When joining steel and copper, how does the steel's heat absorption compare to that of copper?

When joining steel and copper, it is important to understand the thermal properties of these metals. Copper has a high thermal conductivity, which means it can absorb and transfer heat quickly. As a result, when heat is applied, copper will reach its temperature rapidly. On the other hand, steel has a lower thermal conductivity compared to copper, meaning it absorbs heat more slowly.

As the heat from the brazing process is applied, the steel will lag behind copper in terms of temperature rise. However, once the steel reaches its desired temperature at the brazing joint, it can maintain this temperature because of its capacity to store heat better compared to copper, which tends to dissipate heat quickly due to its high conductivity.

This understanding highlights the thermal dynamics involved when joining these two metals. While copper warms up quickly and may be at risk of overheating if not controlled correctly, steel's slower absorption of heat provides some degree of timing advantage during the brazing process, leading to a more controlled application of heat. This combination allows for effective joining techniques, especially in applications where precise control of the brazing temperature is crucial.