Brazing vs. Welding: What’s the Difference?
What is the distinction between brazing vs. welding? What are their respective applications?
A welder will solder, braze, or weld the two materials together to join them. These are all heat-based processes. While these three methods have many similarities, there are some key contrasts too.
If you’re considering a job in automotive bodywork and repair, you need to understand the essential areas of metalwork. Brazing and welding are two popular ways to refine metal surfaces.
Before you get certified for either process, take the time to study the types of metals and their differences. They will help you decide which is better for you. And it’ll help you complete the best repairs for your customers.
Continue reading to learn the differences between brazing vs. welding.
What Is Welding?
Welding is a fabrication process that uses high heat, pressure, or both to join two or more parts. It fuses the parts by melting them together and allowing them to cool.
Types of Welding
Gas Metal Arc Welding
In GMAW, an electric arc between the metal and a wire electrode applies heat to the metal pieces. It fuses and melts the parts together, creating a permanent bond.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
SMAW uses a flux-coated electrode to create the weld. It consists of a metal rod or stick set in an electrode holder and a power source. Electrode conducts electricity, which then contacts base metal. By the flux that protects the electric arc, gas is present.
Welding With Flux-Cored Arcs
A steady filler metal is joined to the material with an electric arc. The shield gas provided by the flux prevents oxidation of the weld pool.
How Welding Works
Welding joins metals by melting and fusing them—adding a welding filler metal. The joints produced are strong – usually as strong as the metals joined or even more powerful. To connect the metals, you apply concentrated heat to the joint area.
What Is Brazing?
Brazing is a process in which metals are joined by melting a filler metal to create permanent bonds. Brazing requires a small joint capillary action to draw into the joint when the parts reach the proper phase temperature above 840°F (450°C). You may visit dip brazing services which provide high-quality products.
How to Braze Aluminum and Other Metals
Dip brazing two pieces of metal need the correct equipment and know-how. If you’re new to dip brazing, go the first few times. Make sure you have a rod to operate the dip braze before you work with high heat.
Brazing vs. Welding
Liquid means the filler metal is melted, and solid means the base material or materials are not melted. Unlike welding, brazing does not involve melting the work pieces. The heat source is the primary distinction between brazing and arc welding.
How This Applies to a Career in Welding
Today’s welders are to be familiar with welding, soldering, and brazing. No two tasks are alike — and other materials and specifications need different ways to achieve the liked result.
Selecting the Right Technique for Your Project
Brazing vs. welding is two specialized metalworking processes used in a fabrication process. Both methods use melting and reformulating metal. Deciding which technique to use depends on the type of project and desired outcome.
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