SPECIFICATION FOR FLUXES FOR BRAZING AND

BRAZE WELDING
SFA-5.31

(Identical with AWS Specification A5.31-92)

1. Scope noted for flux sample weights. The SI units are given
as equivalent values to the U.S. customary units. The
This specification prescribes requirements for the
standard sizes and dimensions in the two systems are
classification of brazing fluxes used with brazing or
not identical and for this reason conversion from a
braze welding filler metals such as those classified in
standard size or dimension in one system will not
ANSI /AWS A5.8, Specification for Filler Metals for
always coincide with a standard size or dimension in
Brazing and Braze Welding.
the other. Suitable conversions encompassing standard
sizes of both can be made, however, if appropriate
tolerances are applied in each case.
PART A GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
5.2 For purposes of determining conformance with
2. Classification
this specification, an observed or calculated value shall
2.1 The brazing fluxes covered by this specification be rounded to the nearest unit in the last right-hand
are classified according to the filler metal, form, and place of figures used in expressing the limiting value
activity temperature range for which they are applicable for other quantities in accordance with the rounding-
as specified in Table 1. off method given in ASTM E29, Recommended Practice
for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine
2.2 Materials classified under one classification shall
Conformance with Specifications.1
not be classified under any other classification of this
specification.

3. Acceptance PART B TESTS, PROCEDURES, AND

REQUIREMENTS
Acceptance of the material shall be based on meeting
the requirements of this specification. 6. Summary of Tests
6.1 The tests required for each flux classification are
4. Certification specified in Table 2. These tests include tests for the
water content, maximum particle size, adherence to a
By affixing the AWS specification and classification test specimen, and the presence or absence of sodium
to the unit package, the manufacturer certifies that the glare when heating with a torch flame. They are also
flux meets the requirements of this specification. (See used to determine the fluidity at high temperature,
Section A3.) fluxing action, filler metal flow, and the active life of
the flux at high temperature. The base metal for the
test specimen, the filler metal and the testing procedures
5. Units of Measure and Rounding-Off
Procedure
1
ASTM standards can be obtained from the American Society for
5.1 U.S. customary units are the standard units of Testing Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA
measure in this specification except where SI units are 19428-2959.

697
SFA-5.31 2001 SECTION II

TABLE 1
CLASSIFICATION OF BRAZING FLUXES WITH BRAZING OR BRAZE WELDING FILLER METALS
Activity Temperature Range
AWS
Classification* Form Filler Metal Type F C
FB1-A Powder BAlSi 10801140 580615
FB1-B Powder BAlSi 10401140 560615
FB1-C Powder BAlSi 10001140 540615
FB2-A Powder BMg 9001150 480620
FB3-A Paste BAg and BCuP 10501600 565870
FB3-C Paste BAg and BCuP 10501700 565925
FB3-D Paste BAg, BCu, BNi, BAu & RBCuZn 14002200 7601205
FB3-E Liquid BAg and BCuP 10501600 565870
FB3-F Powder BAg and BCuP 12001600 650870
FB3-G Slurry BAg and BCuP 10501600 565870
FB3-H Slurry BAg 10501700 565925
FB3-I Slurry BAg, BCu, BNi, BAu & RBCuZn 14002200 7601205
FB3-J Powder BAg, BCu, BNi, BAu & RBCuZn 14002200 7601205
FB3-K Liquid BAg & RBCuZn 14002200 7601205
FB4-A Paste BAg and BCuP 11001600 595870
*Flux 3B in the Brazing Manual, 3rd Edition, 1976 has been discontinued. Type 3B has been divided into types FB3-C and FB3-D.
NOTES:
a. The selection of a flux designation for a specific type of work may be based on the form, the filler metal type, and the classification above,
but the information here is generally not adequate for flux selection. Refer to Section A6 and the latest issue of the Brazing Handbook for
further assistance.
b. See 11.2 and 11.3 for the difference between paste flux and slurry flux.

