WELDING, BRAZING & HARDFACING

Welding

Welding is a process where two or more parts are joined together by melting them at the contact point and allowing them to cool and fuse. The term applies equally to both metal and thermoplastic parts. The result is a permanent bond that can be stronger than the original materials. Welding typically employs high heat to melt the parts, though intense pressure or a combination of the two. Welding often includes a filler material similar to the base material to fill in gaps and enhance the strength of the weld.

Brazing

Brazing involves joining pieces of metal using a filler metal to create a strong bond between two close-fitting parts. The filler material has a lower melting point than the metal work pieces being joined. Where welding melts the work pieces, brazing heats only enough to melt the filler so it will wick or flow via capillary action into the joint between the two parts. This results in less distortion of the base metal parts and allows joining of two dissimilar base metals with different melting points, something welding frequently cannot accomplish.

Side Note:  Soldering, which is similar to brazing, uses filler materials that melt at a lower temperature, typically below 450°C.

Hardfacing

Hardfacing is a specialized welding process where a harder and more wear-resistant material is welded to the surface of a softer base metal. Hardfacing results in a more durable material that can withstand friction, impact, abrasion, and high temperatures. Hardfacing extends the service life of the part which can reduce maintenance, downtime and operating costs.

EMI's Welding, Brazing and Hardfacing Services

EMI's joining services include:

• MIG Welding -- also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
• TIG Welding -- also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
• Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA) Hardfacing -- also known as Starweld
• Purge Welding -- especially for reactive metals like stainless steel and titanium
• Low Temp Welding -- especially for aluminum alloys
• Fuse Welding
• Torch Brazing
• Soldering

Given EMI's long history of serving the Food Processing & Packaging industry it's no surprise we are well-versed in completing projects that require compliance with USDA 3-A sanitary welding standards to produce joints that are strong, leak-free, and easy to clean.