Vacuum Brazed Assembly of Die Steel and Tungsten Steel

The vacuum brazed assembly of die steel and tungsten steel is commonly used in tooling applications where both strength and wear resistance are required in the same component. Die steels are preferred for their toughness and ability to absorb mechanical loads, while tungsten steels are selected for their high hardness and abrasion resistance. By joining these two materials through vacuum brazing, it becomes possible to place each material only where it performs best, improving tool life and overall performance.

Vacuum brazing is especially suitable for this type of dissimilar steel joint because the process is carried out in a high-vacuum environment, typically in the range of 10^-3 to 10^-5 Pa. The absence of oxygen prevents surface oxidation during heating and removes the need for flux. This creates clean joint surfaces, allowing the brazing filler metal to flow smoothly and form a strong, uniform bond between the die steel and tungsten steel.

Before brazing, the joint surfaces must be accurately machined and cleaned to remove oil, moisture, and surface contaminants. Nickel-based or copper-based brazing alloys are commonly used, as they wet both materials well and can tolerate the difference in thermal expansion between die steel and tungsten steel. The brazing temperature is selected carefully so that the filler metal melts and flows without affecting the base material properties.

During the brazing cycle in a vacuum furnace, the assembly is heated gradually to reduce thermal stress. Once the brazing temperature is reached, a short holding time allows the molten filler metal to fill the joint gap by capillary action. Controlled cooling after brazing is equally important, as it helps prevent cracking and residual stress, especially in high-hardness tungsten steel components.

The main benefit of vacuum brazing in this application is the high-quality and consistent joint. The brazed interface is clean, dense, and free from oxidation or inclusions, resulting in reliable mechanical strength and good thermal stability. These advantages make vacuum-brazed die steel and tungsten steel assemblies suitable for cutting tools, forming dies, wear parts, and other precision tooling applications.

For such applications, Normantherm horizontal vacuum brazing furnaces with precise temperature control and stable vacuum performance are well-suited. Their uniform heating and programmable cycles ensure repeatable brazing results, making them a reliable solution for industrial tooling and tool-steel assemblies.

Edited by: Shristi Paudyal

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