Brazing is one of the most commonly used methods of welding. Basically, it uses bronze or brass filling rods to join multiple metal pieces. Nowadays, almost every industry that deals in metals is looking for a good welding technique, and we believe that brazing is one of the techniques that they can consider.
Typically talking about brass brazing that is used for welding copper, steel, and iron, we would say that it is one of the most influential and pocket-friendly welding techniques. So, without any further delay, let’s take a running start towards the discussion. Our discussion will also include every fact about brass brazing and a complete guide. Our discussion will also include every fact about how to braze brass and a complete guide. So let’s get started immediately.
Contents
What is brass brazing?
Brazing is quite similar to soldering but at relatively higher temperatures. The technique named brass brazing involves using brass rods coated with flux to bring about the joining of two or more metallic pieces together.
It is a highly effective method of joining metals as it does not alter the shape and form of the metals to be joined. Instead, the filer material, i.e., brass rods, melted at higher temperatures to flow and join both metals together.
The filler material is heated to slightly above its melting point to move into the spaces between two metals; after that, it is allowed to cool down so that it may keep both metals in place and attached.
Types of Brazing
- Automatic torch brazing
- Manual torch brazing
- Machine torch brazing
- Dip brazing
- Vacuum brazing
- Cast iron brazing
- Braze welding
- Silver brazing
- Furnace brazing
How to braze brass at home?
Here we are going to tell you about a few steps that you need to follow to perform brass brazing at home. These simplest steps will likely save you from all the mishaps you may face. So let the game begin.
Step 1
First of all, you have to cut brass using an oxyacetylene torch. Keep the size of your project in mind to obtain the required pieces. You should know about the zinc content of the metal you are about to braze because zinc has relatively a lower melting point than brass. So don’t put yourself into a problem.
Step 2
Next, get your flux and water and make a paste. Apply this paste to both metal surfaces evenly. By doing so you are preventing your metals as well.
Step 3
Now you have to arrange a high oxygen flam and get ready to start the original procedure. Ensure the flame has a moderate oxygen level because too much oxygen will make coating difficult.
Step 4
Now is the time to start the exact procedure. If color matching is not an issue for you then you can simply start the procedure.
Step 5
The welding tip should be one size greater than the size you may use for welding. This is done to tackle the high heat conductivity of brass.
How to cut brass before brazing?
Many people ask whether they can cut brass simply using Dremel or torch or not. The simplest answer to this question is that; yes, sure you can cut but for this, you will have to keep your hand movement fine as the error ratio is quite high with this method.
That’s why you need to consider using a TIG welding machine that keeps a steady hand while cutting brass. Other than this you have two options with cutting brass rods, i.e., cutting pliers and hacksaws. In both cases, you will get accurate results.
In the case of thin and small brass rods you can even use small wire cutters but with thicker pieces cutting pliers or even bolt cutters are recommended.
Why prefer Brazing over Welding?
Brazing stand on top of welding due to multiple reasons like brazing requires less temperature and power input than welding. Similarly, less to no heat dissipation takes place in brazing.
- By brazing, you can join dissimilar metals as well.
- Post-processing heat treatment is not a thing when we talk about brazing
- Minimal metallurgical destruction takes place in this method which means you can work carefree.
Filler and Flux used for Brazing
Fillers for Brazing
A great variety of metal alloys are used in brazing. The choice of alloy or filler depends on the method you have chosen for the completion of your project. Usually, fillers are available in the market in the form of thin rods, ribbons, cream, or sheets. You have to cut them according to your requirement before using them. Here are some comply used fillers for brazing:
Aluminum silicone, Copper silver, copper, nickel alloy, silver, tin, and Amorphous brazing foil.
Flux
When a metal is heated it is obvious that oxides will form. So to prevent this reaction while brazing a flux such as borax is used with the filler material. Not only has this but flux also played an important role in cleaning any impurity left on the base metals.
On what metals Brazing is applicable
Brazing is compatible with an incredible array of metals. But it is believed that brazing works best when used on the combination of metals. Combining two metals decreases their melting points, so they require less temperature, eventually reducing overall expenditure. However, here we will mention a few metals compatible with brazing.
