How to solder copper to copper

Soldering copper to metal

[Solder for soldering aluminum] is used not only in industry, but also at home. You can solder with soft or hard solder, depending on the type of metal.

Aluminum is considered difficult to solder. If you use conventional solders and fluxes for soldering, which are used to join stainless steel, brass, copper, and steel, then difficulties may arise.

The reason is the formation of an oxide film, which is highly resistant and refractory. It does not allow the surface to be wetted with solder; the base metal will not dissolve in it.

After the surface of the aluminum is cleaned with a stainless steel product, an oxide film will appear on it.

Before soldering, it must be removed, as it makes the process more difficult.

Not everyone knows how to do this at home. There are special compounds that are made for joining aluminum.

Using them, there will be no difficulty in soldering aluminum.

How to solder aluminum and its alloys?

In order for aluminum soldering to be carried out at a high-quality level, you should use solders that contain silicon, aluminum, silver, copper, and zinc.

On sale you can find a composition containing different ratios of these components.

When choosing solder, you should take into account that the connection that is soldered using solder with a high zinc content has the greatest resistance to corrosion and strength.

The more it is in the composition, the higher the performance.

Tin- and lead-based solders can be used for soldering aluminum.

In this case, it is worth preparing the surface of the material well, thoroughly cleaning it with a stainless steel brush and purchasing highly active fluxes.

However, experts do not recommend using such solder - aluminum does not dissolve well in it.

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In addition, the connection will be subject to corrosion; it needs to be coated with paints and varnishes.

The solders used for soldering aluminum are high-temperature. Aluminum-silicon, aluminum-copper-silicon compositions can be considered suitable for work.

Silver solder

Pure silver is not used for soldering. Most often, alloys that contain, in addition to silver, zinc, cadmium, nickel, and other metals are used to join brass.

Copper and silver melt well, and the seam that remains after melting is highly durable.

If the solder contains 10% silver, then it can be used to join steel parts.

Brass and other surfaces have a neat, clean seam after soldering.

Fluxes

When choosing fluxes, it is worth assessing their characteristics. Not all of them are active towards aluminum, especially if solders containing tin and lead or compounds with silver are used.

When purchasing, it is worth purchasing fluxes, which are called “For soldering aluminum.”

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You can also buy flux: types 34A, F61A, F59A (high temperature), or you can consult the seller.

Rosin

What to do if you don’t have solder or flux on hand, designed for working with aluminum. You can use solders that contain tin and lead.

READ Secrets of cold galvanizing of metal

In this case, the oxide film will need to be destroyed with rosin. Thus, a new film will not form when rosin is applied to the surface.

If a little film forms, it must be rubbed with a special stainless steel scraper. You can add some metal filings.

By rubbing the surface with stainless steel elements, the film will be destroyed. Rosin will protect against exposure to aluminum and air.

At the same time, exposure to solder occurs. Experts recommend using this method as a last resort.

If possible, it is better to purchase flux and solder made for working with surfaces made of aluminum and its alloy.

How to prepare parts for soldering?

Before you start soldering with your own hands, part of the part must be properly prepared. The surface of the material should be degreased.

To do this, you can use gasoline, acetone, or any other solvent. To remove the oxide film, you need to apply physical force.

To do this, you can use various materials: stainless steel mesh, brush, abrasive wheels.

To remove the oxide film, you can use acids; this method is labor-intensive enough to be used at home.

After treating the metal surface using a stainless steel product, the old film will be removed, but a new one will form in its place.

It will be weaker and thinner. The flux will dissolve it much faster than the one that was previously removed. Surfaces made of brass and copper are much easier to clean.

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Before soldering one part to another, it is worth heating them up. If steel objects are large, you should use a blowtorch or special gas burners for heating.

When heating with a burner, you need to be careful and monitor the operation of the burner at all times. The base material should not overheat, as it will melt and lose its shape.

Constant monitoring of the burner temperature is necessary. To do this, the solder rod must be briefly applied to the surface. When the temperature reaches operating temperature, the solder will melt.

It is worth paying attention to the burner flame that heats the parts.

The gas compositions of the mixture for the burner must be balanced and not have a lack/excess of oxygen.

If there is more oxygen than normal, the metal surface will oxidize. A similar situation will not happen if you work with surfaces made of steel, brass, and copper.

When working with small parts, burners are not used; soldering irons powered by mains power are usually used.

Source: https://rem-serv.com/payka-medi-s-metallom/

Do-it-yourself copper brazing

Welding copper is not the most justified technological solution. Having specific characteristics, the metal, when heated, tends to form a compound with oxygen and hydrogen, which is commonly called cuprous oxide.

Saturation of the weld zone with hydrogen leads to the appearance of a significant number of cracks and a decrease in the quality of the joint. Taking into account the above, it is not surprising that it is often more convenient to connect capricious materials by soldering.

This process does not require complex equipment and soldering copper with your own hands at home is possible in the same way as in production. The main thing is to choose the right tool, purchase the right materials and gain experience.

Depends on the task

The choice of tools and materials used primarily depends on the work being performed.

• It’s one thing if we are talking about soldering wires or electronic circuits. Little energy is spent on heating them, and the connection area is limited. Here it is quite possible to get by with an electric soldering iron, ordinary tin-lead solder and rosin as a flux.
• Other problems have to be solved by connecting parts of significant thickness and mass. They absorb a significant amount of heat and, due to their high thermal conductivity, quickly cool, releasing heat into the atmosphere. Gas burners or blowtorches, as well as fluxes that are more efficient than traditional rosin, help solve the problem.

Before you begin selecting equipment and materials, you should decide on the nature of the upcoming task and its volume.

Classic example

Let's consider an option that can be considered classic. Elastic, with high corrosion resistance and even bactericidal properties, copper is well suited for the manufacture of pipes. Such pipes are the optimal choice for water supply equipment, use in the food industry, as well as in various hydraulic systems. You can make new parts or restore damaged parts using soldering.

If we are talking about products of significant size, let’s put the electric soldering iron, the temperature of which reaches a maximum of 500 degrees Celsius, aside and proceed to choosing a gas burner, since blowtorches are less convenient for work. The following criteria should be taken into account:

• Flame temperature. If for a home workshop you can limit yourself to purchasing a device in which this parameter reaches 1000 - 1500 degrees, then a professional needs the temperature to reach 2000 degrees. This will allow you to work with large parts and use refractory solders and fluxes.
• Flame shape and size. For point work, it is important that it has a pencil shape and is as compact as possible. But for soldering large volumes of copper, a wide swirl flame is used. It is convenient when a gas burner has several replaceable nozzles and an adjustment system that allows for precise adjustments.
• Convenience. Devices mounted on portable gas cylinders are also suitable for home use. But in production it is better to use burners connected to large gas cylinders using a hose. They are more convenient to use and designed for long-term use.

The burner must be supplied with a bracket for securing replacement blades and a set of blades of various sizes and cross-sections. Some people try to make a burner with their own hands. But this requires special knowledge and accurate calculations. It is much easier to buy a ready-made tool.

