You might be able to find the equivalent in the US but it is banned in Europe due to its cadmium content. Perhaps it could make a comeback after Brexit

Russell.

I wouldn't have thought so, what with old cadmium batteries lying around, it would be a little tricky to police. It just means it's been phased out in a production sense rather than banned in entirety.

Some people still have creosote in their garden storage and on farms, it doesn't mean they have to dump it.

Michael W

Edited By Michael-w on 07/02/2017 19:05:43

According to the (temporary) powers that be in Brussels and their UK enforcers, it is illegal to "place cadmium bearing silver solder in the market".

Not only is it illegal to sell it, it is illegal to give it away as samples! The new larger market for cadmium free alloys has to be protected so as not to affect future sales! Existing stocks, in sheds and workshops around the country are impossible to control or police.

Whatever you do decide to do with your easiflo is a personal choice. It is not an offence for you to use it. Just be careful, sensible and responsible. Just don't shout about being prepared to trade it!

Don't blame me or CuP Alloys. We were not part of the stitch up.

Post Brexit? Who knows? There are no stocks of these alloys in Europe. Any past or future supplier is likely to want a 50 kg order to justify restarting production or, put it another way, 6000 rods 1.5mm dia x 500!

If they ever become commercially available again, CuP Alloys will tell you all – loud and clear. But, having now got used to the cadmium free alloys, do you want to change again?

Keith

Quote fro HSE .

There are some exceptions, relating to defence, aerospace or safety-related use and anyone wishing to make use of these should consult the European legislation direct. So in theory there must be some being made!

Heat! I used this hearth with a Sievert 26kW (2942P) burner. Also used a ceramic insulation blanket.

This burn was with 38% Ag alloy and HT flux

This assembly with 55% Ag, also HT flux

It works. Melting temperatures are only about 30C higher than cadmium bearing alloys.

HTH,

Rod

As Rod explained, you just need more heat. His approach is spot on. Possibly use a bigger burner and insulation to keep the heat in. You may need a longer life flux like HT5

Watch the flux. When it has melted and started to flow apply the alloy. It is pointless trying to braze until the flux has melted. The joint is simply not hot enough. Do not heat the alloy. Allow it to get its' heat from the joint. Getting the alloy hot is one hing – getting the joint hot enough is another. If the joint is cold the alloy won't flow

GOLDEN RULE FOR SILVER SOLDERING/BRAZING

HEAT THE JOINT NOT THE ROD

Keith

Oh by the way, having had about 35 years of experience working with our continental friends – I suspect it is only the British who would take notice and apply EU rules. The continentals (from my experience) simply don't ask or avoid them.

Phil H

Rob,

1) The re-melt temperature of easi-flo2 is higher than the original.

2) Even if it melts ,Easi-flo 2 is totally compatible with 455. 455 will repair any leaks.

3) Any molten silver solder will be retained in the joint gap by capillary action (the fundamental principle behind the process). Ensure a good coverage of flux to prevent oxidation and dewetting of the alloy = another leak. Use HT5 flux.

Bob,

I suggest to anyone struggllng with Silverflo 24 as the first alloy in a step-brazing operation to simply switch to a lower melting point alloy like 438. 438 and 455 work together well.

For more information go to **LINK**

regards

Keith (Hale – no relation to Phil!)

This document from the HSE outlines the health risks etc:

**LINK**

I wouldn’t have thought that changing rules on cadmium solder would be top of the U.K. governments priority, particularly in view of this document.

Why is it that when something hazardous is taken off the market and replaced with a safer product there is alwys a group who immidiately want to use the old stuff?

regards Martin

I can't answer that from a group perspective. From my personal perspective, I like to use Cadmium bearing Silver Solder because it has always produced better joints than the 'Cadmium Free' replacements. Practical engineers use hazardous materials and/or processes on a regular basis, the key to keeping safe whilst doing so is to understand the risk and mitigate it; Johnson Matthey's paperwork for these products has always recommended localised fume extraction, which is a good idea for most/all hot work.

WRT Pero's comment, I have never had a joint failure with a Cadmium Silver Soldered Stainless steel yet, but if very high joint strength was the key requirement I would be inclined to TIG weld it.

Edited By Stueeee on 23/07/2021 08:21:37

Edited By Stueeee on 23/07/2021 08:41:41

I believe it is also illegal to buy ( unless approved user) and even give it away to someone.

Keith PM sent with source.

Edited By JasonB on 23/07/2021 10:25:56