Forming Gases & Active atmospheres  [ Return towards  Applications  ]

A reducing atmosphere can be necessary for certain assembly operations were high temperature can facilitate the formation of oxide layers on surfaces, especially metal surfaces. Having hydrogen present at high temperatures can prevent these oxides from forming since the hydrogen will react with any compound capable of creating an undesirable oxide layer.

The exact temperature of the process will vary with the specific application type, but temperatures in excess of 1000°C are used with this gas mixture. This adds a level of process stability and reliability that is required in these areas. Forming gases generally become active above 350° C. At these temperature the hydrogen molecules and species can remove oxides. A fluxless process may be possible in these situations.