If solder, what kind?

Having decided on the tool, we proceed to the choice of solder. First of all, you should make sure that the material corresponds to a certain temperature regime. According to their characteristics, solders are conventionally divided into three groups.

• Low temperature. They should be preferred if the soldering iron or torch is unable to provide good heating. However, the strength of the connection in this case will not be too high. This option is not suitable for parts operating under heavy loads.
• Medium temperature. If the soldering torch has sufficient power, using such material it will be possible to create a durable seam with acceptable performance properties. But, for a number of reasons, such compositions are not widely used.
• High temperature. As a rule, when using them, the highest joint strength is achieved. It should be remembered that not all copper alloys can withstand significant heat. Everything will depend on the compounds included in their composition. But if you want the resulting seam to withstand high loads, you will have to choose this option.

But it’s not just the melting point that distinguishes one solder from another. Their chemical composition is no less important. Brazing of copper is the most common method. In the course of this work, mixtures prepared according to various recipes are used. They are divided into several main categories.

• Tin-copper and silver-copper. These are fairly easy-to-use low-temperature solders.
• Copper-phosphorus. These high-temperature solders are convenient because, if necessary, they can be used without fluxes. But at low temperatures its mechanical properties deteriorate and, as a result, the strength of the connecting seam decreases.
• Copper-silver-zinc. They also have high refractoriness. Their advantages include good ductility and high corrosion resistance.
• High-temperature silver solders have good mechanical properties, however, flux is required for their use. An important disadvantage is the high cost of the material.

With the abundance of offers on the market, making solder yourself is not very justified.

For the manufacture of water pipes and products in contact with food, it is unacceptable to use compounds containing lead. The reason is obvious - lead is poisonous. A separate problem is soldering stainless steel with copper. But this can also be solved by choosing the right solder and flux.

Flux solves a lot

The best fluxes for soldering copper should be considered active compounds, such as ZIL-2 or F-38N. Phosphoric acid or solder fat work well. Even taking into account the high corrosion resistance of the metal, the joints must be thoroughly washed after completion of work. The reliability of the connection with stainless steels or aluminum alloys also depends on the choice of flux for soldering.

Clear actions

During the soldering process, it is imperative to follow a clear sequence of operations.

• The metal surface is cleaned of dirt and oxides, and then degreased. To do this, metal brushes, various abrasives and solvents are used. Alternatively, alcohol.
• The details are carefully recorded. If we are talking about soldering pipes, it is recommended to fix them using special clamps. This is important not only when making butt joints, but also when pipes are inserted into one another.
• The metal warms up properly. Only after this, if necessary, is flux applied to its surface. The easiest way to do this is with a brush.
• It is impossible to distribute pre-crushed solder over the surface of pipes. Therefore, it should be applied gradually, increasing the mass and evenly distributing the composition over the surface of the part. You should ensure that the material does not stick to the tip by cleaning the tool in a timely manner. Care must be taken to ensure that there are no gaps left and that the seam is sealed.

Pipes or other copper parts connected in this way will be able to withstand significant loads and will last a long time.

Why do you need solder paste?

As for the use of soldering paste, this material is characterized by a low melting point. It is used, as a rule, in radio electronics. The resulting connections cannot boast of high strength, but have good electrical conductivity. Since the paste already contains both flux and solder, it can be used to quickly perform a large number of small solderings using a regular electric soldering iron.

The main thing is patience

If you are planning to master soldering copper with your own hands, you should be patient. This technology requires experience and skill, which does not come immediately. Failed first attempts are not a reason to be upset. Practice, and the moment when you succeed will definitely come.

Source: https://svarkalegko.com/tehonology/pajka-medi.html

How to solder brass: methods, review of materials, instructions

An alloy of copper and zinc, known since ancient times, is widely used in our time. Brass has high strength, is resistant to corrosion, and is ductile. Thanks to these properties, it is used to make parts of mechanisms and structural elements that are forced to constantly come into contact with aggressive environments.

Despite the reliability of the material, brass products sometimes develop various defects that require repair - breaks, holes, cracks. One way to restore elements is soldering. This process is not very complicated, but it has its own characteristics, so it is extremely important to know how to solder brass.

Familiarity with soldering technology will allow you to successfully carry out such work even at home.

What are the features of the technology?

This method of producing permanent joints is not as popular as welding. The reason is lower solder strength. Seams are formed by melting a filler material called solder. The most important difference between soldering is the melting temperature, which should be lower than that of the elements being connected. They do not change the state of aggregation, which makes it possible to reliably fasten dissimilar materials.

The low-temperature effect on the surface to be soldered has made soldering indispensable, and in some cases the only possible: for example, when it is necessary to obtain a permanent connection of dissimilar metals. The integrity of the processed parts is the main advantage of such a technological operation, since it allows you to work with the smallest elements without fear of their deformation or change in structure.

Soldering is especially relevant in electronics, where you have to work with miniature, very fragile microcircuits, and in electrical engineering, when there is a need to connect or extend conductors.

Classification of brass alloys

Brass can be double or multi-component. In the first case, the composition includes only copper and zinc, which increases the hardness of the alloy. Other components that improve its physical and chemical characteristics include aluminum, iron, silicon, manganese, nickel, tin, lead and other elements. For this reason, it is necessary to know exactly the composition of brass in advance; this will help determine the method, as well as the specifics of soldering.

Brass is classified according to its chemical composition:

1. Two-component (double, simple). It consists only of copper and zinc. The percentage of these components may vary. These compositions are marked with the letter “L” and a number, which always indicates the amount of copper. For example, L90 contains from 88 to 91% copper, zinc accounts for 8.8-12%. There are impurities, but their amount is minimal - about 0.2%.
2. Multicomponent (special). This brass has a large number of ingredients that increase the corrosion resistance of the alloy, its strength, and hardness. It is marked differently: another one is added to the letter “L”, meaning the alloying element, and another number appears - the percentage of alloying metal. For example, LA77-2 is aluminum brass, it contains 77% copper, about 2% aluminum, and the rest is zinc. All such alloys are named after the alloying element: ferrous, silicon, nickel, manganese, lead, etc.

Brass is used to make various products. According to the degree of processing, these alloys are divided into:

• deformable, they are used to produce bolts, nuts, car parts, brass strips, sheets, wire, pipes, pipes;
• foundry (fittings, bushings, instrument parts, bearings, car hydraulic system fittings).

Based on the percentage of zinc, brass is divided into:

1. Red (tompak), containing 5-10% of this component. Such alloys are ideal for jewelry, figurines and similar artistic products.
2. Yellow, here the percentage of zinc is 21-36%.

The reason for the popularity of brass is its durability, reliability, resistance to temperature changes and mechanical stress. Therefore, parts made from this alloy are widely used in water supply systems, sewerage systems, and in mechanical and instrument making. Brass products have a long service life, but this is only true if their operating rules are not violated.

Efficiency and obstacles

There are several technologies that allow you to easily weld parts or products made of brass, but they are not simple, promise significant costs, and require certain work skills from the master. Soldering is an alternative that is technologically simpler, which means this option is also suitable for a home craftsman, since there is no need for a highly qualified performer.

