Brazing, though often an overlooked industrial process, is amazingly useful for manufacturing a variety of different products. From aerospace and nuclear engineering to automotive manufacturing, brazing is an extremely valuable manufacturing process.
Why then is it often an overlooked answer for joining and hardening steel components? Three main reasons: it is difficult to learn for a beginner, it has a bad reputation for having toxic by-products, and it isn’t widely used in home repair.
But, we can put to rest your ideas about brazing. Read on to learn everything you need to know about brazing and how it differs from welding.
What is Brazing?
Brazing is a process of joining metal in which two or more metal components are joined together by melting and flowing a filler metal into the joint.
Brazing filler metals have a lower melting point than the base metals being joined, and the process is carried out at temperatures below the melting point of the base metal.
Various dip brazing services are distinguished from welding in that it does not involve melting the base metals.
The Different Types of Brazing
There are several different types of brazing. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Below are the most common types.
Furnace Brazing
Brazing is typically done in a furnace, where the temperatures can be carefully controlled. The pieces to be joined are placed in the furnace, and the filler metal is melted and flowed into the joint.
The furnace is then cooled, and the filler metal solidifies, bonding the two pieces together.
Torch Brazing
To torch braze, you will need a gas torch, a brazing rod, and flux. The gas torch is used to heat the metals to be joined and the brazing rod is used to introduce the filler metal. The flux helps to clean the surface of the metals and prevents oxidation.
Induction Brazing
When brazing with an induction brazing machine, it is important to choose the right filler metal. The filler metal must have a low melting point and be compatible with the base metals being joined.
The Comparison Between Brazing and Welding
Brazing generally requires the use of filler metal, while welding does not. Brazing has a lower melting temperature than welding, which means that it can be used on metals that are not able to withstand the high temperatures required for welding.
It is a faster and easier process than welding and can be used on a wider range of metals. But, brazed joints are not as strong as welded joints, and are not suitable for use in applications where high strength is required.
Learning the Benefits of Using the Brazing Method
Brazing is a versatile joining method that offers several advantages over other joining methods. Brazing can be used to join dissimilar metals and can be performed using a variety of methods.
Brazing is also less likely to cause distortion and can be used to join delicate components. It is an ideal way to join metals because it can be done quickly and without the need for special equipment.
So, what are you waiting for? Try using the brazing method and see the aesthetically pleasing results it can give!
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