A common occurrence (unfortunately) in the brazing world is the need to join two parts together by brazing in which the brazing gap is too large – i.e., in the range of 0.010 inches (0.25 mm) or larger. Ideal brazing clearances should be a maximum of 0.000-0.005 inches (0.00-0.125mm) for most brazing filler metals (BFMs).

Many people use silver-based brazing filler metal (BFM) when torch-brazing (i.e., flame-brazing) a variety of base metals such as copper, copper alloys and many types of steel (including stainless steels).

For lap joints in brazing, we usually use the "3T-to-6T Rule," where "T" is the thickness of the thinner of the two members being joined. Here's how this was developed:

Most people realize that metals expand when they are heated and contract when they are cooled. This fact has been thoroughly explored over the years, and data tables have been

Over the years I’ve helped many brazing shops resolve common brazing problems (such as leakers, non-wetting surfaces, etc.). In evaluating these situations, it is not uncommon to discover that sub-components (such as brackets or fittings, etc.) from outside suppliers can actually be the troublemakers!

Brazing, when performed correctly, is a joining process that produces a permanent bond between two or more materials by heating them to a temperature above 450°C (840°F), but lower than the melting-temperature of any of the materials being joined.