TABLE 2
REQUIRED TESTS
AWS Flux Water Particle Sodium Fluxing
Classification Form Content Test Adherence Glare Fluidity Action Flow Life
FB1-A Powder X X X X
FB1-B Powder X X X X
FB1-C Powder X X X X
FB2-A Powder X X X X
FB3-A Paste X X X X X X X X
FB3-C Paste X X X X X X X X
FB3-D Paste X X X X X X X X
FB3-E Liquid X X X X
FB3-F Powder X X X X X X
FB3-G Slurry X X X X X X X X
FB3-H Slurry X X X X X X X X
FB3-I Slurry X X X X X X X X
FB3-J Powder X X X X X X
FB3-K Liquid X X X
FB4-A Paste X X X X X X X X

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TABLE 3
CONDITIONS FOR FLUXING ACTION, FLOW, AND LIFE TESTS
Test
Base Metal Temperature1 Flow Area
AWS
AWS Flux Filler Metal Common UNS
Classification Classification Name Number2 F C Sq. in. Sq. mm
FB1-A BAlSi-4 3003 aluminum A93003 1135 613 0.2 129
FB1-B BAlSi-4 3003 aluminum A93003 1135 613 0.2 129
3
FB1-C BAlSi-4 3003 aluminum A93003 1135 613 NR NR3
3
FB2-A BMg-1 AZ31B magnesium M11311 1130 610 NR NR3
FB3-A BAg-7 1008 carbon steel G10080 1300 705 0.25 161
FB3-C BAg-24 304 stainless steel S30400 1400 760 0.25 161
FB3-D RBCuZn-D 304 stainless steel S30400 1850 1010 0.25 161
BNi-2 304 stainless steel S30400 1900 1040 0.25 161
FB3-E BAg-7 304 stainless steel S30400 1300 705 NR3 NR3
FB3-F BAg-7 1008 carbon steel G10080 1300 705 0.25 161
FB3-G BAg-7 1008 carbon steel G10080 1300 705 0.25 161
FB3-H BAg-24 1008 carbon steel G10080 1400 760 0.25 161
FB3-I RBCuZn-D 304 stainless steel S30400 1850 1010 0.25 161
BNi-2 304 stainless steel S30400 1900 1040 0.25 161
FB3-J RBCuZn-D 304 stainless steel S30400 1850 1010 0.25 161
BNi-2 304 stainless steel S30400 1900 1040 0.25 161
FB3-K RBCuZn-D 1008 carbon steel G10080 1750 955 NR3 NR3
FB4-A BAg-6 C613 aluminum bronze C61300 1525 830 0.25 161
NOTES:
1. Temperature tolerances shall be 15F (8C).
2. ASTM/SAE Unified Number System for Metals and Alloys, published by SAE, Inc., 400 Commonwealth Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
15096.
3. NR No flow requirement. Wetting of base metal by the filler metal is all that is required.

to be used, and the results required are given in Part 8. Test Specimen
B, Sections 8 through 18 and Table 3.
8.1 The test specimen, Figure 1, shall be a rectangular
sheet, 1.25 in. (30 mm) wide, 2.5 in. (60 mm) long,
6.2 The shelf-life requirement shall be a minimum and approximately 0.040 in. (1 mm) thick, of the base
of six (6) months from date of manufacture when metal given in Table 3.
stored in its original unopened container. Alternate
minimum storage periods shall be as agreed upon
between the supplier and purchaser. 8.2 Except as noted in 8.3 and 8.4, the surface of
the test specimen shall be prepared by degreasing,
polishing with a grade 200 abrasive paper or cloth,
washing, drying, wiping with a cloth soaked in light
petroleum oil, and wiping dry with a clean dry cloth.
7. Retests
If any test fails to meet its requirement, that test 8.3 The surface of the aluminum test specimen shall
shall be repeated twice. The results of both tests shall be prepared by degreasing, caustic etching [5% NaOH
meet the requirement. Samples for retest shall be taken at 170F (77C)], desmuting (500 HNO3 at room temper-
from the original test sample or from a new test sample. ature), water rinsing, and drying.

