Brazing: Know the basics

Brazing is a process that establishes a permanent bond between two metal parts using a filler metal that melts, flows, and wets their surfaces. The surfaces of the metals can be protected from oxidation during assembly by a gas or flux.

The advantages of brazing

Low-temperature brazing preserves the base metal without melting it, enabling precise control of tolerances. It also produces a clean joint, with no need for secondary finishing. Like welding, it guarantees strength and resistance.

Capillary brazing

Capillary brazing is the most common brazing technique. The filler metal is introduced between two closely spaced surfaces by capillary forces. Gap spacing should be as regular as possible, and integrated right from the assembly design stage.

braze welding concepts

Braze welding is a brazing process in which the joint is made end-to-end, similar to fusion welding, but without capillary action or fusion of the base metals. This process can also be assimilated to “ bonding ”.
For example, some manufacturers of steel bicycle frames prefer to use this process, which provides better mechanical properties than TIG welding, particularly in terms of fatigue strength and impact resistance.

Differences and advantages compared to welding

The main difference is that welding is a process involving the fusion of two metal parts by the melting of base metal and filler metal. In most cases, the temperatures used are those that allow the materials and filler metal to fuse together.
The brazing process has certain advantages compared to the welding process. The first is its ability to “easily” join two materials of different natures. Another advantage is the low temperature used, which is much lower than for welding.