Why is it essential to clean components before brazing?

Cleaning components before brazing is crucial because it directly impacts the quality of the brazed joint. For a successful brazing operation, surfaces must be free of contaminants such as oils, dirt, rust, and oxidation. These impurities can interfere with the flow of the filler metal and prevent it from properly bonding with the base materials. When the surfaces are cleaned, the filler metal can achieve a good wetting action, allowing it to flow into the joint and create a strong bond once cooled.

A quality brazed joint is characterized by good strength, durability, and resistance to leaks, all of which depend on the integrity of the joint formed between the two components being joined. Therefore, thorough cleaning is a fundamental practice in the brazing process to ensure optimal performance and reliability of the final product.