699
SFA-5.31 2001 SECTION II

(3) Determine the weight of the wet flux by weighing

the flux and beaker, and subtracting the weight of the
beaker.
(4) Place the beaker in a vacuum assist desiccator
containing activated silica gel mixed with a small
amount of blue gel.
(5) Cover the desiccator and dry with vacuum assist
for 48 hours.
(6) Determine the weight of the dry flux by weighing
the flux and beaker, and subtracting the weight of the
beaker.
(7) Calculate the water content as follows:

(wet flux wt. dry flux wt.) (100)

Water content (%) p
wet flux wt.

FIG. 1 TEST SPECIMEN APPROXIMATELY 0.040

IN. THICK
11.2 Paste fluxes shall have a water content of 15
to 35 percent.
11.3 Slurry fluxes shall have a water content of 30
8.4 The surface of the magnesium test specimen to 60 percent.
shall be prepared by degreasing, immersed for 2 minutes
in a ferric nitrate bright pickle solution [1.5 lb (0.68 11.4 Liquid fluxes shall have a water content of 82
kg) chromic acid, 5.33 oz (0.15 kg) ferric nitrate, 0.5 to 90 percent.
oz (0.014 kg) potassium fluoride per gallon of water 11.5 Powder fluxes shall have a moisture content of
at 60100F (1638C)], water rinsing, and drying. less than or equal to 5 percent.

9. Flux Sample
12. Particle Test
The extraction of an unmodified flux sample shall
12.1 The particle consistency of a paste flux is
be preceded by thorough mixing to a smooth, uniform
acceptable when the entire amount of a 60 gm sample
consistency.
will pass through a U.S.A. Standard Testing Sieve 425
m (No. 40). The screen shall conform to ASTM E11,
10. Filler Metal Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Purposes.
Heating at 180F (82C) for one hour before testing
10.1 For all flux classifications, except FB3-D, FB3-
is permissible.
I and FB3-J when testing with the BNi-2 filler metal,
the filler metal shall be a 1 / 2 in. (13 mm) length of 12.2 The particle consistency of a slurry flux is
1
/ 16 in. (1.6 mm) diameter wire of the AWS classifica- acceptable when the entire amount of a 60 gm sample
tion given in Table 3. will pass through a U.S.A. Standard Testing Sieve 106
10.2 For the flux classifications FB3-D, FB3-I and m (No. 140).
FB3-J when testing with the BNi-2 filler metal, the 12.3 Liquid fluxes shall not exhibit any visible parti-
filler metal shall be 0.2 gm of powder or rod. cles when examined without magnification.

11. Water Content Test

13. Adherence Test
11.1 The water content shall be determined with the
The adherence characteristics of the flux shall be
following procedure (all weights shall be determined
determined with the following procedures:
to the nearest 0.01 gm):
(1) Determine the weight of a dry 50 ml glass beaker. 13.1 For temperatures below the activity temperature
(2) Place a 3 gm sample of the flux into the beaker. range the following apply:

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 PART C SPECIFICATIONS FOR WELDING RODS,
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13.1.1 Using a brush, apply a layer of flux approxi- 14.2 The result of the test is acceptable if an orange
mately 1 / 32 in. (0.8 mm) thick to one surface of a test glare from the flux is not visible during heating. In
specimen, see Figure 1, and for base metal see Table 3. cases of doubt, the sodium content shall not exceed
0.04 percent, as determined by spectrochemical analysis
13.1.2 Examination No. 1. Examine the surface or an equivalent mutually acceptable process.
for areas of nonwetting.

