soldering and brazing Course details

Purpose: Provides welder training in soldering and brazing, delivered by a CWI, in 4-hour blocks (up to 8 hours/day) for industries like plumbing, HVAC, electronics, and fabrication.

Duration: Short courses (e.g., 1-4 days, ~8-32 hours) or part of welding programs.

Target Audience: Businesses or professionals seeking soldering and brazing skills and/or certification for production, fabrication, specialized joining roles, and precision soldering and brazing. 

Key Learning Objectives

1. Understanding Soldering and Brazing:
   
   

   • Learn soldering basics: low-temperature process using filler metals (e.g., tin-lead or lead-free solder) below 840°F to join metals.

   • Learn brazing basics: higher-temperature process using filler metals (e.g., copper-phosphorus, silver alloys) above 840°F but below base metal melting points.

   • Explore applications for copper, brass, steel, and electronics in clean environments.

2. Equipment and Setup:
   
   

   • Master soldering equipment: soldering irons, torches, flux applicators, and cleaning tools.

   • Master brazing equipment: oxy-fuel torches, regulators, and flux dispensers.

   • Select filler metals (e.g., 60/40 solder, BCuP-5 brazing alloy) and fluxes, adjusting heat and application methods.

3. Joining Techniques:
   
   

   • Perform soldered joints (e.g., sweat soldering for pipes, through-hole electronics) with proper capillary action.

   • Perform brazed joints (e.g., lap, butt joints) in various configurations for strong bonds.

   • Practice surface preparation (cleaning, fluxing) and heat control for consistent joints.

4. Safety and PPE:
   
   

   • Use PPE (safety glasses, gloves, aprons, respirators) to protect against fumes, burns, and flux splatter.

   • Manage ventilation and fire hazards per safety protocols.

5. Joint Quality and Inspection:
   
   

   • Achieve joints meeting Brazing and Soldering standards, guided by CWI expertise.

   • Address defects (cold joints, voids, flux residue, overheating).

   • Practice cleaning and inspecting joints for integrity and appearance.

Course Structure

• Theory: Soldering/brazing principles, equipment, filler selection, and standards, taught by CWI.

• Hands-On: Lab-based joining with CWI feedback on technique and quality.

• Assessments: Joint tests and evaluations per criteria.

Prerequisites

• Basic metal joining knowledge or introductory safety training.

• Minimum age (e.g., 18) and physical ability to handle tools.

Outcomes

• Skills Gained: Soldering and brazing proficiency for precision joining.

• Certifications: Prepares for industry soldering/brazing certifications.

• Career Paths: Roles in plumbing, HVAC, electronics, or fabrication.

Advantages

• CWI-led training ensures industry-standard soldering/brazing skills.

• Suits precision joining for dissimilar metals and delicate components.

Challenges Covered

• Managing fume and flux exposure in work environments.

• Ensuring proper surface preparation and joint cleanup.

• Troubleshooting issues (e.g., weak joints, solder bridging).

Note: Contact Marc Conner for course scheduling.