What is Brazing?
Brazing is a process for joining similar or dissimilar metals using a filler metal that typically includes a base of copper combined with silver, nickel, zinc or phosphorus. Brazing covers a temperature range of 900ºF – 2200ºF (470ºC – 1190ºC). Brazing differs from welding in that brazing does not melt the base metals, therefore brazing temperatures are lower than the melting points of the base metals. For the same reason, brazing is a superior choice in joining dissimilar metals. Brazed joints are strong. A properly-made joint (like a welded joint) will in many cases be as strong or stronger than the based metals being joined. Typically brazing is employed in manufacturing compressors, diesel engine circulation tubes, mining tools, plumbing fixtures, jewelry, musical instruments, refrigerators, condensers, and automotive applications.
A.- Brazing is defined as a process of joining generally applied to metals in which, during or after heating, molten filler metal is drawn into or retained in the space between closely adjacent surfaces of the parts to be joined by capillary attrition. In general the melting point of the filler metal is above 500 C, but always below the solids of the parent material. Brazing should not be confused with soft soldering in which the filler metals melt below 500 C. Too often silver brazing is called silver soldering which is incorrect.
