Brazed metal chairs stand up to close inspection.

Application:

Metal frame chairs and other furniture manufactured by Kl (Krueger International), of Green Bay, Wl.

In 1941, Kl introduced its initial product, a steel folding chair, and today markets an extensive line of seating, tables and other furnishings. The company relies on brazing and Handy & Harman filler metals to ensure smooth, strong and invisible joints in the metal frames of its products.

Brazing is used in a variety of products at Kl, and is a critical step in the manufacture of the company’s high volume, Versa brand chairs. The metal framed product line ranges from individual chairs with poly, wood or fabric seats to tandem seating units and children’s furniture.

Although the number of brazed joints per piece may vary, in most cases the joints are formed where the metal seat base and leg pieces come together. In all cases, like metals are joined, usually steel to steel. The brazing process takes place at an index station where multiple frames are joined simultaneously. An operator manually positions a ring or slug (Braze 505), in position on the frame parts. Flux is applied, and the parts are rapidly heated using gas-air torches. Once brazed, the finished frame is cooled using forced air and then water quenched to clean.

1. KI on brazing to ensure appearance and strength in its Versa chairs.
2. A technician positions the filler metal.
3. Pre-heating of joints.
4. Final heating station, where joints are completed.
5. Waterquenching helps to clean the brazed metal frames.