What is the primary difference between brazing and welding?

The primary difference between brazing and welding is that brazing joins metals at a lower temperature, while welding typically requires a higher temperature to create the joint. In brazing, the process involves heating the metals to a temperature that is below their melting points and using a filler metal that melts and flows into the joint. This method allows for the joining of materials without altering the base metal's structural characteristics significantly.

Welding, on the other hand, involves melting the base metals, which means the areas being joined actually reach a liquid state. This can lead to changes in the properties of the base metals because of the heat involved. By understanding this temperature difference, one can choose the appropriate technique based on the materials being joined and the desired properties of the final joint.

Other concepts in the options explain various aspects of brazing and welding, but the key distinction in terms of temperature directly influences the choice of method for specific applications and the resulting characteristics of the joint.