Why is alignment critical in a brazed joint?

Alignment is critical in a brazed joint primarily because it contributes to joint strength. When components are properly aligned during the brazing process, the filler metal can flow evenly into the gap between the parts. This ensures that the joint is fully filled and that there are no voids or gaps, which can be potential points of weakness. A well-aligned joint promotes a uniform distribution of stress across the joint during operation, enhancing durability and the overall performance of the assembly.

Additionally, proper alignment helps maintain the integrity of the joint under different operational conditions, including thermal expansion and contraction, vibrations, and other stresses. Therefore, alignment directly influences the mechanical properties of the bonded joint, leading to a stronger and more reliable assembly.

The other options do not directly relate to the fundamental purpose of alignment in enhancing joint strength. For example, while thermal conductivity and ease of disassembly may be affected to some extent by alignment, they are not the primary concerns compared to the structural integrity provided by proper alignment. Increasing component weight is also unrelated to the concept of joint alignment in brazing.