Info-Authority: Brazing

Brazing is a joining process that uses heat and filler metals with high melting points, such as copper, silver, and aluminum alloys. The metals, which have melting temperatures that are above 450°C or 800°F, are melted to form molten liquid filler used to plug the gap between two or more close-fitting pieces. When it cools, it forms an exceptionally strong joint between the pieces. The brazed joints are able to withstand strong shocks and vibrations, because they become a sandwich of different layers, each of which is chemically alloyed to each other. Brazing is normally done with a torch and silver-bearing filler metal.

Benefits of Brazing

Brazing is probably the most versatile method of joining metal, primarily due to its great strength. The ductile nature of blazing joints allows different types of metals to be joined together. This includes joining ferrous, or metals that contain iron, with nonferrous metals. Brazing is easy to do and usually requires only one attempt to make a successful joint. It is economical, and grinding, filing, and other finishing techniques are seldom required. One great advantage is that it requires relatively low temperatures when compared to other joining methods.

Brazing is best used on permanent metal-to-metal joints that must be strong and able to withstand force and vibration. Brazed joints are much stronger than threaded and riveted joints. They are also more leak-tight.
Problems with Brazing

There are some possible problems that exist with brazing. The process may cause defects in the base metal, especially if the metal is stressed. This may occur if the material was not properly annealed before being brazed. This will result in cracking at the joint. Also, residues left after the operation of brazing must be removed, or they may cause severe corrosion to occur.

Alternatives to Brazing

There are many ways to join metals. Other methods include welding, soldering, mechanical fasteners, and or adhesive bonds. Each one is better used under specific circumstances. Brazing is not suitable for a temporary joint, such as one connecting to a pump, which will eventually fail and need to be replaced. Also, brazing is unnecessary for bonds that will not have much force applied to them. In these situations, soft soldering the joint would be a better, and cheaper, alternative for this type of low stress bond.

Welding is differentiated from brazing by its more-intense use of heat. While welds are strong and also use filler, welding requires that the base metals be partially melted as well. Welds are better for localized heat.

By Doug Vanisky




	Brazing Brazing is a joining process that uses heat and filler metals with high melting points, such as copper, silver, and aluminum alloys. The metals, which have melting temperatures that are above 450°C or 800°F, are melted to form molten liquid filler used to plug the gap between two or more close-fitting pieces. When it cools, it forms an exceptionally strong joint between the pieces. The brazed joints are able to withstand strong shocks and vibrations, because they become a sandwich of different layers, each of which is chemically alloyed to each other. Brazing is normally done with a torch and silver-bearing filler metal. Benefits of Brazing Brazing is probably the most versatile method of joining metal, primarily due to its great strength. The ductile nature of blazing joints allows different types of metals to be joined together. This includes joining ferrous, or metals that contain iron, with nonferrous metals. Brazing is easy to do and usually requires only one attempt to make a successful joint. It is economical, and grinding, filing, and other finishing techniques are seldom required. One great advantage is that it requires relatively low temperatures when compared to other joining methods. Brazing is best used on permanent metal-to-metal joints that must be strong and able to withstand force and vibration. Brazed joints are much stronger than threaded and riveted joints. They are also more leak-tight. Problems with Brazing There are some possible problems that exist with brazing. The process may cause defects in the base metal, especially if the metal is stressed. This may occur if the material was not properly annealed before being brazed. This will result in cracking at the joint. Also, residues left after the operation of brazing must be removed, or they may cause severe corrosion to occur. Alternatives to Brazing There are many ways to join metals. Other methods include welding, soldering, mechanical fasteners, and or adhesive bonds. Each one is better used under specific circumstances. Brazing is not suitable for a temporary joint, such as one connecting to a pump, which will eventually fail and need to be replaced. Also, brazing is unnecessary for bonds that will not have much force applied to them. In these situations, soft soldering the joint would be a better, and cheaper, alternative for this type of low stress bond. Welding is differentiated from brazing by its more-intense use of heat. While welds are strong and also use filler, welding requires that the base metals be partially melted as well. Welds are better for localized heat. By Doug Vanisky Related Links: Answers.com - Brazing Answers.com definition of brazing.