Brush color aluminum coil

Product Description

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What Is Brush Color Aluminum Coil?
Brush color aluminum coil is a specialized aluminum coil that has undergone a drawing and coating process with vivid paints. This versatile material finds its use in various sectors such as construction, decoration, and transportation. The laser coating not only improves durability but also enhances the aesthetic of the aluminum coil, making it a top choice for different projects. Get your laser coated aluminum coil today and bring vibrancy and style to your next project. Our factory also produces FEVE color aluminum coil.

Specification

Application

Aluminum Door, Exterior Wall Aluminum Composite Panel, High Speed Signage, Aluminum Composite Panel, Roofing Sheets, Aluminum Roofing System, Aluminum Shutters.

An interesting trend in HVAC and refrigeration is that contractors are repairing faulty aluminum coils and return bends more frequently instead of ordering new parts. This shift is mainly due to supply chain disruptions and shorter manufacturer warranty periods.

Even though supply chain issues are easing somewhat, getting new parts has been a lengthy and frustrating process over the past couple of years. It's been challenging to keep parts in stock, and when equipment fails, especially in refrigeration, waiting weeks or months for a new part isn't an option.

Even if new parts become more accessible, repair work will still be highly demanded. This is partly because many manufacturers have shortened their aluminum coil warranties. They found that a 10-year warranty isn't feasible for aluminum, a thin metal easily damaged. Essentially, manufacturers underestimated the number of replacement parts they'd need to supply with long warranties.

Aluminum Alternative

Copper was the primary metal used in HVAC and refrigeration coils until 2011 when its prices soared. Over the next several years, manufacturers tested alternatives and settled on aluminum as a more cost-effective and workable option, though copper is still used in specific large commercial applications.

Brazing is the usual process technicians use to repair aluminum coil leaks. Most contractors are trained to braze copper tubes, but brazing aluminum requires a different approach, and it's essential for them to understand these differences.

While aluminum is significantly cheaper than copper, it presents some challenges. For instance, during repair work, it's easy to further dent or gouge the refrigerant coils, making contractors nervous.

Aluminum also has a lower range of heat tolerance for brazing, melting at a much lower temperature than brass or copper. Field technicians need to manage flame temperature closely to avoid melting or damaging the part.

Additionally, unlike copper, which changes color as it heats up, aluminum doesn't provide any visual cues.

Given these challenges, training in aluminum brazing is crucial. Experienced technicians may not have been taught how to braze aluminum as there was little need for it in the past. It's essential for contractors to seek educational programs. Some manufacturers offer free NATE-certified training. For example, my team conducts brazing classes for technicians who install and repair equipment. Many are increasingly asking for aluminum brazing instruction to repair leaking coils. Trade and technical schools may offer this training, although there could be fees.

Brazing Kits

All that's required for repairing aluminum coils is a brazing torch and the correct alloys and brushes. Portable brazing kits designed specifically for aluminum repairs are available and may include mini tubes of flux-cored alloys, brushes, and a storage pouch that can attach to a belt loop.

Many brazers prefer using an oxy-acetylene torch, which has a very hot flame, so technicians need to control the heat well, keeping the flame further from the metal than they would with copper. The primary goal is to melt the alloy without melting the base metal.

More technicians are now switching to lightweight hand torches using MAP-pro gas, consisting of 99.5% propylene and 0.5% propane. It is a good low-temperature option. The one-pound gas cylinder is easy to carry on job sites, especially for tricky applications like rooftop units that require climbing ladders. MAP-pro cylinders are typically mounted with a 12-inch torch and can be easily maneuvered around the equipment being repaired.

This method is also cost-effective. Torches are $50 or less, tubes of aluminum alloys are about $17 (compared to 15% copper alloys at over $100), and a tank of MAP-pro gas from a wholesaler is about $10. The gas is highly flammable, so handle it with care.

With the right tools and training, technicians can save valuable time by identifying and repairing a damaged coil on-site in one visit. Additionally, repair work can provide contractors with extra revenue, so ensuring the staff is well-trained is beneficial.

Brazing Tips for Repairing Aluminum Refrigerant Coils

In brazing, aluminum is not a preferred metal among HVACR techs due to its thin and malleable nature, making it easily punctured. The melting temperature is significantly lower than copper, complicating the brazing process. Many long-time brazers may have little experience with aluminum, but it has become more crucial as manufacturers increasingly replace copper parts with aluminum.

Here is a brief overview of the brazing steps and techniques to repair holes or gouges in aluminum components:

1. If needed, clean the parts with a solvent to remove foreign materials that would negatively impact the brazed joint. Never use flux as a cleaner.
2. Aluminum develops oxidation but will not be visible as on copper. Use a brush to remove oxides and break the surface tension of the metal being brazed. Use a soft, stainless-steel brush dedicated only to aluminum. Copper dust on aluminum can cause a galvanic effect, leading to corrosion when moisture is introduced.
3. Ensure the parts to be brazed have the proper clearance and are free of damage that would cause them to be out of the original specs.
4. Any torch can be used, but an air-fuel torch with MAP-gas is ideal for aluminum coil repair. If using oxy-acetylene, always use a softer flame.
5. Keep the torch moving to evenly heat parts. If repairing a hole, move the torch around the hole.
6. Choose a flux-cored aluminum brazing filler metal designed for joining aluminum-to-aluminum. Select an alloy that offers excellent strength, capillary attraction, ductility, and corrosion resistance.
7. Use the brazing alloy stick to touch the joint area to check if the metals are up to temperature. Unlike copper, aluminum doesn’t change color as it heats up.
8. The flux will melt first from the alloy and flow, then the alloy will melt and flow between the base metal parts to create a robust, leak-proof connection. Important tip: Once the alloy has flowed, pull the torch away immediately.
9. Allow the part to cool down before handling. Rapid temperature changes may crack the braze.

For more information about aluminum brazing, visit HarrisProductsGroup.com.