If the zinc content in the alloy is not too high, then there are no insurmountable obstacles on the way to the goal: simple soldering using ordinary rosin can cope with the task. When the percentage of this metal in brass exceeds 15, special fluxes are required.

The reason is strong evaporation during soldering of copper and zinc; it leads to the formation of a strong oxide film on the material, and it is quite difficult to remove it. Therefore, without special solders and neutralizing fluxes, an ideal result cannot be achieved.

Selection of optimal materials

Before looking for the best option for soldering brass, you need to determine its brand. Only in this case can an acceptable result of the operation be guaranteed.

Choosing the right solder

This is the material, usually an alloy, that is used to solder the elements. its peculiarity is its melting point, which must be lower than that of the metals being joined. Typical examples of alloys are tin and lead, pure tin.

However, the quality, mechanical strength of such a clutch and appearance are very far from ideal. The reasons for poor quality are pores that appear as a result of zinc evaporation.

To ensure reliable contact, the melting temperature of the material must be significantly lower than brass, and the solder must have excellent adhesion to this alloy.

1. For soldering brass containing a large amount of copper, it is better to take compositions related to copper-zinc solders, since as a result of the addition of zinc, the melting point of these alloys is reduced. For example, PMC54 and PMC-48 solders melt at a temperature of 880°, PMC-36 - at 800-825°.
2. For the same alloys, you can use silver solders - grades from PSr12 to PSr72. If brass has a higher zinc content, then similar solders are recommended, but not lower than PSr40.
3. Relatively inexpensive copper-phosphorus solders are MF-1, MF-2, MF-3. They are plastic, but have good electrical conductivity. If the mechanical and vibration loads are high, then it is better to purchase solders with silver.
4. If it is necessary to guarantee special strength, then hard copper alloys are chosen: for example, the universal L-CuP6.

The latest brand of solder has a temperature range of 710-880. It is designed to work with bronze, red bronze, brass, as well as copper, when installing pipes, radiators, and heating systems. When using silver or phosphorus solders, it must be taken into account that brass dissolves rapidly, so the processing time (heating and soldering) must be reduced.

Fluxes: homemade or ready-made

Fluxes clean the surface of metals from grease and also prevent the formation of an oxide film. They are also selected depending on the composition of the alloys. For copper compounds, rosin alone is sufficient, but for brass a more aggressive agent is already needed. The simplest flux option for soldering brass is a mixture of borax and boric acid (1:1). It is poured with water (5 mm per 1 g), boiled, stirring, then cooled. However, the best characteristics are possessed by “professionals” - purchased compounds.

1. Borax flux. He has been known for a very long time, but since then he has not lost his fans. The reason for its popularity is its high-quality work.
2. Other brands are no less effective: PV-209 (from 700 to 900°), PV-209X (from 650 to 850°).

Source: https://dom-i-remont.info/posts/obshhie-voprosy/kak-payat-latun-kak-vyibrat-flyus-pripoy-i-podhodyashhiy-instrument/

How to solder copper at home

Copper products are found in various industries. Pipes, radio components, and heating pipes are made from this non-ferrous metal. To repair a mechanism that contains parts made of this metal, you need to know how to solder copper. For this, various technological processes and tools are used.

What tools and materials are needed

In industrial production, various technologies for connecting copper parts are used. However, this procedure can be performed at home. To do this, you need to prepare tools and equipment in advance:

• flux;
• set of brushes, metal brush;
• solder;
• manual or automatic pipe cutting apparatus;
• soldering iron, gas burner.

The power of the equipment is selected depending on the melting temperature of consumables.

Types of consumables

Flux is necessary to protect the joint of parts from the formation of an oxide film. In addition to this, flux helps the solder spread over the future seam. Tin is most often used as solder because it has a low melting point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1mQng5Okk8

Silver is a good connecting material for soldering, but it is expensive. Because of this, craftsmen dilute it with tin and a small amount of copper. Among the solders used, there are two types of materials: soft and hard compounds.

Soft

Such consumables are used to connect water pipes. In this case, the diameter of the pipes that need to be connected can reach 10 cm. Soldering copper with soft solder is used in cases where the connected parts will not heat above 130 degrees Celsius. Soft consumables include:

• lead and tin alloys;
• compounds with a low percentage of tin;
• special compounds.

According to buyers, the most popular is an alloy of tin and copper. It is excellent for joining copper products. In addition, it is economically consumed.

Solid

Soldering copper with solid compounds is possible if it is necessary to make a strong seam that will withstand environmental factors. These include:

• alloy of copper and zinc;
• homogeneous copper;
• a compound of copper and phosphorus.

There are two types of solid compositions: refractory and low-melting. To make a strong connection, it is recommended to use a multi-component composition.

Types of soldering

Soldering copper at home can be done using different technologies. Each method of work requires different consumables and tools. There are several technologies for soldering copper products. It’s worth talking about each of them in more detail.

Brazing

Brazing copper is a popular method of joining parts. To carry out the procedure, you will need an electric soldering iron or a gas burner. When carrying out work, certain features must be taken into account:

1. With this type of soldering, the use of solder is mandatory. Even if you need to solder copper wire.
2. It is advisable to use tin or nickel as a consumable material.

First of all, the consumable material melts. After this, it is applied to the joint. Wait until the solder cools completely.

Brazing copper

In the ovens

Furnaces are used in large enterprises and factories. They allow you to achieve uniform heating of the parts being connected. This reduces the number of poor-quality seams. The use of solder is mandatory.

Flux

When using flux to join copper parts, excess consumable material is formed, which causes corrosion. Because of this, the seam quickly becomes unusable. The reliability of the connection depends on the quality of the solder.

Vacuum

The vacuum soldering procedure is carried out not only when connecting copper parts, but also when processing products made from other metals. Industrial ovens and special containers are used to carry out the work process. During the work, soft types of consumables are used.

Low temperature

First of all, the solder heats up slowly. You cannot quickly increase the temperature of the soldering iron. You need to wait until the low-temperature solder melts and at this moment remove the soldering iron. The composition should independently fill the voids between the parts and hold them together.

Low temperature copper soldering

High temperature

If you need to obtain a connection that is resistant to high temperatures, high-temperature soldering is used. To fasten the individual parts together, they are heated to 700 degrees Celsius. In this case, not an ordinary soldering iron is used, but a gas-flame heater.

Mistakes when soldering yourself

There are a number of popular mistakes due to which a person cannot make a high-quality seam:

1. Poor preparation of the surfaces to be joined. They should be free of dirt, debris, dust, rust, and paint.
2. Craftsmen often do not check products for defects.
3. Overheating of treated surfaces. The flux burns and scale and an oxide film appear.
4. Poor heating of the surfaces being joined. The low temperature does not allow the solder to fully melt and connect the parts together.

Soldering must be done carefully. For the first time, it is better to practice on unnecessary details. Over time, it will be possible to determine the optimal temperature for soldering metals and alloys.

