Ultrasonic waves were applied during brazing of alumina to copper, The intensity of ultrasonic wave was 1 kW and 18 kHz and the aim of this work was to study the effect of the ultrasonic wave and brazing temperature on the properties of the braze joint between alumina and copper using Zn-Al alloys as filler metal.First the alumina was metallized by applying on ultrasonic wave in a Zn-Al braze bath. Then the metallized alumina was brazed with copper using the same filler alloy. The joining mechanism was investigated by measuring the joining strength and analyzing the microstructure at the interface of the joint. The ultrasonic waves improved the wetting in the molten Zn-Al bath by accelerating the removal of bubbles from the interface between alumina and the filler, and this was reflect in improved joint strength. (C) 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers.