Full Transcript:

What’s up guys?!?!?!?! Its Michael back for the 130th installment of our video series and pleased that you have joined us today. Speaking of joining us… If you have yet to subscribe, please consider doing so now by clicking here to subscribe to the channel. Super helpful and we’re grateful for the support.

Well, today we are introducing you to some of the methods that can be used to join metals….  just the basics of welding, brazing, and soldering.

Each method is a science unto itself so this brief will just give you an overview.

All involve the application of heat in the process. So let’s start with soldering, performed at the lowest temperatures.

A soldered joint bonds components together by using a low melting metal alloy in or around the joint. The surfaces of the metals to be joined are typically cleaned and a flux is used to assure the cleaned surface is “wet” by the solder.

If you look around the house you will find soldered joints in most if not all our electronic devices.  If you have copper water pipes or fixtures, then you have some examples of applications for soldered joints.  Typically if a soldered joint is re-heated, the joint can be disassembled.  Strength is limited to that of the weakest material and temperatures to well under that of the soldering temperature in the application.

Brazing has some similarities to soldering. Joined components are bonded by a  filler material that also needs to melt and wet the surfaces. A flux may be employed. Brazing is performed at much higher temperatures than a solder and the bond produced results in a stronger joint.

Steel components are often brazed with a copper alloy.

When we weld a metal, the components and any filler metal used are actually melted and then allowed to re-solidify to create the joint.  Any metal can be welded to itself when the same alloy filler metal is used with proper procedures.

When a filler metal is used, then it has to be compatible with the base

metals of the components to be joined when both are liquid.  Fluxes or non reactive gases are often used to protect the weld from oxidation until solidified.

You will find examples of welds around the house in metal furniture or in the car  on your driveway.

In all of these processes, the method of creating and applying heat can vary from simple fuel burning torches and furnaces to the most sophisticated electron beams.

Each of these methods is dependent on the materials, application, and of course ….the specifications.

So for the umpteenth time, I remind you to CHECK THE SPECS!!!! That my friends will wrap us up for today. Thank you for watching. Michlin Metals is a full service value added distributor and supplier of all things steel, stainless steel, nickel, alloy, metals etc….check the website for more info www.michlinmetals.com. Missed last weeks’ video, click here. Still here and haven’t subscribed? Click here. See you next Thursday same time, same place. 10am YouTube! I’m out!!!!