Definition

Verb: 1. To join two metal pieces together using a hard solder with a high melting point. This process involves heating the solder until it melts and flows into the joint, creating a strong bond upon cooling. It is similar to soldering but uses a filler metal with a higher melting point.

Usage and Examples

• The plumber will braze the copper pipes to ensure a leak-proof connection.
• To repair the antique bronze statue, the conservator had to carefully braze the broken pieces.
• This type of joint is not welded; it is brazed using a silver-based alloy.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Industrial Context: In manufacturing, "braze" often specifies a precise joining technique distinct from welding or soft soldering. It implies the use of a filler metal that melts at a temperature above 450°C (842°F) but below the melting point of the base metals being joined.
  • The heat exchanger coils are brazed in a controlled atmosphere furnace.

Variants and Related Words

• Brazing (n): The process or technique of joining metals by brazing.
  • Brazing requires proper cleaning of the metal surfaces.
• Brazer (n): A person who performs brazing, or a machine used for brazing.
• Braze welding (n): A related process where the filler metal is deposited in a groove or fillet, similar to welding, but at temperatures below the base metal's melting point.

Synonyms

• Solder (hard): Often used interchangeably in general contexts, though "braze" specifically implies a high-temperature process.
• Join: A general term for connecting two parts.
• Fuse: To join by melting together, though this is more closely associated with welding.

Antonyms

• Separate
• Disjoin
• Break apart

Related Technical Phrases

• Brazing alloy: The filler metal used in the brazing process.
• Brazing torch: The tool used to apply heat for brazing.

Verb

1. solder together by using hard solder with a high melting point