What is a common consequence of poor joint clearance in brazing?

Poor joint clearance in brazing directly impacts the flow of the filler metal, which is crucial for creating a strong bond between the base metals. When the clearance is insufficient, it hinders the ability of the molten filler metal to adequately fill the joint space. This can lead to inadequate wetting of the surfaces, resulting in incomplete penetration of the filler metal within the joint. Consequently, this may produce voids or insufficient bonding, ultimately compromising the integrity and strength of the joint.

Moreover, proper clearance is essential for capillary action, which helps draw the filler metal into the joint. If this action is disrupted due to poor joint clearance, the filler metal may not flow as intended, leading to poor mechanical properties in the finished assembly. Therefore, the consequence of poor joint clearance significantly affects the success of the brazing process, emphasizing the critical nature of clearance requirements in achieving reliable joints.