- Brass
- Copper
- Stainless steel
- Zinc coated steels
- Aluminum
- Tungsten carbide
- Silicon nitride
- Brazing is a low power-consuming process, which will drastically reduce your annual expenditures.
- Brazing is a quicker process and can be done with minimal practice.
- For companies with low volume production, brazing is the best technique
- It is a more straightforward method, and you don’t need multiple degrees to pursue a future as a brass brazing expert.
- It gives out clean and smooth joints.
- No wear and tear or shape deformation occur at the base metals.
- Less to no heat is dissipated.
- You will obtain a strong joint between dissimilar metals as well.
Additionally, the joints produced are different in color, which doesn’t give a clean and soothing look. Flux used with the filler may sometimes be toxic, so you cannot use it with food-grade appliances.
What are the safety measures associated with brass brazing?
Like every other welding method, you must also take good care of yourself and your environment while brass brazing. So before we move towards the safety measures, firstly, we will tell you about some of the hazards associated with brass brazing.
Hazards of Brass Brazing
You will get great exposure to welding fumes and UV radiation. Both are likely to cause eye irritation, and high exposure can cause eye burns. Similarly, you may get skin irritation, cuts, electric shock, and even you can crush your toes accidentally.
Safety measures for brass brazing
- Work in a fully ventilated area
- Clean metals thoroughly before starting the procedure
- Don’t forget to use flux
- You should know the nature of base and filler metal
- Never forget to cover your eyes and skin. Use welding glasses and gloves to achieve this. Also, a face shield is recommended for extra protection.
- Be careful while heating the filler material. Don’t let it flow on your body parts.
How to ensure that we are doing successful brazing?
If you are unsure whether you are doing brass brazing right or wrong, then here are some of the steps that you should follow to ensure that you are doing everything rightly.
Step 1
Make sure that you have cleared both metal pieces. There should be no impurity or bump on either of the pieces.
Step2
Clear the capillary flow of the filler material.
Step3
Don’t forget to use the flux
Step 4
Make sure you fix all the parts effectively before starting the procedure.
Step 5
Once you are done, don’t forget to clear the welded joint carefully. Make the joint even.
Still, if you are confused with any aspect, then you can take assistance from this video Brass brazing. You will get to watch every step so that you may get accurate and expected results.
- It is used in making vacuum interrupters.
- It is mostly preferred in art and jewelry making.
- Most of the medical equipment is made using brass brazing.
- Used in construction work.
- It is commonly used in making musical equipment.
- Many transport applications also make use of brass brazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are solidus, liquidus, and Brazing ranges?
All of these terms are associated with brazing; here, we will talk about each separately.
Solidus is the temperature at which the filler material or alloy starts to melt.
Liquidus: It is the temperature when the alloy is completely liquid and starts flowing between the metal joint.
Brazing range: To ensure effective brazing, you must ensure that the temperature is above liquidus. This means the filler will be easygoing and reach all the metallic joint spots. But remember, you have to keep stuffing less flowy if the joint is much more spacious, or you need to keep the joint stronger.
2. What is the tensile strength of brass brazing?
The answer to this question can take many dimensions as it is not written anywhere what strength of the weld you will get. But we can tell you that the tensile strength of brazing usually depends upon the technique used for brazing and the shape of metals. It is never dependent on the filler used.
3. What are the materials upon which you should not use brass razing?
The primary purpose of brass brazing is to join steel and cast iron. So it is better that you should use it for these metals only. Otherwise, you should avoid using this method for metals like copper, nickel, silicone, and bronze. This is all because these metals are reasonably ductile and have a high vaporized pressure.
Conclusion
That’s all about how to braze brass. Thanks for reading. We hope we successfully guided you about brass brazing in the best way possible. Just follow the exact step-by-step approach, and you will surely get the desired results. But remember, your safety and well-being should be the first priority. So always take good care and follow all of the safety measures while doing brass brazing.