Safety precautions

When soldering, one must not forget about safety precautions:

1. Wear protective gloves.
2. You can touch the fastened parts only after they have cooled.
3. The room in which work is carried out must be well ventilated.

When working with hard solders and acids for etching metal, you need to wear safety glasses and a respirator. They will protect the mucous membrane of the eyes and respiratory tract from toxic fumes. Before starting work, it is necessary to check the functionality of the equipment used. A vice or clamp is used to hold the parts being fastened.

Soldering of copper is carried out using different technologies. Some are carried out at home, others are suitable only for production. Knowing the characteristics of the material and using the recommended equipment, you can achieve a reliable connection of parts. To protect your body, you need to follow safety precautions.

Source: https://metalloy.ru/obrabotka/pajka/medi

DIY copper soldering at home

Soft metals are quite difficult to heat treat. Soldering copper, brass and bronze at home is most often done with hard solder, although special pastes are sometimes used.

Theory

Copper is one of the oldest metals, which is used by people to create various decorations, devices and communications. It is characterized by high plasticity and pinkish-red color, sometimes with a golden tint. In the household, copper is most often used in water pipes and heating, because it does not corrode and is resistant to temperature changes.

Photo - copper connections

There are many types of soldering; capillary soldering is used for copper. It allows you to connect two parts of a pipeline or radio components as accurately and firmly as possible. This thermal effect is also divided into:

1. High temperature;
2. Low temperature.

High-temperature soldering is characterized by higher weld strength. In addition, it allows the connection to be thermally stable, which is very important for various communications. But at the same time, this type of work is not used on threaded connections. To carry out such soldering, special equipment is required - a burner with piezo ignition and acetyl, propane.

Photo - copper elements

Low temperature is used when working with soft solders (pastes, gels). The main advantage of this technique is the simplicity and ease of work. It is carried out at a temperature lower than 425 degrees, so soldering can even be done with a soldering iron. It lies in the fact that, under the influence of a certain temperature, the solder applied to the gap between the part and the area being connected expands, closing the gap.

Photo - soldering process

There is also one important rule that must not be violated under any circumstances. Soldering copper and aluminum, or aluminum and brass, is strictly prohibited. It is performed for electrical wires, for example, if you need to branch the wiring in old houses. This is prohibited due to the difference in linear thermal expansion of the metals and the likelihood of a short circuit at the joint.

Soldering tools

Before starting work, you need to prepare special tools and devices for soldering copper connections. You will need:

1. Gas or oxygen torch for soldering copper (with nitrogen, acetate, etc.);
2. Solder (for capillary soldering according to GOST R 52955-2008);
3. A brush (hard, but not metal) and abrasive paper for stripping copper connections;
4. Fittings or other connected elements;
5. Soldering flux.

It should be noted that if the work is done on pipe connections, then you may also need a chamfer, an expander, or a special cutting device. All of these fixtures can be found at a professional plumber so you don't have to buy them.

Photo - burner

Burners for copper are: professional (for working with hard solders), for heating pipes and soldering with soft pastes, semi-professional or combined. There are also special hair dryers that are used for soft soldering. They allow you to quickly heat the joint at temperatures up to 650 degrees.

Solders are:

1. Solid. They are represented by rods of a certain diameter, which is selected based on a certain gap when connecting. It is used when connecting copper and iron in water supply systems, gas supply and air conditioning systems. This solder can be with phosphorus or silver; Photo - hard solder
2. Soft ones can be either in the form of paste or thin wire up to 3 mm in diameter. They are produced with lead and tin. Also sometimes the process is carried out with orthophosphoric acid.

Also, to join copper alloys, it is necessary to use flux. It performs several useful functions: it promotes better spreading of solder over the metal, protects the processing area from an oxygen film, and cleans the seam from oxide. Fluxes come with borax (for various high-temperature solders), used for medium-melting compounds of gold, copper, bronze, cast iron, and stainless steel. Outwardly, they look like a paste and are applied with a special brush.

Photo - flux paste

Brushes and abrasive sheets (sandpaper) are needed to remove solder residues from the seam after finishing work. Fittings are selected based on the required connections (they can be branching, corner, curved, etc.).

Photo - soldering iron

Welding

Let's look at how copper pipe soldering is done with your own hands:

1. Any technology involves pipe preparation. You will need to cut the communication to the desired size and trim the ends with a bevel gun. This is necessary so that the next element is not damaged during connection and the maximum rigid adhesion of the parts is obtained;
2. Soldering flux is applied to the edge of the copper pipe, and it is also applied to the fitting or other pipe. Afterwards you need to carefully insert the communications into each other. If soldering is done with self-fluxing solder or an electrode, then flux does not need to be used;
3. The selected solder is inserted into the joint. It should be noted that if a paste is used, it must be applied after the flux. Under the influence of a certain temperature, the substance will begin to melt, filling the free space in the pipe. A very important point: the solder cannot be exposed to direct fire, it should melt only from the heat of a heated pipe; Photo - soldering with solder
4. If tinning is used, then the flux and solder are applied in a very thin layer, otherwise an unsightly volumetric seam will form at the soldering site. If locks or radio components (usb, contacts) are repaired, this may disrupt the operation of the element;
5. After heating is completed, the tool is removed. At this moment, the pipe cannot be moved - the connection is still too plastic, and turning the metal bends can damage the fastening. Copper pipes cool naturally;
6. All that remains is to remove the remaining solder or flux with a brush, abrasive paper or brush. It is not recommended to overcool the joint during the first 24 hours, when the metal hardening process is not completed. Photo - after stripping

You can buy all the necessary tools used to solder bronze or copper at any electrical store; the price depends on the category. Burners cost from 3 dollars to several dozen, the cost of solder starts from 5 cu. e., flux - from 3.

Source: https://www.asutpp.ru/pajka-medi.html

How to solder copper to copper

Before soldering copper, you need to take into account that it is a metal that can be easily soldered. This is due to the fact that the surface of copper can be easily cleaned without resorting to aggressive substances.

Copper is a slightly corrosive metal. Many low-melting alloys and metals, for example, brass, have good adhesion to copper.

When copper is heated in air during soldering, no reactions with oxygen occur and complex expensive fluxes are not required for soldering.

Copper argon arc welding diagram.

For example, copper water pipes are much more flexible than steel pipes, they are durable and resistant to chemical elements, but they are more expensive.

Copper plumbing and heating systems have the same service life as the entire building, and can be walled up or poured with concrete, lined with various wall panels.

A requirement for monolithic placement of copper communication pipes is the use of cushioning materials such as corrugation or PVC-based insulation. They will prevent mechanical impacts of various types during climate changes in winter and summer.

Tools and materials for copper soldering

• pipe cutter;
• chamfer;
• pipe expander;
• metal wool;
• vice;
• pliers;
• tweezers;
• soldering iron;
• solder;
• flux;
• borax;
• soldering oil;
• gas-burner.

Electric welding machine diagram.

