Brazing is a joining technique used to connect metal parts.
It uses a metal with a lower melting point than the materials being joined.
Technically, it is considered brazing if the metal used melts above 450°C; otherwise, it is soldering.
In furnace brazing, the entire assembly is heated to a temperature where the braze alloy melts and flows into the joint.
Upon cooling, the alloy solidifies, creating a strong joint.
What Metals Can Be Joined by Brazing? 7 Key Points to Know
1. Wide Range of Materials
Almost any metal or ceramic can be brazed.
The braze alloy must effectively wet both surfaces to be joined.
Oxide must be removed from metal surfaces to achieve wetting, typically done using a flux.
In atmospheric pressure processes, hydrogen is often used for oxide reduction, while vacuum brazing relies on the vacuum itself.
For ceramics and certain metals, a reactive braze alloy is needed to dissolve or react with the surface for wetting to occur.
2. Specific Methods
The specific method of brazing depends on the materials being joined and the type of furnace used.
For example, copper brazed mild steel can be processed in a mesh belt furnace using a copper paste in an endothermically generated atmosphere.
Silver brazed copper can be processed in a vacuum furnace using a copper/silver alloy foil.
Another common example is the brazing of aluminum heat exchangers in a mesh belt furnace, where the brazing alloy is roll-bonded onto thin aluminum sheets.
3. Selecting a Braze Alloy
When selecting a braze alloy, the manner of introduction into the joint and its commercial availability should be considered.
Ductile metals like copper, silver, and gold base braze alloys are available in various forms such as wire, shim, sheet, and powder.
Nickel base braze alloys, on the other hand, are brittle and typically supplied as powder mixed with binders to form a paste.
Joint design also influences the preferred form of braze alloy, with pre-placement often necessary for thick joints.
4. Applicable Materials
Brazing can be applied to a wide range of materials.
These include mild steel, stainless steel, cast iron, nickel, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, ceramics, magnesium, and titanium.
Its applications are extensive and include metal housings, electro-mechanical assemblies, pipe fittings, plumbing fixtures, automotive engine components, and HVAC system components.
5. Advantages Over Welding
Compared to welding, brazing has several advantages.
It can join dissimilar metals, making it suitable for various applications.
Additionally, brazing is well-suited for high-production projects, offers strong joints, and works well with both thick and thin metals.
6. Versatility and Effectiveness
Overall, brazing is a versatile and effective joining technique for a wide range of metals and ceramics.
Its long history and widespread industrial use attest to its reliability and effectiveness in creating strong and durable joints.
7. Industrial Applications
Brazing is used in various industrial applications.
These include metal housings, electro-mechanical assemblies, pipe fittings, plumbing fixtures, automotive engine components, and HVAC system components.
Continue exploring, consult our experts
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