Difference Between Braze and Weld

Braze vs Weld

Braze and weld are two kinds of process to join two different parts, usually metals, to get the desired length or shape. These two processes are also used to fix a broken length of metal or fill some gaps in between metal joints to make these stronger.

Braze

A braze is a process of joining two metals by use of a brazing alloy which could be a copper, aluminum, nickel and silver alloys. Brazing technique is similar to soldering. That is, only the brazing alloy is heated and melted while the base metals are not. But in brazing process cleaning the base metals and the clearance between base metals are very important. The two metals to be joined must be free of oxides and must be closely fitted. With the right application the joints are made stronger and the metals are properly connected.

Weld

A weld technique is the fusing of two metals together for a specific design or purpose. Welding is done with the use of filler materials heated at very high temperatures with the use of an electric arc, gas, and friction to produce the heat. The filler material is melted to liquid state while the base of the metals are also melted thereby properly assimilating the two metals and the filler metal.

What is the difference between Braze and Weld?

Braze and weld methods are important in fabrication and construction. Although these two are used to connect metals with the use of heat and filler material, the similarities stays there. When braze method is used, the metals to be joined are not heated to melting point instead only the filler material is heated above its melting point and then allowed to flow in between the metals. Meanwhile, with weld method the base metals to be connected are melted together with the filler metal. Furthermore, heat temperature is the main difference between these two as welding requires very high temperatures while brazing requires a little bit lower.

Whatever method is used, brazing or welding, the important thing to consider whether it was properly performed, otherwise you will get inferior joints.