Brazing vs. Welding: What’s the Difference?

In manufacturing, there will almost always come a time when you have to bring two metals together and create a solid, sturdy connection. 

While many factors will help determine the best approach, it usually always comes down to brazing and welding. Which one is best for your application? How do you know which one to choose? And what is the difference between brazing and welding? 

Let’s take a closer look at each so that you can better identify the best option for your particular application. 

What is Brazing? 

Brazing is a process or technique used for joining together at least two pieces of metal. It works by using a filler material of your choice with a low melting point to hold the two pieces of metal together. 

The idea is that the heat used to melt the filler should not be enough to melt the base metal you are joining together, keeping its properties and integrity fully intact. 

What is Welding? 

Welding is another process or technique used to join together at least two pieces of metal. Instead of using a filler, you will melt the actual base metals so that they come together and harden as one. 

To keep the proper form of the metal, pressure may or may not be used with welding. 

Brazing vs. Welding: Which Do You Choose? 

How do you know which method of joining metals will work best for your project? As mentioned above, there are a few different factors that you can consider. Together, they can point you toward brazing or welding.

The Types of Metal Used

You have to consider the types of metal you are using. Are they both the same? Are they different? The metals you use in your application will play a role in determining the best way to join them. 

For instance, when using the same type of metal, welding often works just fine. However, because welding melts the metal, this can be tough when you have metals with two different melting points. 

If you find yourself in a situation with metals that have very different properties, brazing will be the ideal solution for creating the joint between them. This way you won’t have to worry about melting one metal too much while getting enough heat to melt the other. 

The Thickness of the Metal

Both brazing and welding work well for metals of different sizes — especially when it comes to thick metals. 

Working with thin metals, on the other hand, brazing is often the best option due to its delicate nature.

The Size of the Assembly

When you are working with large assemblies, you have to have power behind your heat so that you can secure both of them together. The heat needs to radiate through them and that is something that brazing just cannot succeed at. 

Welding works best in this situation. 

The Finished Appearance

When a joint is going to be visible, appearance often matters. So, even if both welding and brazing are suitable for a project, the one that gives the most desired finished appearance is often the go-to option. Between welding and brazing, choose brazing. 

Brazing or Welding? Find Your Metal at Atlas Bronze

At Atlas Bronze, we have the metals you are looking for to meet the needs of your application — from bronze alloys and iron alloys to sintered bars and made-to-order plates and castings, we have just what you need. 

To learn more about aluminum bronze or any other metal your application calls for, contact us at (800) 478-0887.