Welding vs. Brazing

Aspect	Welding	Brazing
Process	Joining materials by melting and fusing them together	Joining materials by melting a filler metal above 450°C
Materials	Metals and thermoplastics	Metals, ceramics, and some plastics
Temperature	High temperatures, typically above 1200°C	Lower temperatures, generally between 450°C and 900°C
Filler Material	May or may not use filler material	Always uses filler material
Joint Strength	Very strong, can be as strong as the base materials	Strong but generally not as strong as welded joints
Complexity	Suitable for a wide range of complex joints	Best for simpler joints and configurations
Tolerance	Tight tolerances	Good tolerances, less precise than welding
Surface Finish	May require post-processing	Often requires less post-processing
Heat Affected Zone	Significant heat affected zone (HAZ)	Minimal heat affected zone (HAZ)
Equipment Cost	High equipment cost	Lower equipment cost
Skill Level	Requires skilled operators	Easier to learn, less skill required
Applications	Structural applications, pipelines, automotive, aerospace	HVAC, plumbing, electrical components, jewelry
Cost	Higher cost due to equipment and labor	Lower cost, especially for small-scale production
Flexibility	High flexibility in terms of materials and applications	Less flexible, more limited to certain materials and applications

Conclusion:

Welding is a versatile and robust joining method suitable for high-strength applications and complex joints, commonly used in structural, automotive, and aerospace industries. It requires high temperatures and skilled operators. Brazing, on the other hand, operates at lower temperatures and is easier to perform, making it suitable for joining dissimilar materials and components where high strength is not as critical. It is widely used in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical applications. The choice between welding and brazing depends on the specific requirements of the project, including joint strength, material compatibility, and cost considerations.