Fronius speeds brazing process with new CMT Braze+; Audi is first adopter

Employing a patented, new shape gas nozzle, the process, called CMT Braze+, makes higher brazing speeds possible. Initial applications in Audi AG's autobody shops have shown that, even under real series-production conditions, robot-assisted brazing speeds of up to 3 m/min are feasible. The resulting brazed seams are flat and clean, making CMT Braze+ especially suitable for areas of use in which seam appearance is important. The narrow, conical shape of the gas nozzle causes the shielding gas to emerge at high speed, which constricts the arc and allows more rapid brazing. In addition, gas consumption decreases by as much as 60 %, to between 3 l and 5 l per minute, while the high flow velocity and optimised torch design make for high cooling capacity, which ensures long endurance times. So, CMT Braze+ costs less to procure and operate than does any of the processes used hitherto, the company highlights. By switching from plasma brazing to the modified CMT Braze+ process in series production of its Audi A7, Audi has been able to boost brazing speeds from 2.5 m/min to 3 m/min, while at the same time significantly lowering costs. Those using the Fronius CMT system can upgrade their systems to the newer, faster, lower cost CMT Braze+ process.