Optimization of vacuum brazing process parameters in AA6061 using Taguchi method

Vacuum brazing products have excellent joining quality, less deformation and fewer residual stresses. The vacuum brazing technique has significant effect on the microstructure and property of the aluminum brazed joint, but there is little discussion about the optimization of the process. This study investigates how different process parameters affect the tensile properties of 6061-T6 aluminum vacuum brazed joints. The parameters including the soaking temperature, soaking time, brazing temperature, and brazing time were taken into consideration. Analysis of variance showed that soaking time is the most dominant factor. The optimal process parameters were predicted by Taguchi method to obtain the highest tensile strength. Experimental results indicated that the error between predicted and experimental tensile strength is only 0.33%. It demonstrated that the Taguchi method is feasible for obtaining the optimal process parameters of aluminum vacuum brazed joints. Microstructures, microhardness and fractograghs of the aluminum brazed joints produced by optimal process were also analyzed.