The joining process encompasses a variety of methods for connecting metal parts together, for a short or long time. All of these methods are key elements in manufacturing, construction, and repair work involving metal parts to ensure structural integrity and functionality.

Key Features:

• Welding: Melting the base metals together, usually with a filler material, to create a strong, permanent joint. Welding is common to heavy industries, including automotive, shipbuilding, and construction.
• Brazing: Using a filler metal that has a lower melting point than the base metals. Brazing creates a strong joint by not melting the main pieces, which is applicable to dissimilar metals.
• Soldering: Low-melting material (solder), which is often used in electronics and plumbing, and is delicate work that uses a minimum of heat on the separate, delicate parts.

The methods are selected to refer to the materials involved, the amount of strength required, the amount of heat involved, and the application uses. Welding could provide a larger amount of strength than soldering; however, welding may not be the best option for delicate parts, where soldering would be the most appropriate method to use.

Joining processes are very important to metal fabricators to produce anything from aircraft to bridges. From circuit boards to jewelry. Knowing how to join the right materials together ensures safety, performance, and longevity of the finished product.