un-
acceptable. When the assembly configuration makes
inspection of the edge opposite that to which brazing
filler metal was applied impossible, this requirement
shall not apply.
6.5.1.6 Flux Residue. Evidence of corrosive flux
or corrosive flux residue is unacceptable (see 5.4.3.5).
6.5.1.7 Quality of Workmanship. The quality of
workmanship shall be such that the assemblies are suit-
able for the intended purpose and at surfaces are free of
excess brazing filler metal, which could interfere with
subsequent operations or the function of the product.
6.5.2 Internal Discontinuities
6.5.2.1 Class A. Radiographic film or ultrasonic
facsimiles of Class A joints shall show that the total mea-
sured unbrazed or unbonded area of the joint does not
exceed 15% of the total joint area. The width of the larg-
est void or unbonded area as measured parallel to the
joint width shall not exceed 60% of the total joint width.
Any such void that is wider than 40% of the width of the
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
11
joint in width or larger shall extend no closer to either
edge of the joint than 20% of the joint width.
6.5.2.2 Class B. Radiographic film or ultrasonic
facsimiles of Class B joints shall show that the total mea-
sured unbrazed or unbonded area of the joint does not
exceed 25% of the total joint area. The width of the larg-
est void or unbonded area as measured parallel to the
joint width shall not exceed 70% of the total joint width.
Any such area that is wider than 60% of the joint width
or larger shall extend no closer to the joint edge than
15% of the joint width.
6.5.2.3 Class C Joints. Class C joints have no
internal inspection requirements.
6.6 Process Completion
6.6.1 Process CompletionFlux Processes. Joints
brazed with flux may be reworked by brazing to the orig-
inal qualified brazing procedure specification (see 5.8)
twice without the specific written approval of the Orga-
nization Having Quality Responsibility, unless otherwise
specified by that organization. Additional brazing filler
metal of the same type used in the original procedure
may be used.
Written prior approval of the procedures to be used
shall be obtained from the Organization Having Quality
Responsibility if (1) the assembly is still not acceptable
after having been rebrazed twice and inspected to the
requirements of 6.4 and 6.5, (2) a brazing process or
brazing filler metal other than that specified by the quali-
fied brazing procedure specification is to be used, or (3)
the disassembly of the brazed assembly is required.
If it is necessary to change the brazing procedure
specification or the brazing filler metal in order to
accomplish this rework, the procedure shall be qualified
as specified in 5.8.
6.6.2 Process CompletionFluxless Processes. The
rebrazing of rejected joints brazed by fluxless processes
shall only be performed with the prior written approval
of the Organization Having Quality Responsibility and
with a rebrazing procedure specification qualified to the
requirements of 5.8.
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
13
A1. Introduction
The American Welding Society (AWS) Board of
Directors has adopted a policy whereby all official inter-
pretations of AWS standards are handled in a formal
manner. Under this policy, all interpretations are made
by the committee that is responsible for the standard.
Official communication concerning an interpretation is
directed through the AWS staff member who works with
that committee. The policy requires that all requests for
an interpretation be submitted in writing. Such requests
will be handled as expeditiously as possible, but due to
the complexity of the work and the procedures that must
be followed, some interpretations may require consider-
able time.
A2. Procedure
All inquiries must be directed to:
Managing Director
Technical Services Division
American Welding Society
550 N.W. LeJeune Road
Miami, FL 33126
All inquiries must contain the name, address, and
affiliation of the inquirer, and they must provide enough
information for the committee to understand the point of
concern in the inquiry. When the point is not clearly
defined, the inquiry will be returned for clarification. For
efficient handling, all inquiries should be typewritten and
in the format specified below.
A2.1 Scope. Each inquiry must address one single provi-
sion of the standard unless the point of the inquiry
involves two or more interrelated provisions. That provi-
sion must be identified in the scope of the inquiry along
with the edition of the standard that contains the provi-
sions of that the inquirer is addressing.
A2.2 Purpose of the Inquiry. The purpose of the
inquiry must be stated in this portion of the inquiry. The
purpose can be to obtain an interpretation of a standards
requirement or to request the revision of a particular pro-
vision in the standard.