A pipe cutter is required to cut pipes to length. The principle of operation of pipe cutters is the same, although you can find a lot of models on sale. The pipe for cutting it is clamped between the rollers and the blade, then the pipe cutter is rotated around, tightening the bottom bolt by a third of a turn.

To get a smooth edge, the pipe is held strictly perpendicular to the tool. The pipe is usually cut in 5-6 turns. It is possible to perform low-temperature soldering of copper with a gas torch, since its temperature does not exceed 450°.

Not all commercially available torch designs are suitable for soldering.

Before choosing a burner for soldering copper, you need to pay attention to the instructions, since those burners whose use begins with lighting a barbecue are not suitable for these purposes.

How to solder copper correctly? You need to do this with a soldering iron or a torch with a narrow flame. Such a burner will heat the pipe in a matter of seconds, and the gas can will last for a long time if used sparingly. When choosing a burner, you need to look at the composition of the gas in the cylinder.

Typically, it is a mixture of propane and butane, but the higher the butane content, the higher the flame temperature.

Metal wool is used to clean copper before using a torch and soldering iron. The end of the pipe or wire is tightly pressed with it and several rotational movements are made with force. This is enough for the wire, but the pipe should also be cleaned from the inside.

Narrow tubes (fittings) can be cleaned with special brushes designed for this purpose, but the use of sandpaper, especially coarse sandpaper, and especially a file, is strictly prohibited.

Copper is a soft metal and if you use sandpaper, the components of the sandpaper will remain on the surface, preventing adhesion and a good connection.

Copper spot welding diagram.

Solder can be purchased wound into spools for ease of use. This is tin wire, the diameter of which is about 3 mm. It is advisable to pay attention to the absence of lead in the solder, which should be indicated by a special inscription on the reel.

An important component for soldering is flux, which wets the base metal (in this case copper) before soldering, penetrating into all capillaries. Flux spreads over the surface under the action of capillary forces. Before soldering properly, the surface must be completely clean and free of oxides.

The weld will only be strong if the components are protected from the oxygen present in the air. The use of flux increases solder adhesion along with mechanical cleaning of surfaces.

When using flux, it does not matter much whether it is intended for lead-containing or lead-free solder; these varieties are interchangeable. Stainless steel soldering fluxes are not suitable for use with copper. Ordinary rosin can also be used, but there may be problems with its application.

Copper soldering rules

If you need to solder a copper product or a product containing copper components, it is impossible to give a definite answer as to how and what is the best way to do this. The choice of method and tools depends on many factors, such as the size and weight of the parts, their composition. The load to which already soldered products must be subjected is also taken into account. There are several soldering methods, and it is better to know them all so that, if necessary, choose the most suitable one.

Soldering large parts

Scheme of capillary soldering of copper.

If you need to solder massive or large parts that cannot be heated to the required temperature with a soldering iron, a torch and copper solder are used. The flux in this case is borax. The strength of copper-phosphorus solder is higher than that of standard tin.

Source: https://MyTooling.ru/instrumenty/chem-pajat-med-s-medju

Soldering wires with a soldering iron: how to do it right

One of the most reliable methods of connecting wires is soldering. This is a process in which the space between two conductors is filled with molten solder. In this case, the melting temperature of the solder must be lower than the melting temperature of the metals being joined. At home, soldering is most often used with a soldering iron - a small device powered by electricity. For normal operation, the power of the soldering iron must be at least 80-100 W.  

What you need for soldering with a soldering iron

In addition to the soldering iron itself, you will need solders, rosin or fluxes; it is advisable to have a stand. While working, you may need a small file and small pliers.

Most often you have to solder copper wires, for example, on headphones, when repairing household appliances, etc.

Rosin and fluxes

To get a good connection between the wires, it is necessary to clean them of contaminants, including oxide film. While mono-cores can still be cleaned manually, multi-core conductors cannot be cleaned properly. They are usually treated with rosin or flux - active substances that dissolve contaminants, including oxide film.

Both rosin and fluxes work well, but fluxes are easier to use - you can dip a brush into the solution and quickly process the wires. You need to put a conductor in rosin, then heat it with a soldering iron so that the molten substance envelops the entire surface of the metal. The disadvantage of using fluxes is that if they remain on the wires (and they do), they gradually corrode the adjacent sheath. To prevent this from happening, all soldering areas must be treated - the remaining flux must be washed off with alcohol.

Solders and fluxes for soldering copper wires with a soldering iron

Rosin is considered a universal remedy, and fluxes can be selected depending on the metal you are going to solder. In the case of wires, this is copper or aluminum. For copper and aluminum wires, use LTI-120 flux or borax.

A homemade flux made from rosin and denatured alcohol (1 to 5) works very well, and it’s also easy to make with your own hands. Add rosin to the alcohol (preferably dust or very small pieces of it) and shake until dissolved.

Then this composition can be used to treat conductors and strands before soldering.

Solders for soldering copper wires with a soldering iron use POS 60, POS 50 or POS 40 - tin-lead. For aluminum, zinc-based compounds are more suitable. The most common are TsO-12 and P250A (made of tin and zinc), grade A (zinc and tin with the addition of copper), TsA-15 (zinc with aluminum).

Convenient to use solder with rosin

It is very convenient to use solders that contain rosin (POS 61). In this case, there is no need to pre-treat each conductor in rosin separately. But for high-quality soldering, you must have a powerful soldering iron - 80-100 W, which can quickly heat the soldering area to the required temperatures.

Auxiliary materials

In order to properly solder wires with a soldering iron, you also need:

• Stand. It may be completely made of metal or have metal holders for a soldering iron attached to a wooden/plastic stand. It is also convenient if you have a small metal box for rosin. Soldering with a soldering iron is more convenient with a homemade or factory-made stand - not very important
• File. Before work, sharpen the tip of the soldering iron. It should be smooth and clean without traces of soot. Then it is easy to solder. This is how you need to sharpen the soldering iron tip
• Pliers. It is difficult to hold the wires with your fingers while soldering - copper and aluminum have high thermal conductivity, which leads to rapid heating of nearby areas. Therefore, it is more convenient to solder wires with a soldering iron if you hold them with pliers. The only thing is that the tool should be miniature, with thin handles and jaws. In principle, you can use tweezers, but it is advisable to put a heat-shrink tube on the top of it (where you hold it with your fingers) - the steel also heats up quickly. Pliers - to hold the wires

Alcohol may be required to wash off the flux, and electrical tape or heat-shrinkable tubes of various diameters for insulation. These are all the materials and tools without which soldering wires with a soldering iron is impossible.

