Brazing and soldering are similar joining techniques, but they have some differences. Both processes involve using a filler metal to connect two or more components without melting the base metals. The filler metal acts as a glue to attach the pieces together.
The main difference between brazing and soldering lies in the temperature at which they are performed. Brazing occurs at high temperatures, usually above 840°F (450°C). The materials being joined in brazing are heated to a temperature around 100°F higher than the liquid temperature of the filler metal. This allows the filler metal to form a solid and permanent bond with the base metals.
On the other hand, soldering is ideal for filler metals with a lower liquid temperature, falling below the 840°F threshold. Soldering can be considered the low-temperature cousin of brazing. The filler metal used in soldering has a liquidus below 840°F and below the solidus of the base metals.
Both brazing and soldering can be accomplished using various heat sources, such as combustion and radiant heating, flames or torches, inductive heating, resistive heating, or lasers. These methods can be performed in both open and closed spaces.
One advantage of both brazing and soldering is that the use of filler metal allows for the joining of different components, unlike welding where the components usually need to be of similar material.
Brazing, similar to soldering, can be done using handheld or fixed torches in the open air. However, for the best brazed joint, it is important to remove as much oxygen as possible. This can be achieved through furnace brazing. Brazing furnaces displace the oxygen surrounding the work environment to create ideal brazing conditions.
In brazing, the filler metal can be placed within the joint as a foil or applied over the joint as paste or wire. Joint clearances must be carefully controlled and generally do not exceed .12mm (.005"). Capillary action draws the molten filler metal into the joint and holds it there. The base metal components should be designed to enhance capillary action. Brazing is a process that can be well adapted to vacuum heating methods.
In summary, brazing and soldering are similar joining techniques that involve using a filler metal to connect components. The main difference is the temperature at which they are performed, with brazing occurring at higher temperatures and soldering at lower temperatures.
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