What material is the braze welding filler metal primarily made from?

The primary material used in braze welding filler metal is indeed a silver-based alloy. Silver alloys are chosen for brazing due to their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as their ability to create strong, durable joints at relatively low temperatures compared to other metals and alloys. The high melting point of silver-based alloys also allows them to be effective for joining dissimilar metals without causing distortion or damage to the base materials.

Additionally, silver alloys tend to have good flow characteristics when heated, allowing them to penetrate gaps effectively and create a strong bond. These properties make silver-based brazing filler metals ideal for various applications, particularly in fields where strength and reliability of the joint are critical, such as in aerospace or automotive industries.

While iron-based, copper-based, and brass alloys have their own applications in welding and brazing processes, they are not typically the first choice for filler metals in brazing due to differences in melting point, ductility, and the quality of joints they can produce.