Introduction:Welding and brazing are two of the fundamental processes used in metal fabrication and engineering. Both welding and brazing are methods of joining pieces of metal, plastic, or any other material together, creating a strong joint. But what’s the difference between the two processes?
According to a study by Harris Corporation, 84% of your peers don’t know the differences and are mixing them up. In this article, we’ll explain differences between welding and brazing and how you can use those processes to your advantage.
What is the Difference Between Welding and Brazing?
Welding and brazing are two popular joining processes used in many industries such as automotive, construction, electrical, and chemical engineering.Understanding the key differences between these two processes is important to know when it is best to use one over the other.
Overview of Welding
Welding is the process of joining two pieces of metal or plastic together by melting them together. The materials joints together form a mechanical bond.Welding is done by using high temperatures to melt metals causing a bond without the need of an external filler material. The most common types of welding are arc welding, gas welding, and resistance welding.
Overview of Brazing
Brazing is similar to welding in that it involves joining two separate materials together, with the difference being that brazing uses a filler material to complete the bond. This filler material can be flux or a metal alloy that is melted and then cooled to form a strong bond. Although their temperatures tend to be lower than welding, they still can reach up to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.Brazing is a cost effective way of joining materials and can be used on a variety of materials including brass, bronze, and aluminum.
Differences Between Welding and Brazing:
- Strength – Welding produces a much stronger joint than brazing, as the joint area is melted and reformulated which allows for a more substantial bond.
Brazing only melts the filler material, not the pieces being joined, so the joint doesn’t experience structural transformation like it does with welding.
- Materials – Welding can be done on a variety of metals and thermoplastics. Brazing can also be done on many metals, however the materials need to be able to withstand the high temperature of the torch.
Materials such as steel, aluminum, and brass are often used with brazing.
- Equipment – Both welding and brazing need a source of heating to join the two pieces together effectively. Brazing requires a torch, whereas welding requires more elaborate equipment such as an electric arc, a flux-cored wire, and a welding gun.