Brazing
From GAWDAwiki
Brazing is a method of joining metals that draws filler materials into a joint via capillary action in order to form a bond. Brazing is similar to soldering, but brazing is used when a filler material’s melting point is above 840°F (450°C).[1] Because brazing occurs at a temperature higher than the filler material’s melting point, but lower than the base metal pieces’ melting points, brazing is very useful in joining metals with different melting points.[2]
Brazing vs. Welding
Brazing differs from welding in that it does not melt the metal pieces to be joined. Rather, heat is applied to the base metals until their temperatures climb above the melting point of the filler material. The filler material is then applied. The heat of the metal pieces causes the filler material to melt, and it is drawn into the joint via capillary action.[3]
Advantages of Brazing
- Strength: Brazing typically produces joints which are stronger than the base metals themselves.
- Lower Temperatures: The use of lower temperatures means base metals are not melted, which allows them to maintain their original properties and reduces the risk of distortion or warping. The use of lower temperatures can also produce cost savings.
- Joining Dissimilar Metals: Removing the need to melt base metals makes it easier to join pieces with different melting points.
- Appearance: Brazed joints are typically small and neat.3
