Brazing: Difference between revisions

High-quality brazed joints require that parts be closely fitted, and the base metals exceptionally clean and free of oxides. In most cases, joint clearances of {{convert|0.03|to|0.08|mm|abbr=on}} are recommended for the best [[capillary action]] and joint strength.<ref name="page20">{{harvnb|Schwartz|1987|pp=20–24}}</ref> However,; in some brazing operations, however, it is not uncommon to have joint clearances around {{convert|0.6|mm|abbr=on}}. Cleanliness of the brazing surfaces is also important, as any contamination can cause poor wetting (flow). The two main methods for cleaning parts, prior to brazing, are chemical cleaning and abrasive or mechanical cleaning. In the case of mechanical cleaning, it is important to maintain the proper surface roughness, as wetting on a rough surface occurs much more readily than on a smooth surface of the same geometry.<ref name="page20" />