Introduced just a few years ago, anneal-resistant copper and brass alloys are being used today in an increasing number of applications. Heat exchangers made with these alloys are brazed together to reveal high-strength, high-temperature operating properties. CuproBraze applications beginning in trucks and off-road vehicles are now finding their way into high-temperature charge air cooler applications where aluminum is at its limits. Due to future, more stringent emissions regulations, operating temperatures for charge air coolers will be increasing to levels where current aluminum components fail. Brazed copper-brass charge air coolers provide solutions to these problems. Coated components are assembled and brazed in an inert atmosphere furnace without the need for a fluxing operation. Advancements in braze alloy pastes and in braze alloy coating methods add to the attractiveness of this process. New pastes have been developed that have improved drying time and adhesion. Additional coating techniques are in the final stages of development and include thermal coating of components. Improved pastes and application techniques help to streamline the brazing process and lower the manufacturing cost.

These improvements in brazing technology for heat exchangers made with anneal-resistant copper and brass are opening doors to a wide array of possibilities, not only in charge air coolers but other applications where high temperature heat exchangers are required.