13.1.3 Allow the flux to dry in air at room 15. Fluidity Test (for all fluxes except FB3-E
temperature with the longitudinal axis of the test speci-
and FB3-K)
men inclined at approximately 60 from the horizontal.
15.1 The fluidity of the flux at high temperature
13.1.4 Examination No. 2. Examine surface for shall be determined with the following procedure:
areas of flux loss or retraction.
15.1.1 Place a 10 gm sample of flux in a nonreactive
13.1.5 With the same test specimen inclined at crucible.
approximately 60, heat in an air atmosphere furnace
which has been preheated to 100F (55C) below the 15.1.2 Heat the crucible in a preheated furnace
minimum activity temperature of Table 1, hold at with an air atmosphere to the minimum activity tempera-
temperature for three minutes, and air cool to room ture of Table 1 and hold at temperature for five minutes.
temperature. 15.1.3 Remove the crucible and immediately ob-
13.1.6 Examination No. 3. Examine surface for serve the degree of fluidity of the molten flux at that
areas of flux loss or retraction. temperature by tilting the crucible.
15.1.4 Heat the crucible in a preheated furnace
13.2 The results of the tests are acceptable when
with an air atmosphere to the maximum activity temper-
each of the three examinations indicates that the flux
ature of Table 1 and hold at that temperature for 10
coating is continuous, i.e., free from areas of nonwetting
minutes.
or areas of flux loss or retraction.
15.1.5 Cool as rapidly as possible by resetting the
13.3 Minimum Activity Temperature
furnace controls to the minimum activity temperature.
13.3.1 Apply 1.4 gm of flux as a uniform coating
to one surface of the test specimen, Figure 1, of base 15.1.6 When the furnace thermocouple indicates
metal specified in Table 3, and dry in air at room that the furnace is at the minimum activity temperature,
temperature. remove the crucible and observe the degree of fluidity
at that temperature by again tilting the crucible.
13.3.2 With the test specimen inclined at approxi-
mately 60, heat in air in a furnace preheated to the 15.2 The result of the test is acceptable if the fluidity
minimum activity temperature specified in Table 1, at the second observation is approximately the same
hold at temperature for three minutes, then cool to as that at the first observation.
room temperature in still air.

13.4 The result of the test is acceptable when 80 16. Fluxing Action Test
percent or more of the test specimen surface remains 16.1 For all fluxes except FB3-K the fluxing action
covered and protected from high-temperature oxidation shall be determined with the following procedure:
by the flux.
16.1.1 Apply 1.4 gm of flux as a uniform coating
to one surface of the test specimen, Figure 1, of base
14. Sodium Glare Test metal specified in Table 3. Place the prefluxed filler
metal sample (see 10.1, 10.2, and Table 3) on the test
14.1 One surface of a test specimen, Figure 1 of specimen, and dry in air at room temperature.
base metal specified in Table 3, shall be generously
coated with flux. It shall then be heated with an 16.1.2 With the test specimen in a horizontal
oxyacetylene flame, adjusted to a slightly acetylene- position, heat in air to the furnace temperature in a
rich (reducing) condition, to approximately 100F furnace preheated to the minimum activity temperature
(56C) above the minimum activity temperature of the of Table 1, hold at temperature for two minutes, and
flux being evaluated, see Table 1. air cool to room temperature.

701
SFA-5.31 2001 SECTION II

16.1.3 Clean the test specimen by soaking in warm 17.2.2 Use temperature indicating crayon, or equiv-
water. alent, to measure temperature.

16.2 For FB3-K flux, fluxing action shall be deter- 17.3 The result of the test is acceptable if the filler
mined with the following procedure: metal flow area is equal to or greater than the flow
area shown in Table 3. Wetting of the base metal by
16.2.1 Set up an oxyacetylene, liquid flux brazing the filler metal is required for fluxes FB1-C, FB2-A,
station as follows: FB3-E, and FB3-K, but there are no specific flow area
(1) Use a No. 48 drill size torch tip. requirements.
(2) Set both oxygen and acetylene pressure at 7 psig.
(3) Place filler metal on a test specimen which has
a blue oxidized surface. 18. Life Test
(4) With the tip 5 in. (127 mm) above the test 18.1 The ability of the flux to protect the base metal
specimen, heat to 1400F (760C), and air cool to surface at high temperature shall be determined with
room temperature. the following procedure:
16.2.2 Use temperature indicating crayons, or 18.1.1 Apply approximately 1.4 gm of flux as a
equivalent, to measure temperature. uniform coating to one surface of the test specimen,
16.3 The result of the test is acceptable if the test Figure 1, of base metal specified in Table 3, and dry
specimen surface that was coated with flux and the in air at room temperature.
filler metal surface are free of high temperature oxidation 18.1.2 Heat in the furnace preheated to the test
as indicated by lack of discoloration of the sample. temperature shown in Table 3 with the test specimen
in a horizontal position, and hold for ten minutes at
the test temperature.
17. Flow Test
18.1.3 Place the unfluxed filler metal on the test
17.1 For all brazing fluxes except FB3-K the extent of specimen in the furnace.
filler metal flow shall be determined with the following
procedure: 18.1.4 Continue to heat until the furnace returns
to the test temperature, hold for one minute at that
17.1.1 Apply 1.4 gm of flux as a uniform coating temperature, remove the test specimen, and air cool to
to one surface of the test specimen, Figure 1 of base room temperature.
metal specified in Table 3, and place the prefluxed
filler metal on the test specimen. Dry in air at room 18.1.5 Clean the test specimen by soaking in warm
temperature. water.

