Method for forming aluminum tubes and brazing a lockseam formed therein

摘要

An improved method is provided for producing an aluminum tube of the type used as cooling tubes for heat exchangers, and particularly automotive heat exchangers. The method utilizes a flux-containing composition that can be selectively deposited in a manner that permits the manufacture of aluminum tubes having a lockseam construction. As a result, the method made possible by this invention provides for the manufacture of heat exchanger tubes that offer the weight, durability and safety advantages of aluminum alloy construction, but at lower investment, processing and material costs as compared to prior art welded aluminum tubes. Another advantage of the present method is that minimal amounts of braze alloy and flux are required, yet uniform and consistent brazed joints can be produced to yield leak-proof brazed assemblies.