The entire technology of soldering wires with a soldering iron can be divided into several successive stages. All of them are repeated in a certain sequence:

• Training of conductors. When soldering wires, they are freed from insulation. After this, the oxide film is removed from them mechanically. You can use a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper. The metal should shine and be light.
• Tinning. Heat the soldering iron to the melting temperature of the rosin (it begins to actively melt when touched). Take a conductor, bring it to a piece of rosin, heat it with a soldering iron so that the entire stripped part of the wire is immersed in rosin. Then take a drop of solder onto the soldering iron tip and spread it over the treated part of the conductor. The solder spreads quickly, covering the wire with a thin layer. To make it distributed faster and more evenly, the wire is turned slightly. After tinning, copper conductors lose their redness and become silvery. This is how all wires that need to be soldered are processed. Tinning the wires
•  The tinned conductors are folded together, straightening them with your fingers so that they fit snugly against each other. If the soldering needs to be long, you can twist it. Holding the conductors, take solder onto the tip, press it to the soldering site, applying some force. At the same time, the soldering area heats up, the rosin begins to boil, and the solder spreads. When it covers the entire area and flows between the conductors, we can consider that soldering the conductors with a soldering iron is completed. They are held motionless for some time - until the solder cools down (to speed up the process, they blow on this place).

That's all. In the same way, you can solder two or more wires, you can solder a wire to some contact pad (for example, when soldering headphones, you can solder the wire to a plug or to a pad on a headphone), etc.

After you have finished soldering the wires with a soldering iron and they have cooled down, the connection must be insulated. You can wrap electrical tape, put it on, and then heat up the heat shrink tube. When it comes to electrical wiring, it is usually recommended to first screw on a few turns of electrical tape, and then put a heat-shrinkable tube on top, which is heated.

Differences in technology when using flux

If active flux is used rather than rosin, the tinning process changes. The cleaned conductor is lubricated with the compound, and then heated with a soldering iron with a small amount of solder. Further everything is as described.

Soldering twists with flux - faster and easier

There are also differences when soldering twists with flux. In this case, you can not tin each wire, but twist it, then treat it with flux and immediately start soldering. The conductors don’t even need to be cleaned—the active compounds corrode the oxide film. But instead, you will have to wipe the soldering areas with alcohol to wash away the remnants of chemically aggressive substances.

Features of soldering stranded wires

The soldering technology described above is suitable for monocores. If the wire is multi-core, there are nuances: before tinning, the wires are untwisted so that everything can be dipped in rosin. When applying solder, you need to make sure that each wire is covered with a thin layer of solder. After cooling, the wires are twisted into one bundle again, then you can solder with a soldering iron as described above - dipping the tip into solder, heating the soldering area and applying tin.

When tinning, multi-core wires must be “fluffed”

Is it possible to solder copper wire to aluminum

Aluminum cannot be combined directly with other chemically active metals. Since copper is a chemically active material, copper and aluminum are not joined or soldered. The point is too different thermal conductivity and different current conductivity.

When current passes, aluminum heats up more and expands more. Copper heats up and expands much less.

Constant expansion/constriction to varying degrees leads to the fact that even the best contact is broken, a non-conducting film is formed, and everything stops working. That's why copper and aluminum are not soldered.

If there is such a need to connect copper and aluminum conductors, make a bolted connection. Take a bolt with a suitable nut and three washers. At the ends of the connected wires, rings are formed according to the size of the bolt. Take a bolt, put on one washer, then a conductor, another washer - the next conductor, a third washer on top and secure everything with a nut.

Aluminum and copper conductors cannot be soldered

There are several other ways to connect aluminum and copper lines, but soldering is not one of them. You can read about other methods here, but bolted is the simplest and most reliable.

Source: https://stroychik.ru/elektrika/pajka-provodov-payalnikom

Rules for soldering copper wires

One of the best ways to connect copper wires is soldering. It provides high strength and electrical conductivity. At the same time, soldering is easier to carry out than welding, and it is more reliable than simple twisting. Although the wires in junction boxes are often connected using self-clamping terminals such as WAGO, soldering techniques will not hurt any electrician to know.

You can learn how to solder copper wires in a few minutes, having all the necessary materials and equipment.

The essence of the process

The essence of the soldering process is that metals are joined together using an alloy that has a melting point lower than the melting point of the substances being joined.

During soldering, materials are heated to the melting temperature of the solder. This ensures very strong adhesion (sticking) - the property of materials to adhere to each other at the molecular level.

However, the main parts do not melt and mix with the solder material, as happens when welding using filler material.

Soldering iron and solder

Soldering irons are traditionally used for soldering copper wires. There are several types of them, including electric and gas. Soldering of copper wires is carried out using an electric soldering iron with a copper tip. This tool consists of a copper rod, sometimes nickel plated, that is mounted in a heating element housing.

The heating element operates on direct or alternating current. The supply voltage can vary from 12 to 220 V. For soldering copper wires of electrical wiring in the house, the most common soldering iron with a power of 60 W is suitable. If you need to solder thin wires of an electrical appliance, then a less powerful tool will do. It is important that it heats the copper material well and melts the solder.

To ensure high soldering quality and joint strength, it is necessary to remain still while the molten solder cools. You can hold the wires with your hands, but it is more convenient to use tweezers or clamps.

Tin-lead solder is used for soldering copper wires. Most often this is POS-61, but you can also take POS-40. The marking indicates the composition - tin-lead solder with a tin content of 61%.

Solder is usually produced in rods with a diameter of about 8 mm or in the form of solder wire with a diameter of 2 mm. General purpose solder is often used for soldering copper wires, which looks like a hollow tube of tin-lead alloy. Inside such a tube there is flux powder.

Application of flux

In order for the solder and the wire material to interact with each other, and the connection to be high-quality, the wires must be cleaned of the oxide film and only then soldered. For cleaning, you can use sandpaper, and for subsequent processing, use a special substance - flux.

Flux will not only clean copper wires, but will also create a thin protective film that prevents oxidation of the material.

It is allowed to use both solid flux - pine rosin, and liquid - various types of soldering acids or a homemade composition.

Sometimes, in order to correctly and firmly solder copper wires to each other or to any metal object, they use only liquid flux. You can prepare it by dissolving ordinary pine rosin in ethyl alcohol.

Soldering acid is prepared independently by dissolving zinc granules in hydrochloric acid in the proportion of 412 grams of zinc per 1 liter of acid.

But it’s better to buy ready-made flux that meets all quality standards, since bringing acidic compounds to copper wires is undesirable.

How to solder correctly

To reliably solder copper wires, you need to prepare a soldering iron. If you do not tin the tip before work, the solder will not stick, but will roll off the rod in balls. This happens because the tip is covered with a layer of copper oxide and carbon deposits formed during previous soldering.

Preparing the soldering iron

For ease of work, some specialists sharpen the tip with a flat file to give it the shape of a spatula or flat screwdriver. The sharpening angle should be 45-60 degrees.

A non-burning tip (eternal) cannot be sharpened under any circumstances; special sponges are used for it.

The mechanically cleaned tip must be heated and then tinned. To do this, it is coated with flux.

If the flux is solid (rosin), simply immerse the tip in it. The rosin will melt and cover the heated surface. After this, you need to touch the solder bar with a soldering iron and heat it up. The molten solder will coat the tip, protecting it from further oxidation.

The procedure for tinning a soldering iron must be repeated as carbon deposits form on it. This happens because the temperature of the tip is much higher than the melting point of the solder, and over time it begins to burn. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, it is recommended to use a soldering iron with temperature control.

