During the brazing process, the filler metal flows into the gap between close-fitting parts by capillary action. The filler metal is brought slightly above its melting (liquidus) temperature while protected by a suitable atmosphere, usually a flux. It then flows over the base metal (in a process known as wetting) and is then cooled to join the work pieces together.
Brazing differs from welding in that it does not involve melting the work pieces. In welding, the original metal pieces are fused together without additional filler metal.
Brazing differs from soldering through the use of a higher temperature and much more closely fitted parts. The principle of joining with filler metal is the same, but solder has a specific composition and lower melting point allowing work on delicate components such as electronics with minimal metallurgic reaction. The joints from soldering are weaker.
Brazing joins the same or different metals with considerable strength.
Process
Brazing has many advantages over other metal-joining techniques, such as welding. Since brazing does not melt the base metal of the joint, it allows much tighter control over tolerances and produces a clean joint without the need for secondary finishing. Additionally, dissimilar metals and non-metals (i.e. metalized ceramics) can be brazed.[3] In general, brazing also produces less thermal distortion than welding due to the uniform heating of a brazed piece. Complex and multi-part assemblies can be brazed cost-effectively. Welded joints must sometimes be ground flush, a costly secondary operation that brazing does not require because it produces a clean joint. Another advantage is that the brazing can be coated or clad for protective purposes. Finally, brazing is easily adapted to mass production and it is easy to automate because the individual process parameters are less sensitive to variation.
One of the main disadvantages is the lack of joint strength as compared to a welded joint due to the softer filler metals used.[1] The strength of the brazed joint is likely to be less than that of the base metal(s) but greater than the filler metal.[6] Another disadvantage is that brazed joints can be damaged under high service temperatures.[1] Brazed joints require a high degree of base-metal cleanliness when done in an industrial setting. Some brazing applications require the use of adequate fluxing agents to control cleanliness. The joint color is often different from that of the base metal, creating an aesthetic disadvantage.
Brazing is a metal-joining process in which two or more metal items are joined by melting a filler metal which flows into the joint, with the filler metal having a lower melting point than the adjoining metal.
— Studio notes, autumn
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Brazing is a metal-joining process in which two or more metal items are joined by melting a filler metal which flows into the joint, with the filler metal having a lower melting point than the adjoining metal.
Brazing is a metal-joining process in which two or more metal items are joined by melting a filler metal which flows into the joint, with the filler metal having a lower melting point than the adjoining metal.
Metalwork is cool.