The challenge though is that some sensors
are made from ceramic, due to the need
to resist corrosion and high temperatures,
typically up to 950°C (1742°F). However,
these ceramic sensors then need to be
joined to metallic parts of the engine.
This is where ‘active alloys’ come in.
Unlike regular braze alloys that join metal
to metal, these alloys can join metal to
ceramic, or even ceramic to ceramic.
Industry standard active alloys like Incusil®-
ABA and Ticusil® from Morgan’s range, were
developed up to 40 years ago but are still
in use today. New alloys are also currently
in development to withstand much higher
temperatures.
A NEVER-ENDING JOURNEY
Much like how there is still so much to
learn and explore about space, so too is
Morgan’s journey with braze alloys. Morgan
Advanced Materials is not just committed
to making the space industry more
sustainable and safer, but it is helping with
applications across all industries.
A key pillar of this is through Morgan’s
highly specialised Metals and Joining
Centre of Excellence (CoE), based in
Hayward, California, as well as Morgan’s
Brazing Department.
With highly trained researchers and
scientists, Morgan’s Braze Alloys business
can custom cater alloys to specific
applications, run trials to test materials,
braze cycles and fixturing. The whole
operation, from powder atomization, to
preform fabrication and brazing trials, can
be looked after from start to finish.
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PECM Issue 38
One of the latest developments being
pioneered at the Metals and Joining
CoE is Flexicore®. This new technology
transforms traditionally brittle alloys (such
as AMS4777) into a flexible wire form.
In many cases, this will be far superior
to pastes in terms of repeatability and
ease of use. Along with the operational
benefits, Flexicore® will also allow for
the use of nickel-based alloys to replace
precious-metal alloys. Again, this will help
to bring costs down for operators and
manufacturers.
WATCH THIS SPACE
Space travel, as Richard Branson predicts for
his own Virgin Galactic programme, is only
two or three flights away. We’re truly not far
away from entering a new world, and brazing
alloys will have their say on how the space
industry turns out.
Morgan’s Braze Alloy solutions, like RI-46
and RI-49, as well as others like Palniro-1 and
Palniro-7, can already be found across the
various programmes and spacecraft. Through
more research and development, who knows
where this important industry could lead us
to.
For more about Morgan Advanced
Materials and its Braze Alloys
Services, please visit
www.morganbrazealloys.com/