Preparing the wires

The copper wires to be connected also need to be prepared for soldering. First, remove the insulation from the ends at a distance of about 4 cm, strip them, twist them together and tinning them. Copper wires can be tinned as follows:

• heat the twist with a soldering iron;
• coat with flux;
• Apply a small amount of solder, spreading it over the surface of the wire.

The actions are similar to those performed when tinning a soldering iron tip. If you are going to solder stranded copper wires, then you must stock up on liquid flux, since it will be very difficult to cover the entire surface of the copper “hairs” with molten solid rosin. To get a quality connection, you need to heat the stranded wire and then dip it in liquid flux, which will wet the entire surface intended for soldering.

Further, soldering of stranded and single-core copper wires is carried out in the same way. The two or more conductors being joined are heated together and solder is applied to them. After applying it, it is necessary to ensure that the joint remains motionless while it cools. It is not allowed to accelerate cooling by wetting it or blowing air on it.

Copper and aluminum connection

When connecting copper and aluminum wires by soldering, you can encounter many difficulties, which can only be overcome by using alternative connection methods.

The fact is that both aluminum and copper are covered with an oxide film in air.

And if these films themselves do not affect the state of the conductor in any way and even provide fairly good conductivity, then when combined they contribute to the occurrence of a powerful chemical reaction.

Under the influence of moisture contained in the air, at the point of contact between aluminum and copper oxides, the process of electrolysis begins, that is, an electric current is formed due to the fact that the ions of both materials have different electrical potentials.

Electric current is the movement of charged particles - ions, and during their movement, metals at the point of contact are destroyed. At the same time, aluminum is more destroyed. Destruction causes the contact to deteriorate, and subsequently the electrical resistance of the connection increases and it heats up. With severe corrosion, when direct contact between the two materials has already been lost, an electric arc occurs, which completes the destruction.

It is recommended to connect copper with aluminum only through a third, neutral material. Most often, steel terminal blocks or clamps are used for this.

Source: https://svaring.com/soldering/praktika/pajka-mednyh-provodov

How to solder copper correctly - Metalworker's Guide

Installing a copper plumbing system is similar to installing any home plumbing system, such as polypropylene or metal-plastic. However, one of the key issues - how to solder copper pipes for water supply - requires detailed consideration.

Modern technologies provide a wide selection of materials for plumbing work: various types of plastic, steel, copper. They are distinguished by physical properties, cost, installation features and application possibilities, but it is impossible to name the best or worst material.

Copper pipes for water supply are expensive and require more attention to operation, but they are versatile, environmentally friendly and reliable, and are also convenient for self-installation.

This article is not just about how to solder copper pipes yourself, but also about how to make this process as conscious and professional as possible.

Installation of water pipes from copper pipes

Installing a plumbing or heating system made of copper is not much different from installing a plumbing or heating system made of other materials.
At the first stage, a well-thought-out diagram of the entire route is needed, with well-calibrated corners and connections. Let us remind you: the diagram must include a mandatory connection with the pipes of the main riser through ball valves, metering devices, and additional outlets for future plumbing.

Water pipe made of copper pipes

The choice of types and sizes of pipes: annealed and unannealed, with 3/8 or 3/4 threads, with walls of different thicknesses: K, L, M. The weight of the copper pipe, and therefore the entire water supply structure as a whole, can depend on such details. however, the essence of the installation as a whole will not change.

Choosing a technology for connecting copper pipes: soldering or push-in fittings. The choice is always up to the consumer, but let us briefly note: the reliability of the connection of push-up fittings is not very high.

It requires constant monitoring, and fittings require systematic tightening, while soldering copper water pipes means ensuring their long-term and permanent tightness.

The main difference is the method of joining copper pipes using soft solder: it requires certain skills and equipment.

Soft soldering technology

Before soldering copper pipes, a few words of theory are needed: if the soldering process is more conscious, then many of the subtleties will become clear as the work progresses.

In everyday life and when installing plumbing systems in apartments, the so-called “low-temperature”, “soft” soldering is used: the soldering points are heated to 250-300 C, which allows the soft solder (usually tin) to melt, however, these temperatures are also dangerous for copper pipes, so exposure must be targeted and short-lived.

Soft solder copper water pipes

Cleaning pipes immediately before soldering is not a simple aesthetic manipulation, but a prerequisite that allows you to get rid of oxidation products on the metal and achieve maximum adhesion of materials. With soft soldering, a capillary effect occurs, in which molten soft solder for soldering copper pipes spreads evenly over the entire surface of the connection, regardless of the position of the pipe - horizontal or vertical.

The recommended gap between the walls of the pipe and the fitting is strictly established - 0.1-0.15 mm: a larger distance requires more solder or will not give a capillary effect at all, a smaller one will create an unnecessary obstacle to the spreading of solder.

Tools and materials for installing copper pipes with your own hands

Copper pipe soldering torch is the key equipment for soldering. There are a variety of types of burners; it is advisable to choose a gas burner with piezo ignition and a nozzle for adjusting the flame.

• Solder for soldering copper pipes is usually tin in the form of rods or coils of wire.
• Flux for soldering copper pipes is a paste that is used to cover the surface of pipes and fittings so that it dissolves oxide films on the surface of the parts being joined, protects the copper from oxidation as a result of heating, and provides moisture to the surfaces at the time the solder dissolves.
• Pipe cutter for copper pipes - a tool for cutting copper pipes; pipe expander for copper pipes - a tool for increasing the diameter of copper pipes when installing parts one into another.
• A chamfer remover is a tool for chamfering and removing possible burrs from the material.
• Fittings are connecting parts of various configurations.
• Steel brush and brush for cleaning the inside and outside of fittings and pipes.

Tools needed for DIY copper pipe soldering

Equipment for soldering copper pipes is not expensive or exclusive.
But it will require some effort in order to gain confident skills in its use: it is advisable to practice on pipe scraps in order to understand the intricacies of the technology and methods. Step-by-step instructions for soft soldering copper pipes

This is important: the edge of the pipe and the pipe itself must be perfectly straight and even - the quality of the connection of the parts depends on this, so it is advisable to use a pipe cutter to cut pipes.

Step 1. Using a pipe expander, increase the diameter of the fitting, using a chamfer remover, clean the edges of the pipe. Step 2. Polish the outside of the pipe with a brush, and polish the inside of the fitting with a brush. Step 3. Apply flux to the pipe and fitting with a special brush. – and immediately connect the parts, avoiding any kind of contamination or foreign objects.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_xOEer-pt8

Step 4. Using a gas torch for soldering copper water pipes, gently heat the joint, working over the entire surface. An indicator of good heating is a change in the color of the soldering flux.

Soldering process of copper water pipe

Step 5. Having stopped heating the surfaces to be joined, apply solder for soldering copper pipes along the entire perimeter of the connection. The torch fire must not touch the solder wire: the tin must melt on the copper surface from its high temperature without direct exposure to fire. Step 6. Wait until the part cools naturally and completely - without additional means for rapid cooling.

Step 7. Be sure to remove any remaining flux paste from the surface with a damp cloth. Its effect is necessary only during soldering: it destroys the protective layer of copper parts.

