Manufacturers and repair people often use soldering or brazing to repair or join two metals together. You can also use Miter-Al-Braze rods to join a variety of aluminum alloys. These alloy rods and the MAB technique will offer often offer you excellent corrosion resistance, appearance, and strength. Two products to consider include the Belmont MAB Regular MAB 1 and the MAP Hi Test MAB 11 brazing rods. Find out more about MAB soldering rods, and in particular, these two products.
MAB Soldering Rods for Joining Aluminum and Other Alloys
About MAB, or Miter-Al-Braze Rods
Brazing and soldering are sometimes used interchangeably by nonprofessionals. Technically, brazing refers to a process when the metal used as a filler metal completely melts at temperatures over 840 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 449 degrees Celsius. The melting point of the MAB No 1 is 720 degrees, and the melting point of the No 11 is 730 degrees.
Generally, brazing offers stronger joints and greater fatigue resistance than soldering does. MAB refers to Miter-al-braze. Technically, this is a soldiering process. Very often, an MAB joint will provide you with as much strength as brazed joints do. You can apply these materials with a torch. For lighter work, you can use a propane torch.
MAB Rod Grades: Regular Vs. Hi-Test
Belmont offers two distinct grades of rods:
MAB No 1 Regular
Belmont developed these rods with a proprietary composition to provide extra strength and hardness. This material makes a good choice for general purpose applications that require strength more than ductility. These rods are somewhat ductile, but the Hi-Test version offers more of this property. Some applications for the MAP No 1 Regular rods can include building up aluminum joints with no loss of strength or detraction from appearance.
They have also been used to install or repair some bike, boat, or other vehicle components. Besides aluminum, you may be able to use these rods to join zinc-based alloys and galvanized steel.
MAB No 11 Hi-Test
This material isn’t as hard or durable as the No 1 Regular rods. On the hand, you will find these rods more ductile, so they’re better suited for certain applications. For instance, many customers purchase the No 11 Hi-Test rods to join aluminum window frames. When they need to join mitered corners, they often need to do some bending in order to install them properly. Besides aluminum window frames, a few other applications for these rods could include aluminum siding, gutters, and doors.
Strength, Hardness, and Ductility of MAB Rods
With either choice, your finished connection will often be just as strong as more traditionally brazed or welded joints. The tensile strength of the regular rods has been tested at 37,800 pounds per square inch, and the Hi-Test version has been tested at 33,000 pounds per square inch. Meanwhile, the ductility of the regular bar has been rated as “good,” while the Hi-Test version has been rated as “excellent.” In contrast, the Regular MAB 1 ranked 100 on the Brinell hardness scale, and the Hi-Test MAB 11 ranked 85.
Regular and Hi-Test Brazing Rod Forms
You can purchase the high-test product in 1/8” X 18″ or 3/32” X 18” cast strips or ingots. The regular product comes as 3/32″ x 18″ rods in a variety of strip sizes.
Buy MAB Soldering Rods Online
You can purchase either of these MAB rods from Belmont Metals in Brooklyn, NY. Contact us with your questions or conveniently order online. You’re also welcome to call to discuss specific applications for either of these MAB products.