Copper Sleeve 5/16 Solder Union With Valve Obus Plug

Types of blowtorch welding: soft and hard solderingIn this article you will see everything you need to know to perform welding of copper pipes or other metals using a blowtorch, very useful if you want to repair a copper pipe leak or if you want to install a radiator, a sink, etc. Welding copper or other metals with a blowtorch consists of joining copper parts with the help of a second metal that melts between them. The melting temperature of the filler metal bar must be lower than that of the copper or metal to be welded. The piece to be welded does not melt, therefore it is not a fusion welding of the base material. This type of welding is used when you want to join different materials, or those that have poor weldability and do not require high strength. It is the easiest welding technique to perform, even for DIY beginners.There are two types of welding regarding the melting temperature of the filler material: soft soldering and hard soldering. Soft soldering requires reaching temperatures below 450°C, whilst hard soldering uses temperatures above 450°C. For example, filler materials made of silver and copper require temperatures of 600°C and 900°C. The higher the melting temperature of the filler material, the greater the strength of the joint. In electronics, the filler material consists of 60% tin and 40% lead and the temperature required for its melting is only 190°C. Previously, with lead pipes, a large proportion of lead was used in the filler material, but nowadays with copper pipes it has been eliminated from the filler material, replacing it with copper and a higher proportion of tin. The filler material used in hard soldering is generally an alloy of copper, copper phosphate and zinc, or copper and silver. The melting point is between 600°C and 880°C. Alloys with a high proportion of silver (40%) are recommended for performing welds of high mechanical strength and are those used for copper and brass gas pipe joints. Brass is used for joining steel parts. The filler metal or solder is used with a flux, which is responsible for removing impurities from the joining surface and also oxides so that the solder adheres well.Choosing the right blowtorch depending on the type of welding to be performedThe soldering lamp: it is fed by a butane or butane/propane cartridge. It is ideal for performing soft soldering (with tin wire). Soldering blowtorch: it is fed by butane or propane gas cylinders and provide a larger flame, usually come with various nozzles for different applications. This blowtorch is used to weld different metals and alloys: tin, copper, brass, aluminium and zinc. Its use is not recommended for ferrous metals as it offers little mechanical resistance in the joints. Bi-gas blowtorch: it is fed by an LPG or acetylene cartridge, mixed with oxygen under pressure, coming from another tank. It is ideal for performing hard soldering of large diameter pipes and also for ferrous metals. Professionals usually use this type of blowtorch for all hard soldering as it makes their work much easier since it provides a higher temperature. Choice of filler metal or solder The choice of filler metal will depend on the type of material to be welded and the strength required for the joint and will influence the type of blowtorch to be used. The more resistant the filler material, the higher its melting temperature. Type of welding Mechanical strength Application Soft soldering (tin) Weak: 5 kg/mm2 Installation of taps, extension of water lines. Hard soldering (copper/phosphorus) 50 kg/mm2 Cold and hot water pipes, radiators, water circuits. Copper/silver 6% and 20% 60 kg/mm2 Makes it easier for professionals to achieve resistant and watertight joints. The silver content helps to rotate the pieces while they are being welded, ensuring good watertightness. Copper/silver 40% 40 kg/mm2 Copper pipe for gas. Procedure for welding with a blowtorch You must prepare the material to be welded very well, sanding the two surfaces to be joined with sandpaper. Then, with a soft cloth we remove the dust and finally with a brush. We apply the flux to the joint that will receive the filler metal and fit the pieces in their final position. The pieces to be welded must be held (if necessary) with tweezers since copper and its alloys are good heat conductors. If you are going to weld against a wall,