What's the Difference Between Welding, Soldering, and Brazing?

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There are three terms in the welding world that often get confused: welding, soldering, and brazing. Despite which method you choose to use, the end result is the same - two or more pieces of metal joined together. As the experts in welding at the Lake of the Ozarks, we can do all three! Augello’s Welding and Fabrication is an expert in all welding processes with diverse capabilities and superior knowledge. Regardless of whether your project requires welding, soldering, or brazing, we can do it all.


Welding 

We talk a lot about welding here on the Augello’s Welding and Fabrication’s blog, but for good reason. Out of the three methods, welded joints are by far the strongest joints used. In fact, the welded portion of the joint is typically stronger than the base material. Wonder why the materials being welded always look red hot? It’s because they are! Welding also requires the hottest temperatures, soaring near 3800 degrees Celsius. In order to join the metals, the pieces must be heated to their melting point. Because of the high heat, the workpiece doesn’t need to be preheated. There is a risk of the mechanical properties of the metals changing if the heat isn’t monitored accurately, which is why a high skill level and appropriate gear are required to effectively and safely fuse the materials.

Soldering

When it comes to soldering, its strength is the weakest of the three methods. Soldering is mostly used to join electrical contacts, but it can also be used in plumbing and low-temperature metalwork. The temperature requirement for soldering only reaches around 450 degrees Celsius - which is still HOT, just significantly less hot than the temperature of welding. Because of the relatively low temperature required, there is no risk of changing the mechanical properties of the materials and the skill level required is also relatively low. Both soldering and brazing are different from welding in that they require a filler material - in this case, a solder.

Brazing

Brazing is often used for aluminum and other very thin metals as any higher temperatures could damage these types of materials. Brazing is basically the in-between method when compared to welding and soldering. Brazed joints are not as strong as welded joints, but they’re stronger than soldered joints. The temperature required for brazing reaches around 600 degrees Celsius, not as hot as welding but hotter than soldering. The workpieces still need to be heated, and preheating is helpful, but they won’t reach the materials’ melting point. Though brazing cannot join large sections like welding can, it’s still a cost-effective method for multi-part assemblies, unlike soldering.


Why have so many ways to complete the same task? Because each method is used for different materials and under different circumstances. Augello’s Welding and Fabrication is the welding expert at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we know and understand which method to use depending on your type of project and end goal. If you come to us with an idea regarding metal, we can make it a reality! Call us for a free estimate, and we’ll be happy to walk you through our whole process. We believe in being honest and transparent with our clients, and we promise 100% satisfaction guaranteed. With over 15 years in the industry, your one stop shop for welding and fabrication at the Lake of the Ozarks is here for YOU!

 

Your Lake of the Ozark’s Welder & Place for All Things Custom!
Office Phone: (573) 207-0285
Cell Phone: (573) 286-9135
AugellosWelding@gmail.com
                               
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Location: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, USA

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