Additively manufactured reactive material architectures for exothermic brazing

Abstract

Exothermic brazing uses the heat generated by an exothermic reaction to melt and flow filler material, but generally involves complex fixtures placed around the joint to hold the energetic material in place. Additive manufacturing can replace the fixture by creating a reactive material architecture that acts as a programmable heat source for the brazing process. This work presents the additive manufacturing capabilities of a thermite-based reactive material architecture and demonstrates its potential as a heat source for brazed copper joints.