Patent ID: 6244497
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A method for soldering an aluminum alloy member, the method comprising the steps of:forming a flux-coated soldering rod comprising a core formed from an alloy having a solidus temperature less than the aluminum alloy member, and a flux coating adhered to the core so as to form a substantially dry and solid coating on the core, the flux coating comprising a Cs--Al flux compound dispersed in an adhesive binder, the flux compound having a melting temperature above the solidus temperature of the core, the flux coating being sufficiently thick on the core so as to thermally insulate the core and thereby delay the core from melting at a temperature above the solidus temperature of the core but below the melting temperature of the flux compound, and subsequently enable the flux coating and core to melt substantially simultaneously upon heating above the melting temperature of the flux compound;positioning the flux-coated soldering rod adjacent the aluminum alloy member;heating the flux-coated soldering rod to a temperature above the solidus temperature of the core but below the melting temperature of the flux compound, during which the flux coating and the core do not melt; and thenfurther heating the flux-coated soldering rod to a temperature above the melting temperature of the flux compound, the flux coating thermally insulating the core until the flux compound melts at which time the core also melts.