Brass is a part of many common products utilized in everything from daily home life to industrial work environments. When it comes to welding, however, brass can be a tricky metal to deal with, since it has a considerably higher melting point than other frequently-used welding metals. To help you understand how professionals weld brass, below is a brief overview of this subject.

What Is Brass?

First, it's helpful to understand what brass is and what it’s made of. Brass is essentially an umbrella term that encompasses many different types of metal alloys with certain amounts of zinc added to them. Before professional welders begin, they will assess how much zinc content the brass has; this will ensure the flame is hot enough to conduct the welding process.

Flux Preparation

Flux is a substance used to reduce the impact of atmospheric gasses on the welding process. Professionals will prepare a flux that is either designed for braze welding or for oxyacetylene welding. The flux is mixed with water until a paste consistency is achieved. Then it is applied directly to the brass surfaces that are to be welded.

Welding Tip Size

Welding tips used with brass are typically one size larger than what would normally be used to weld steel of a similar size. Because of brass's much higher melting point, a more intense flame is needed, so the tip must be large enough to achieve this temperature but still small enough to complete a controlled and precise weld.

Acetylene Gas Adjustments

Technicians will start welding with the acetylene gas at a low point and adjust it as necessary until the oxidizing flame is strong enough to initiate a coating on the brass. This step is crucial because sufficient oxygen prevents zinc fumes from being released out of the brass. However, too much oxygen can make welding even more challenging, so a precise balance is necessary.

While brass comes with some additional considerations, it is often used without issues or concerns in welding. When you need quality welding services, trust the professionals at Brady's Welding Specialties. For over four decades, they have been offering welding and welding repair to the Pierce County area. To learn more, contact them by phone at (253) 475-4608, via their website, or through their Facebook or Twitter pages.