17.1.2 With the test specimen in a horizontal 18.2 The result of the test is acceptable if the filler
position, heat in air in a furnace preheated to the test metal has wet the test specimen. There is no specific
temperature shown in Table 3, hold for five minutes flow area requirement.
at the test temperature, remove the test specimen and
air cool to room temperature.
PART C MANUFACTURE,
17.1.3 Clean the test specimen by soaking in warm
IDENTIFICATION, AND PACKAGING
water.
19. Method of Manufacture
17.2 For FB3-K flux, the extent of filler metal flow
shall be determined as follows: The brazing fluxes classified according to this speci-
fication may be manufactured by any method that will
17.2.1 Set up an oxyacetylene, liquid flux brazing produce a brazing flux that meets the requirement of
station as follows: this specification. Chemicals of technical grade, or
(1) Use a No. 48 drill size torch tip. better, shall be used.2
(2) Set both oxygen and acetylene pressure at 7 psig.
(3) Place the filler metal on the test specimen. 2
For further description of the classification of grades of chemicals,
(4) With the torch tip 5 in. (125 mm) above the refer to Manufacturing Chemists Association, 1825 Connecticut Ave-
test specimen, heat to 1750F (955C) and air cool. nue N.W., Washington, DC 20009.

702
 PART C SPECIFICATIONS FOR WELDING RODS,
ELECTRODES, AND FILLER METALS SFA-5.31

20. Forms (3) Volume or net weight

(4) Lot, control, or batch number
20.1 Standard forms for brazing fluxes shall be
(5) Date of manufacture
powder, paste, slurry, or liquid, as shown in Table 1.
22.2 The following precautionary information (as a
20.2 A flux in paste form shall meet the requirements
minimum) shall be prominently displayed in legible
of 11.2.
print on all applicable packages of flux, including
20.3 A flux in slurry form shall be suitable for use individual applicable unit packages enclosed within a
with automatic flux dispensing equipment and meet the larger package.
requirements of 11.3.
WARNING:
20.4 A flux in liquid form shall be suitable for use
with flux spraying equipment and meet the requirements CONTAINS FLUORIDES. Protect yourself and
of 11.4. others. Read and understand this label.
20.5 A flux in powder form shall meet the require- FUMES AND GASES CAN BE DANGEROUS
ments of 11.5. TO YOUR HEALTH. BURNS EYES AND
SKIN ON CONTACT. CAN BE FATAL IF
21. Packaging SWALLOWED.
W Before use, read, understand, and follow manufactur-
21.1 Brazing fluxes shall be suitably packaged to ers instructions, Material Safety Data Sheets
protect them from damage during shipment and storage (MSDSs), and your employers safety practices.
under normal conditions. W Keep your head out of the fumes.
21.2 Flux containers and closures shall be made of W Use enough ventilation, exhaust at the work, or both,
materials that do not noticeably react with the flux to keep fumes and gases from your breathing zone
during storage for a minimum period of six months and the general area.
after packaging. W Avoid contact of flux with eyes and skin.
W Do not take internally.
21.3 Sealing shall be adequate to prevent loss or W Keep out of the reach of children.
contamination of the flux components under normal W See American National Standard Z49.1, Safety in
handling conditions. Welding and Cutting published by the American
Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, P.O.
21.4 Standard package weights shall be as agreed
Box 351040, Miami, Florida 33135; OSHA Safety
between purchaser and supplier. and Health Standards, 29 CFR 1910, available
from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Wash-
22. Marking of Packages ington, DC 20402.
W First Aid: If flux contacts eyes, flush immediately
22.1 The following product information (as a mini- with clean water for at least 15 minutes. If swal-
mum) shall be legibly marked on the outside of each lowed, induce vomiting. Never give anything by
unit package: mouth to an unconscious person. Call a physician.
(1) AWS specification and classification numbers
(2) Suppliers name and trade designation DO NOT REMOVE THIS LABEL