A2.3 Content of the Inquiry. The inquiry should be
concise, yet complete, to enable the committee to under-
stand the point of the inquiry. Sketches should be used
whenever appropriate, and all paragraphs, figures, and
tables (or annex) that bear on the inquiry must be cited. If
the point of the inquiry is to obtain a revision of the stan-
dard, the inquiry must provide technical justification for
that revision.
A2.4 Proposed Reply. The inquirer should, as a pro-
posed reply, state an interpretation of the provision that
is the point of the inquiry or provide the wording for a
proposed revision, if this is what the inquirer seeks.
A3. Interpretation of Provisions of
the Standard
Interpretations of provisions of the standard are made
by the relevant AWS technical committee. The secretary
of the committee refers all inquiries to the chair of the
particular subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the
portion of the standard addressed by the inquiry. The
subcommittee reviews the inquiry and the proposed reply
to determine what the response to the inquiry should be.
Following the subcommittees development of the
Annex A
Guidelines for Preparation of Technical Inquiries
for AWS Technical Committees
(This Annex is not a part of AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005, Specification for
Nonmandatory Annex
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
14
response, the inquiry and the response are presented to
the entire committee for review and approval. Upon
approval by the committee, the interpretation is an offi-
cial interpretation of the Society, and the secretary trans-
mits the response to the inquirer and to the Welding
Journal for publication.
A4. Publication of Interpretations
All official interpretations will appear in the Welding
Journal.
A5. Telephone Inquiries
Telephone inquiries to AWS Headquarters concerning
AWS standards should be limited to questions of a gen-
eral nature or to matters directly related to the use of the
standard. The AWS Board of Directors policy requires
that all AWS staff members respond to a telephone
request for an official interpretation of any AWS stan-
dard with the information that such an interpretation can
be obtained only through a written request. Headquarters
staff cannot provide consulting services. However, the
staff can refer a caller to any of those consultants whose
names are on file at AWS Headquarters.
A6. AWS Technical Committees
The activities of AWS technical committees regarding
interpretations are limited strictly to the interpretation of
provisions of standards prepared by the committees or to
consideration of revisions to existing provisions on the
basis of new data or technology. Neither the committees
nor the staff is in a position to offer interpretive or con-
sulting services on (1) specific engineering problems, (2)
requirements of standards applied to fabrications outside
the scope of the document or (3) points not specifically
covered by the standard. In such cases, the inquirer
should seek assistance from a competent engineer experi-
enced in the particular field of interest.
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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(1) Accredited Standards Committee Z49, Safety in
Welding and Cutting. Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied
Processes. ANSI Z49.1. Miami: American Welding Society.
(2) American Welding Society Committee on Braz-
ing and Soldering. Brazing Handbook. Miami: American
Welding Society.
Annex B
Bibliography
(This Annex is not a part of AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005, Specification for
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16
AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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List of AWS Documents on Brazing and Soldering
Designation Title
A2.4 Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination
A3.0 Standard Welding Terms and Definitions, Including Terms for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive
Examination, Including Terms for Adhesive Bonding, Brazing, Soldering, Thermal Cutting, and
Thermal Spraying
A5.8/A5.8M Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding
A5.31 Specification for Fluxes for Brazing and Braze Welding
B2.2 Specification for Brazing Procedure and Performance Qualification
C3.2M/C3.2 Standard Method for Evaluating the Strength of Brazed Joints
C3.3 Recommended Practices for Design, Manufacture, and Examination of Critical Brazed Components
C3.4 Specification for Torch Brazing
C3.5 Specification for Induction Brazing
C3.6 Specification for Furnace Brazing
C3.7M/C3.7 Specification for Aluminum Brazing
C3.8M/C3.8 Specification for the Ultrasonic Examination of Brazed Joints
C3.9 Specification for Resistance Brazing (Forthcoming)
D10.13 Recommended Practice for the Brazing of Copper Pipe and Tubing for Medical Gas Systems
BRH Brazing Handbook
SHB Soldering Handbook
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AWS C3.7M/C3.7:2005
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Specification For Aluminum Brazing - American Welding Societ

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