An Introduction and Guide to Soldering and Brazing

Soldering and brazing have been used in the welding and manufacturing process for years, but some people are unaware of their difference. They are almost similar in their operations but none the less, they are different. Both a soldering and brazing process create a joint when being joined with another piece of material. The only difference between the two is that brazing occurs above 840 degrees Fahrenheit and soldering occurs from 190s degree Fahrenheit. Up to 840 degrees Fahrenheit.

The temperature must be above the melting point of the filler and should be at the lowest braze temperature to keep the effects of heat on the assembly at a minimum and to minimize  base metal and filler metal interaction.

The surfaces must me clean either by chemical cleaning or abrasive/mechanical cleaning.  The surfaces of joint also need to be rough enough to insure adhesion. Flux is used to prevent oxides from forming as the metal is heated and to clean anything that may be contaminating the surfaces to be joined.

So which one was around first, soldering or brazing? Brazing was actually the first of the joint joining process.  The soldering was later classified separately. Soldering and brazing are literally the exact same joint joining process. Soldering just fills and heats at a much lower temperature. Soldering is used in many different types of activities and industries. Electronic soldering is one of the most common techniques used. Soldering new components is an everyday activity for some professions. Pipe soldering is used highly by plumbers and home renovators. Mechanical and aluminum soldering techniques are used by hundreds of professions such as construction, do it yourself, industrial and with many transportation related occupations. Soldering is even used by some glass makers who specialize in stained glass.

Even though soldering and brazing are similar, they do use different techniques for their work. The most common brazing technique used is definitely the torch brazing. This can be an automatic, mechanical or manual process as well. Furnace brazing is another method used by many do it yourself people because it is extremely easy to use. If you are working on any silver alloy, you most likely will  use the silver brazing technique. If you are looking for a super clean brazing technique, the vacuum brazing can be a great choice.  For hobby work  and small aluminum and zinc parts, the Durafix system can be used.  This requires only a small propane torch and the proper rods, no fluxes, no fumes. Works well for repairing aluminum boats, too.

How do you determine which method to use during your project? While soldering and brazing are both great joint joining techniques, brazing alloys and techniques are much stronger than those of the soldering techniques. Plus, the brazed joint will not require such a deep pocket for the joining to occur on the surface. In conclusion, make sure you understand the difference between brazing and soldering. Brazing will always be at a temperature at or above 840 degrees Fahrenheit, while the soldering techniques will be  below  840 degrees Fahrenheit. This will be determined by the melting point of the filler material used.

For brazing and soldering tutorials and videos, look online as these can be excellent ways to improve your skills.

4 Soldering Iron Safety Tips to Remember | DoItYourself.com

A soldering iron is useful for a range of different purposes, giving you the ability to attach different materials together whether for the purpose of repair or crafts.

Publish Date: 06/11/2010 18:00

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/4-soldering-iron-safety-tips-to-remember

How to Repair a Broken Soldering Torch | DoItYourself.com

Nothing is worse than having a tool break on you, and a broken soldering torch is no different.

Publish Date: 07/09/2010 17:01

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-repair-a-broken-soldering-torch

How to Do It: Basic Soldering

Basic soldering how to video

Induction Brazing: How Induction Brazing Works.

Induction brazing is a process where two or more materials such as pipe are joined together with a molten space filler metal using an induction heating coil which delivers a very high temperature. The induction brazing process will …

Publish Date: 06/08/2010 12:39

http://sembangkilang.com/inductionbrazing/how-induction-brazing-works/

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