With the development of laser technology, there are many types of welding equipment on the market. How to distinguish between brazing and welding is necessary for many customers who want to purchase laser welding machines. This article will focus on the difference between welding vs brazing. I hope it can help you.
What Is Brazing?
Brazing is a metal joining process that uses heat to join two pieces of metal together by melting a filler metal that has a lower melting point than the workpieces. The filler metal flows into the joint by capillary action. The process does not melt the parent metal itself, which makes it different from welding. The melting point of the filler material used in brazing is usually above 450°C (850°F), but lower than the melting point of the parent metal.
Brazing is a metal joining technique that allows you to join metals without applying the extreme heat required for welding. This makes it ideal for finer or thinner materials that may not be able to withstand the heat of welding.
What is Welding?
Welding is a fusion welding process where heat is applied to the parent metals themselves, causing them to melt and fuse together. Filler materials can also be used, but the parent metals usually fuse to each other. The temperatures required for welding are much higher than brazing – typically above 1000°C (1832°F) – making it a more aggressive method of joining metals.
Welding can be performed using different techniques, such as MIG welding, TIG welding, arc welding, and stick welding. Each method uses a different type of heat source and has specific advantages depending on the application.
Welding vs Brazing Principle
Welding is to heat the filler material and the workpiece to a molten state to form a molten pool, and then form a strong weld joint after the molten pool cools and solidifies.
Brazing uses a brazing material with a lower melting point than the welding metal, heats it and the workpiece until the brazing material melts, and uses capillary action to absorb it into the solid gap, and achieves connection through atomic diffusion, dissolution and chemical combination.
Brazing vs Welding: Key Differences
| Criteria | Brazing | Welding |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Done at lower temperatures, typically below 850°F | Temperatures can exceed 3000°F, depending on the process used |
| Base Metal Melting | The base metals do not melt; only the filler metal melts | The base metals melt and fuse together |
| Strength of Joint | Joints are strong enough for many applications, especially those that don’t require extreme strength | Welded joints are generally stronger due to fusion of the base metals |
| Materials | Used for thin or delicate materials, such as copper pipes or brass fittings | Best suited for thicker metals like steel and stainless steel |
| Heat Distortion | Lower heat reduces the risk of warping or damaging the base metal | Higher heat increases the risk of distorting the material being worked on |
Laser Brazing Vs Laser Welding : Advantages
| Advantages | Brazing | Welding |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | Lower heat reduces the risk of distorting the base material | Higher heat increases the risk of distorting the base material |
| Material Compatibility | Can join a variety of metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, and steel | Better suited for thicker materials, especially steel and stainless steel |
| Joint Precision | Creates precise and clean joints with minimal material loss | Typically results in stronger joints, but with a higher material loss due to fusion |
| Strength | Joints are strong enough for many applications, but generally not as strong as welded joints | Produces stronger joints because the base metals are fused together |
| Material Thickness | Ideal for thinner materials that can’t handle the high heat of welding | Perfect for joining thicker materials and heavier applications |
| Versatility | Good for a wide range of materials, but limited in some cases | Offers great versatility, with multiple welding techniques suited for different applications |
Brazing vs Welding: Which One Should You Choose?
1. Material Type and Thickness:
- Use brazing for thin metals or for materials that can’t tolerate high heat.
- Choose welding for thick materials or structural components that need high strength.
2. Strength Requirements:
If you need a strong, durable joint that can handle heavy stress, welding is the better option. If the strength requirement isn’t as high, and you’re working with delicate materials, brazing is a great choice.
3. Precision and Aesthetics:
For applications where precision metal bonding is key and you need clean, precise joints with minimal distortion, brazing might be the better option.
4. Equipment and Cost:
Brazing typically requires less expensive equipment compared to welding, making it a more cost-effective solution for lighter, non-structural applications.
5. Speed of Work:
Welding can be quicker, especially for heavy-duty applications, while brazing might take a little more time due to its precision nature.
Conclusion:
Both brazing and welding are essential techniques for metal joining, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Brazing is ideal for precise, lower-temperature applications with delicate materials, while welding is suited for thicker, stronger joints that can withstand higher stresses.
FAQ
1. What’s the difference between brazing and welding in terms of temperature?
Brazing is done at lower temperatures (below 850°F), while welding requires much higher temperatures, usually over 1000°C (1832°F). This makes welding better suited for thicker materials.
2. Can you braze steel?
Yes, steel can be brazed. However, brazing is typically better for thin steel sheets and steel pipes. For thicker steel or structural applications, welding is often the better choice.
3. Is brazing as strong as welding?
Brazing vs welding strength, Welding generally creates a stronger joint because the base metals fuse together. Brazing, while strong, does not generally provide the same level of strength as welding, especially with thicker materials.
4. What’s easier: brazing or welding?
Brazing is generally easier because it doesn’t require the same level of heat or precision as welding. It’s a cleaner process and better for delicate applications, while welding demands more skill and experience.
5. When should I use brazing instead of welding?
Use brazing when you need to join thin metals, have limited heat tolerance in the materials, or want a cleaner, more precise joint. Welding is better for thicker materials and applications where a stronger bond is needed.