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SFA-5.31 2001 SECTION II

Appendix
Guide to AWS Specification for Fluxes for Brazing and
Braze Welding

(This Appendix is not a part of ANSI /AWS A5.31-92, Specifcation for Fluxes for Brazing and Braze Welding, but is included
for information only.)

A1. Introduction the specification. Representative material, in this case,

is any production run of that classification using the
The purpose of this guide is to correlate the flux
same formulation and manufacturing procedures. Certi-
classifications with their intended applications so the
fication is not to be construed to mean that tests of
specification can be used effectively. Reference to appro-
any kind were necessarily conducted on samples of
priate base metals, filler metals, and brazing processes
the specific material shipped. Tests on such material
is made whenever that can be done and when it would
may, or may not, have been made. The basis for
be useful. Such references are intended only as examples
the certification required by the specification is the
rather than complete listings of the materials and pro-
classification tests of representative material cited
cesses for which each brazing flux is suitable.
above.

A2. Classification System

A4. Ventilation During Brazing
The system for identifying the flux classifications in
this specification is based on three factors: applicable A4.1 Five major factors govern the quantity of fumes
base metal, applicable filler metal, and activity tempera- in the atmosphere to which brazers, brazing operators,
ture range. The letters FB at the beginning of each and other personnel are exposed during brazing:
classification designation stands for Flux for Brazing (1) Dimensions of the space in which brazing is
or Braze Welding. The third character is a number done (with special regard to the height of the ceiling)
that stands for a group of applicable base metals. The (2) Number of brazers and brazing operators working
fourth character, a letter, designates a change in form in that space
and attendant composition within the broader base metal (3) Rate of evolution of fumes, gases, or dust, ac-
classification. cording to the materials and processes used
(4) The proximity of the brazers, brazing operators,
A3. Certification and other persons to the fumes as the fumes issue
from the brazing zone, and to the gases and dusts in
The act of placing the AWS specification and classi- the space in which they are working
fication designation on the packaging enclosing the (5) The ventilation provided to the space in which
product constitutes the suppliers (manufacturers) certi- the brazing is done
fication that the product meets all of the requirements
of the specification. A4.2 American National Standard Z49.1, Safety in
The only testing requirement implicit in this certifica- Welding and Cutting, published by the American Weld-
tion is that the manufacturer has actually conducted ing Society, discusses the ventilation that is required
the tests required by the specification on material that during brazing and should be referred to for details.
is representative of that being shipped and that the Attention is drawn particularly to the section of that
representative material tested met the requirements of document on Ventilation.

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 PART C SPECIFICATIONS FOR WELDING RODS,
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A5. Brazing Considerations designators start with AZ. It consists primarily of

