24 Flux Facts About Brazing Welding And Soldering “Explained”
24 Flux Facts About Brazing Welding And Soldering “Explained” is the topic for today… Enjoy
Flux is an essential part of welding brazing and soldering, and any other metal processes for that matter.
Flux ensures a strong and conductive bond between metal pieces by eliminating the possibility of corrosion due to its chemical composition.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some interesting facts related to flux and how it relates to metal processes such as brazing, welding, or soldering.
By the end of this article, you will be a true master of flux and metal processes. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into the action!
What Is The Difference Between Welding, Brazing, And Soldering?
Before we can dive into the intricate details of flux and its interesting properties we first need to take a step back and look at the metal processes themselves, being welding brazing and soldering.
What are they, and more importantly, what are the differences between them? Let’s find out.
Welding, brazing, and soldering are all processes using heat to melt and join metal pieces together. Welding melts the base metals while soldering and brazing use a filler metal to form a joint between the two metal pieces.
The difference between brazing and soldering lies in the temperature, as brazing is done at a higher temperature than soldering.
Can I Use Old Flux?
Now that we know a little more about the individual processes it is time to jump into the flux itself by looking at some interesting questions.
One such question has to do with flux shelf life, in other words, can you use old flux? Let’s take a look.
Flux does have a shelf life, but the usability of the product depends on how you store it.
If the flux is stored in a tightly sealed container in a modest environment it can be used way past the shelf life, if not, the performance of the flux will quickly deteriorate.
Using Flux for Oxygen Acetylene Brazing
What Is Activated Flux?
Another term that is often used when talking about flix in processes such as soldering, brazing, or welding is the term activated flux. But what does activated flux mean and how is it different from regular flux? Let’s see.
Activated refers to the chemical activity of the flux. This means that activated flux has a higher activity than regular flux, therefore eliminating the possibility of corrosion even further.
Activated flux is generally harder to work with, but perfect for use in dirty or already partially corroded joints.
Where Do You Get Flux?
We have been mentioning a lot about flux so far in this article, but this raises the question, where do we even get out flux from?
This is an important question for us hobbyists so let’s take a closer look at the answer.
Flux can be bought online from global reselling sites like Amazon for just a few dollars depending on the brand.
Usually, it is also possible to buy flux directly from your local hardware store. Flux is generally not very expensive, and it is incredibly accessible due to its high demand.
What Is Liquid Flux?
There are many different types of flux and one type you often hear about is liquid flux.
But what even is liquid flux and how does it differ in use from regular old flux. Let’s take a closer look at liquid flux and its special properties.
As the name suggests, liquid flux is a liquid variation of regular flux. The way liquid flux works and the things it does are pretty much the same as other variants such as flux paste, but in liquid form.
Which flux type to use depends on the situation, sometimes liquid flux can be the way to go as it can easily reach tight spaces and other difficult spots.
Are Flux And Borax The Same?
There are many different brands and types when it comes to flux and it is therefore easy to get confused between flux and other substances.
One such substance is Borax, is it the same as flux, or is it something entirely different? Let’s take a closer look.
Flux and Borax are not the same things as Borax is a white powder salt often used as a cleaning agent. However, the confusion is easy to understand is Borax can be used as flux and it is often a main ingredient of flux.
Why Has Borax Been Banned?
Borax is a cleaning agent often used as a flux for materials, but as you may know, Borax has been banned in many places such as the EU.
But why has Borax been banned, is it dangerous or is there another reason? Let’s find out.
The reason for the Borax ban is a controversial one as there are many different contrasting studies. The EU has banned the substance as it is said to do reproductive damage to your fertility organs, which is of course unwanted and potentially lethal.
There have been many studies on Borax and its effect, all with a seemingly different outcome.
Final Thoughts… 24 Flux Facts About Brazing Welding And Soldering “Explained”
All in all, flux forms an essential part of brazing, welding, and soldering and without this mysterious chemical, many amazing metal pieces would not be possible.
We hope that this article has been useful. Thank you for reading and good luck in the wonderful world of Flux.
If you enjoyed reading What Brazing Torch Types Are There? you will enjoy These articles:
What Are The Types Of Brazed Joints? “Explained”
What Is The Fusion Welding Process? “Explained”
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s finish off by looking at some frequently asked questions on the topic.
Do you use flux in welding?
Yes, for welding there is weld flux to prevent oxidation and increase joint strength.
Is liquid flux flammable?
Yes, most flux types are highly hazardous and flammable chemicals.
What is flux paste?
Flux paste is flux in the form of a thick paste that is easy to apply to bigger joints.
Can you freeze flux?
It is possible to freeze flux but not recommended as some flux types may experience a drop in activity when frozen.
Does flux dry out?
Yes, flux dries out which impacts the workability of the flux.
Sources In MLA Format:
George, and Ben L. “Choosing Soldering Flux.” Simply Smarter Circuitry Blog, 20 June 2014, https://www.circuitspecialists.com/blog/choosing-soldering-flux/.
“Is Borax Safe for Cleaning with?” Moral Fibres – UK Eco Green Blog, 5 June 2021, https://moralfibres.co.uk/is-borax-safe/#:~:text=The%20EU%20has%20banned%20borax,(abnormally%20high)%20ingested%20doses.&text=This%20study%20crucially%20relates%20to,a%20boric%20acid%20production%20plant.
Quinton, Richard. “Does Plumbing Flux Expire? Find out When to Change Yours.” The DIY Help Desk, 20 Sept. 2020, https://thediyhelpdesk.com/does-plumbing-flux-expire-find-out-when-to-change-yours/#:~:text=The%20performance%20of%20plumbing%20flux,correctly%20as%20the%20product%20ages.
Sustainability is also important to Michael and he always looks for ways to repurpose discarded materials, like used wine bottles and scrap metal, to reduce their impact on the environment.
Michael's articles on electroforming, crystals, gemstones, brazing, and welding are written to provide answers and guidance to others who are interested in learning about these crafts. He has a love for sharing his knowledge and helping others to create beautiful pieces of art.
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