Welding and brazing are related to melting and joining two metals together by heat; that is why most people confuse them. To the average person, they seem like synonyms.
Sometimes people use the terms interchangeably because they almost refer to similar techniques but are not the same. Some even call it “braze welding”; now, this makes us wonder if it is the same thing or two different phenomena.
However, there are differences between both welding and brazing. That is why we are here to clear out this confusion and make it easy for you to differentiate between the terminology, where they are used, and which is better. Stay tuned!
What is Brazing?
Brazing is a process that uses heat and a filler metal, often called brazing alloy, to join two pieces of metal. The filler metal has a lower melting point than the base metals being joined, so when it is heated, it flows between the two pieces and solidifies, creating a strong, permanent bond.
What is Welding?
It uinvolves melting the base metals being joined and using a filler material to create a strong bond. The filler material is typically the same or similar to the base metal, and is melted along with the base metal using an electric arc or other heat source.
Welding VS Brazing Key Differences Table
| Welding | Brazing | |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Melting of base metals and filler material | Joining of metals using a filler material |
| Filler Material | Same or similar to base metal | Typically a different material |
| Temperature | Typically above 3,000°F | Typically between 800°F and 1,500°F |
| Base Metals | Similar metals and dissimilar metals | Dissimilar metals and some similar metals |
| Joint Strength | Strong, typically stronger than brazing | Strong, but typically not as strong as welding |
| Appearance | Results in a visible seam or bead | Results in a neat and clean joint |
| Distortion | Can cause distortion in base metals | Minimal distortion in base metals |
| Equipment | Requires specialized welding equipment | Requires a torch and filler material |
| Applications | Structural and load-bearing applications | Non-structural and decorative applications |
Metal Joining Methods: Brazing VS Welding
Temperature
The most significant difference between welding and brazing is the temperature. In both techniques, a filler can be any metal like aluminum, copper-silver, silver, copper, nickel alloy, and many more.
These filters are melted between the gap of two metals to join them practically. Now the temperature at which they are melted defines which techniques are used. In brazing, the filler is melted at a lower temperature.
A temperature that is a little higher than the soldering method but lower than the welding that’s why it is also called hard soldering.
More specifically, if we take in numbers, the soldering above the temperature of 840 Fahrenheit is considered brazing or hard soldering. As for welding, the process occurs at a much higher temperature of about 3000 Fahrenheit.
These temperatures differ because, in brazing, the filler used has a lower melting point than the adjoining metal, which is why low temperatures can fulfill the job. However, in welding, the filler metal has higher melting points.
Tools Used
The other difference between brazing and welding is the tools used in both techniques. Brazing uses low temperatures, so a hand torch or a furnace is enough for the needed heat.
Other tools used in brazing are vacuum and induction. The tools used in welding where a constant and higher temperature is required are Arc, MIG, & TIG Welders.
These different kinds of tools used in brazing and welding make both sub-categories. Therefore, we name the types of brazing and welding based on the tools used in the process.
Read Also: Affordable MIG Welders
Types of Brazing
- Torch brazing
- Silver brazing
- Furnace brazing
- Induction brazing
- Vacuum brazing
- Dip brazing
Types Of Welding
- Glass welding
- Electric resistance welding
- Gas tungsten arc welding
- Electroslag welding
- Oxy-fuel welding
- Plastic welding
- Submerged arc welding
Process
Brazing can join dissimilar metals, such as aluminum, silver, gold, copper, and nickel. While welding is only used to join similar metals together. Flux is commonly used in brazing. Flux is like a liquid substance that is used for wetting. It is a chemical used for cleaning.
The flux is used over the metal part before brazing to make them stick together and clean the surface after the process.
All in all, brazing uses the technique of capillary action. The filler metal is melted between the adjoining metals, and then flux is used to protect it more by wetting.
In welding, the process of fusion is used. What is fusion? Fusion is the technique in which two metals of the same type and the same melting points are treated at high temperatures.
Both the metals melt simultaneously to make a molten pool that we call a weld pool with high temperatures. The two metals are joined and welded when the weld pool cools down. This process is so powerful that the welded part is stronger than the joining metals.
Which One Is Better, Brazing Or Welding?
Both brazing and welding have their advantages and disadvantages. We can’t choose one over the other ultimately. If we talk about which one is stronger, then it is welding.
The welding process joins the metal more effectively; it is more robust and works for almost a lifetime. At the same time, brazing joins the metal with lower strength.
So welding is there for a standard sheet metal technique used because of its power; it is reliability. We see a lot of objects in our daily life which are processed through the process of welding.
Talking of the heat distortion and finishing look, then brazing wins over welding. Brazing leaves the final product metal clean; there is little or no need for a secondary operation to clean the residual stress.
In contrast, welding requires post-processing heat to remove the residual stress. Brazing uses lower temperatures, so there is little heat distortion and residual stress. Welding, on the other hand, has higher thermal distortion because of its high temperature.
The other plus point about brazing is that it can join dissimilar metals. Brazing is perfect for thin metals, so if you need to fix something light and thin, you can rely on brazing as it will not damage the material in the process.
For thin metals, welding might melt down the parts that aren’t supposed to be melted and ruin them. However, welding has its benefits, too; it might just join similar metals in nature, but the strength it provides to the joined metal is immense.
Heavy metal parts can be welded easily with high temperatures through welding techniques, and they will stay solid and sound for extended periods. Welding, therefore, is used in the parts of an airplane or other heavy equipment.
Final Verdict
Hope this article has made you clear about the difference between welding and brazing.You realized that brazing and welding might serve the same purpose but differ in many aspects.
For example, both use different temperatures, techniques, and processes for melting and joining two metals. In addition, brazing can join dissimilar metals part, while welding joins only similar metals.
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- How to Mig Weld Aluminum without A Spool Gun
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Dave Walker
Dave Walker is a skilled welder and passionate blogger. With years of experience in welding, he has honed his craft and developed a deep understanding of the trade. In his blog, he shares his experiences, insights, and tips on welding, offering a valuable resource for fellow welders and those interested in the field. He is dedicated to promoting the importance of welding and its applications in various industries.