Brazing is a type of bonding that involves joining two or more base metal components. This is done by melting a thin layer of filler metal into the space between them. Importantly, this process does not melt the base metal itself.
The process relies on capillary action to draw the molten filler metal into the joint. This creates a strong metallurgical bond as the filler material cools and solidifies.
What type of bonding is brazing? (3 Key Points Explained)
1. Process of Brazing
Filler Metal Application: The filler metal can be applied in various forms such as foil, paste, or wire. It is placed within the joint or over it, depending on the specific requirements of the brazing process.
Capillary Action: This is a crucial aspect of brazing. The joint clearances are carefully controlled (usually not exceeding 0.12mm) to facilitate capillary action, which draws the molten filler metal into the joint. The design of the base metal components must enhance this action for effective brazing.
Metallurgical Bond Formation: As the filler metal melts and flows into the joint, it dissolves a small amount of the base metal, leading to intimate contact and the formation of a metallurgical bond. This bond is strong and ductile, often equal to or stronger than the base metals themselves.
2. Types of Brazing
Controlled Atmosphere Brazing (CAB): This method involves using a controlled atmosphere furnace to ensure the quality and strength of the bond. The furnace environment can be adjusted to remove oxides and enhance the wetting of the filler metal on the base metals.
Furnace Brazing: This is a semi-automated process where multiple joints can be made simultaneously. The components are heated to the brazing temperature in a furnace until the filler metal melts and flows into the joints, then cooled to solidify the bond.
Hydrogen Brazing: Commonly used for bonding metals and ceramics, this process involves the use of hydrogen gas in the brazing furnace, which helps in reducing oxides and improving the quality of the bond.
3. Distinction from Other Joining Techniques
Welding: Unlike brazing, welding involves melting the base metals to form the joint. This results in a different type of bond and requires different equipment and techniques.
Soldering: Soldering is similar to brazing but is performed at lower temperatures (below 450°C). The bonds formed by soldering are typically not as strong as those from brazing.
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