Aluminum brazing is generally as strong as the base metals being joined, according to the American Welding Society (AWS). This is because brazed joints are designed to be as strong as the metals they connect. However, it's important to note that while brazed joints can be very strong, they are not typically as strong as welded joints. Welding involves melting the base metals at the joint, which can result in a stronger bond. In contrast, brazing does not melt the parent metal, but instead uses a filler metal with a lower melting point to create a bond.
The strength of a brazed joint in aluminum also depends on the specific aluminum alloy used and the brazing process. For instance, the AWS mentions that brazing alloys based on the Al-Si system, with silicon content generally between 7% to 12%, are excellent in terms of brazeability, strength, and corrosion resistance. These alloys can be densified to increase the toughness and bending strength of the brazed joint.
Moreover, the choice of brazing method can also affect the strength of the joint. For example, vacuum aluminum brazing (VAB) provides a clean joint without the need for additional finishing and cleaning, which can contribute to the overall strength and integrity of the joint. Flame brazing and furnace brazing are other methods used for aluminum alloys, each with its own set of advantages and considerations in terms of joint strength and overall quality.
In summary, while aluminum brazing can be very strong and is often as strong as the base metals being joined, it is not typically as strong as welding. The strength of a brazed joint in aluminum depends on the specific alloy, the brazing process, and the quality of the brazing operation.
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