Please recommend ceramic for brazing "Pokey Sticks" 1

[tomwalz]

A "Pokey stick" is used to maneuver parts or hold parts in place during brazing. This is different than ceramics used for jigs or fixtures in that it is hand held as well as being repeatedly picked up and set down. Occasionally they are dropped off the operator's table onto the concrete floor.

We have been using porcelain rods because of price and availability. Ideally I would like to find rods and tubes of of a much stronger material with a very low thermal conductivity. Non-wetting and suitable for use up to 1800 C would be great.

Thank you,
Tom

 

[Compositepro]

Quartz rods should work and are readily available.

http://www.technicalglass.com/product_pages/fused_quartz_rod/fused_qtz_rod.html

 

[tomwalz]

They sure look good.

I ordered a couple.

Thank you very much,
Tom

Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.

http://www.carbideprocessors.com

Good engineering starts with a Grainger Catalog.

 

[EdStainless]

Two thoughts, one old school and the other modern.
Have you tried Mullite? Lower TC and higher strength and toughness than Porcelain. Cheep too.

Or a YTZP (yittria stabilized zirconia). These are really tough for a ceramic.

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Plymouth Tube

 

[tomwalz]

Dear EdStainless,

Good suggestions. Thank you.

Both proudcts seem to be hard to find on a retail level.

Very early in a project I kind of like to buy a couple pieces for testing before I have to open an account, talk to a sales rep, etc.

Tom


Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.

http://www.carbideprocessors.com

Good engineering starts with a Grainger Catalog.