fluorides and chlorides of some of the alkali metals.
A5.1 Successful brazing requires that the surfaces
Water should be avoided in the flux or removed prior
of the workpieces and the filler metal be free of oxide,
to immersion of the brazement in the salt bath.
tarnish, or other foreign matter at the time the brazing
filler metal flows into the joint. Proper prebraze cleaning A6.5 FB3-A is a general purpose brazing flux in
is an initial step in any brazing process; however, paste form intended for use with most brazing processes
additional protection and cleaning is required to maintain in the brazing of steels, copper, copper alloys, nickel,
this condition throughout the brazing procedure. Fluxes and nickel alloys. It is not suitable for aluminum bronze
may be used to maintain cleanliness and protection or other base metals containing alloying elements, such
from oxidation. Controlled atmospheres, including vac- as aluminum, which form refractory oxides. It consists
uum, and active deoxidizing elements are alternate primarily of boric acid, borates, and complex fluorine
methods of providing the necessary surface cleanliness compounds. Water is used for thinning.
during brazing.
A6.6 FB3-C is a brazing flux in paste form similar
A5.2 Brazing fluxes are mixtures of chemical com- to FB3-A, except that the activity temperature range
pounds which may include inorganic salts and mild extends to a higher temperature, and it may contain
acids selected for their ability to provide chemical elemental boron. Water is used for thinning.
cleaning or protection of the faying surfaces and the
filler metal during brazing. Fluxes must perform this A6.7 FB3-D is a brazing flux in paste form intended
protective, cleaning, and fluxing action with the specific for torch, furnace and induction brazing of steels, nickel
filler metals being used, in conjunction with the other and its alloys, and carbides using high-temperature filler
brazing variables; such as, base metal, brazing process, metals. It consists primarily of boric acid, borates, and
mass of the workpieces, and method of flux application. complex fluorine compounds. It may contain elemental
For further information, refer to the Brazing Handbook, boron. Water is used for thinning.
published by the American Welding Society.
A6.8 FB3-E is a low-activity liquid brazing flux
used in the torch brazing of jewelry or to augment
A6. Description and Intended Use of Brazing borderline furnace brazing atmospheric conditions. Flux
Fluxes usually is applied by dipping or by the use of semi-
or fully-automatic spray dispensing equipment. The flux
A6.1 FB1-A is a brazing flux in powder form intended constituents are similar to those in FB3-D fluxes.
for torch and furnace brazing of aluminum and its
brazeable alloys. It consists primarily of fluorides and A6.9 FB3-F is a brazing flux somewhat similar to
chlorides of some of the alkali metals. Water or alcohol the FB3-A flux, except that no vehicle is added to the
may be used for thinning. powder during manufacture. In application, water maybe
used as a thinning vehicle.
A6.2 FBl-B is a brazing flux in powder form intended
for furnace brazing of aluminum and its brazeable A6.10 FB3-G is a brazing flux in slurry form for
alloys. The lower end of its activity temperature range use with automatic spray dispensing equipment. The
is slightly lower than that of the FB1-A classification. general areas of application are similar to those of
It consists primarily of fluorides and chlorides of some FB3-A flux. Water may be used as the thinning vehicle.
of the alkali metals. Water or alcohol may be used
A6.11 FB3-H is a brazing flux in slurry form for
for thinning.
use with automatic spray dispensing equipment. The
A6.3 FB1-C is a brazing flux in powder form intended general areas of application are similar to those of the
for salt-bath dip brazing of aluminum and its brazeable FB3-C flux. The flux typically contains complex borates
alloys. The lower end of its activity temperature range and fluoride compounds plus powdered boron. Water
is much lower than that of the FB1-A and FB1-B may be used as the thinning vehicle.
classifications. It consists primarily of fluorides and
A6.12 FB3-I is a brazing flux in slurry form for
chlorides of some of the alkali metals. Water should
use with automatic spray dispensing equipment. The
be avoided in the flux or removed prior to immersion
general areas of application are similar to those of the
of the brazement in the salt bath.
FB3-D flux. The flux typically contains complex borates
A6.4 FB2-A is a brazing flux in powder form intended and fluoride compounds plus powdered boron. Water
for salt-bath dip brazing of magnesium alloys whose may be used as the thinning vehicle.

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A6.13 FB3-J is a brazing flux in powder form for iron, copper and copper alloys, nickel and nickel alloys,
areas of application similar to those of the FB3-D flux. and precious metals. The flux consists primarily of
The flux typically contains complex borates and fluoride liquid borates.
compounds plus powdered boron. Water may be used A6.15 FB4-A is a brazing flux in paste form intended
as the thinning vehicle. for brazing of copper alloys and other base metals
containing up to 9 percent aluminum, e.g., aluminum
A6.14 FB3-K is a liquid flux used almost exclusively bronze. It may also be suitable for base metals con-
in torch brazing. The fuel gas is passed through the taining up to 3% titanium or other metals that form
container of liquid flux entraining flux in the fuel gas. refractory oxides. It consists primarily of borates, com-
The flux is applied by the flame where needed on base plex fluorine compounds, and complex chlorine com-
metals such as carbon steels, low alloy steels, cast pounds. Water is used for thinning.

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