This is important: the parts must be well secured during soldering and immediately after it, since copper pipes can only be soldered while stationary.

The seam where the parts meet must be smooth and tight. It will be possible to check the resulting result only when sufficient water pressure is turned on in the water supply; however, if the soldering is successful, the reliability of the seam does not decrease in any way due to time, possible changes in pressure or water temperature.

Appearance of a properly soldered copper pipe

Installation of copper pipes with pipes made of other materials

There are several important points related to the possibilities of installing copper pipes with pipes made of other materials:

• Compounds of copper and brass, copper and plastic, and copper and steel are harmless and do not cause corrosion of materials.
• Installing galvanized steel and copper can negatively affect the condition of the galvanized steel pipe: chemical processes between the copper and zinc lead to the destruction of the zinc.

Therefore, if there is a need to connect galvanized and copper pipes, then it is possible only through a brass fitting and only in one direction: along the flow of water from the galvanized pipe to the copper one.

Corrosion of a galvanized pipe due to improper soldering with copper

For domestic water supply in Russia, this is a possible solution: almost always the central water supply uses steel or galvanized steel, so copper plumbing in an apartment can be purchased without a doubt.

Copper pipes are connected to steel or plastic pipes only using brass push-in fittings.

The main fastening of the system is carried out through the clamping nut and clamping ring of the fitting: they are tightened to the standard number of turns specified in the technical documentation of the fitting, and must be regularly checked during operation for looseness and possible leaks.

Myths about copper pipes

Due to the lack of habit of using copper as a material for heating, water and gas supply systems, modern Russian consumers have a mistrust of this material. There are two myths:

• Copper plumbing pipes are expensive and impractical, despite their high price. The impracticality is associated with possible oxidation on the outside of the pipes, while copper pipes also oxidize on the inside, but are absolutely not susceptible to corrosion. The higher cost of copper pipes can be more than offset by the ease of installation and durability of the materials.
• Copper pipes are dangerous when combined with chlorinated water. Undoubtedly, copper, when reacting with chlorine particles, oxidizes, but the film formed inside the pipes, on the contrary, protects the pipes from additional chemical influences and is safe for the human body.

  What kind of solder to solder copper wires

However, these myths are destroyed by many years of practice. It is no coincidence that this material was used in plumbing systems several thousand years ago, and copper still enjoys well-deserved recognition in European countries.

Using copper pipes for home plumbing is absolutely safe

Due to the quality of materials and ease of installation, copper pipes for the home water supply system are most preferable, and will definitely find new admirers in Russia.

How to solder copper pipes with your own hands: video

Source: https://ssk2121.com/kak-pravilno-payat-med/

How to solder copper at home

Five thousand years ago, minters from Egypt discovered a new type of joining metals using the soldering method.

The essence of the method is to create a connection between different metals by filling the seams with solder, which is a molten material with a melting point lower than that of the parts of the product being connected. Unlike steel, it is more expedient to connect copper parts by soldering rather than welding.

This is especially important if you have to work with thin-walled copper pipes, which are widely used in heating, plumbing, gas and refrigeration systems. Even a beginner can handle this kind of work.

Features of copper pipes

The chemical composition used in the production of copper pipes consists of 99% copper, but minor impurities of tin, iron, antimony, and lead are allowed.

Copper pipes are hard (not annealed) and soft (annealed). During manufacturing, through machining, the copper material loses its natural ductility.

This property can be restored by annealing the metal, that is, heating it to 600-700 degrees and then cooling it under natural conditions. As a result of such actions, the copper pipe receives some technological advantages over solid copper.

Of course, a soft pipe loses in strength, but it is much superior in ductility, which increases the value of its elongation at break by 40-60%. This means that the soft pipe can be easily bent without fear of breaking.

Due to the plastic deformation of copper, such pipes can prevent the water supply from rupturing if it accidentally freezes.

Copper pipes have the following advantages:

• durability of operation;
• strength;
• ability to be easily processed;
• are not afraid of ultraviolet radiation;
• withstands the highest possible temperatures;
• operate safely under high pressure;
• have bactericidal properties;
• do not corrode;
• have high thermal conductivity and a smooth surface.

Of course, the higher cost of copper compared to other modern materials can be attributed to its disadvantages, but soldering technology allows you to save on fittings.

Soldering methods for copper parts

Permanent connection of pipes at industrial facilities, as well as copper soldering at home, is carried out using two methods:

1. High-temperature method - used on pipelines operated at high temperatures and under heavy load. Solder melting by this method occurs at a temperature of 600-900℃.
2. Low temperature method - used for domestic systems. When using soft solder, the heating of the soldering area reaches 450℃, and for hard solder - more than 450℃.

Tools and accessories

Of course, to solder copper pipes with your own hands as standard, you can use many elements that are easy to find in your own household supplies. In extreme cases, you will have to purchase special devices to perform the soldering process. So, to carry out high-quality installation of copper products you may need:

1. A manual pipe cutter that will allow you to get a strictly perpendicular pipe cut.
2. A chamfering device is used to remove various burrs and round off the cut area.
3. A pipe expander will help in many situations to do without the use of fittings. For soldering, you need to increase the diameter of one end of the pipe in order to insert another workpiece there.
4. Brushes and pipe cleaners will help clean the pipe soldering area from oxide.
5. To increase the safety of work, you need to install a fire reflector (reflector) on the burner nozzle, which will help protect flammable materials located near the work site. This will prevent heat loss and ensure uniform heating of the pipe.
6. A gas torch is the main tool for soldering copper pipes.

   There are several types of burners - from high-performance models to household devices.

According to burner power, they are divided into:

1. For heating pipes and soldering with soft solder.
2. For carrying out work with hard or soft solder (semi-professional).
3. For hard soldering (professional).
4. You can use a hot air gun to heat up low-melting solder. Such a tool is capable of producing a stream of hot air up to 650℃.

Copper Connection Materials

The entire technological process of soldering copper tubes with a gas torch can be carried out using flux and copper solder, as well as with or without the use of fittings.

Flux and solder paste

Flux for soldering copper pipes is of great importance for the formation of a high-quality connecting seam. It can be low temperature with activity up to 450 ℃, and high temperature - more than 450 ℃.

The use of flux is necessary in the following cases:

• high-quality cleaning of the surface of the connected pipes from oxides;
• protecting the connection site from oxygen contained in the air;
• increasing the adhesion of solder to the metal surface;
• improving the process of solder spreading.

Today there are the following types of fluxes:

• activated;
• acidic;
• non-acidic;
• anti-corrosion.

Solder paste is a thick mass consisting of flux, small particles of solder and special additives. This composition is often used in industrial enterprises when soldering radio components on printed circuit boards. The paste form is very convenient for applying to small parts.

Types of solders

The connection of copper and its alloys can be made by both low-temperature and high-temperature soldering. There are many soft and hard materials that can provide ideal fastening of metal parts.

Source: https://vi-pole.ru/chem-pajat-med-v-domashnih-uslovijah.html