Is There Any Way To Solder Thin Aluminum Sheet

Up until recently i didn t know how easy it is to solder aluminum with a propane torch.

Is there any way to solder thin aluminum sheet. You need an aluminum soldering flux a flux that is specifically formulated for soldering aluminum. The flux extremely important when fusing a difficult aluminum sheet metal with another material. A torch with more of a pin point would do better. Do not apply heat directly to the solder filler to prevent the solder metal from burning up.

The zinc aluminum solder listed first is going to be harder to melt using a soldering iron as it melts at a higher temperature than most solders. While getting the solder to flow you may want to lift the sheet metal a bit off your backer which can act like a heat sink. If using a torch hold the torch tip at least 4 to 6 inches 10 2 to 15 2 cm away from the parent metal. Apply a dab of flux and while keeping the heat up solder a nice bead over the area.

After you clean the aluminum metal you should apply the flux carefully along the places you opt to join using either a tiny metal tool or a rod of the solder. Make sure that the solder metal or filler melts instantly. So here s what the article techniques for soldering to aluminum spells out as some of the keys to soldering aluminum. Just because a flux is strong enough to solder an alloy like stainless steel doesn t mean it ll work on aluminum.

Use your torch or soldering iron to heat the metal object adjacent to the join starting at the lower end of the workpiece. In either case if you have a propane torch and brazing rods you can weld aluminum. They claim it needs no flux which might be a plus. A direct flame on the repair area is likely to overheat the solder and flux.

This will not only eliminate the chance of the oxide from further forming but also draw the iron solder along the longest side of the join. The torch i m using has a broad flame so it s probably not as efficient in heating the specific area for welding. A couple ways you might use this include mechanical uses like adding a foot to a bicycle kick stand making a bicycle cart or part on a lawnmower and uses in electronics like soldering copper to aluminum to a solar panel backing. Basically with any project where you want to make something strong out of metal like aluminum or copper.

It takes about 5 10 seconds of heat to get the solder to flow maybe longer for heavier gauge metal.