Welding and soldering are techniques for joining two or more pieces of metal. In some cases, also included other materials . They are also techniques for filling gaps in metal components. If you're planning a project that involves joining metal pieces together, how do you decide which technique to use?
Welding and soldering techniques are applied to different work. Depending on the work you are doing, you must consider factors such as the type of metal, required strength, and end purpose to determine the best technique for your project.
Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by using high heat to melt the parts together and allowing them to cool, causing fusion. Welding is distinct from lower temperature techniques such as brazing and soldering, which do not melt the base metal (parent metal). --Wikipedia
Soldering is a joining process used to join dissimilar metals together by melting solder. The Solder is a metal alloy, usually made of tin and lead, that is melted by using a hot iron. The iron is heated to temperatures above 600 degrees Fahrenheit, then cooled to form a strong electrical connection.
Welding VS Soldering: Both welding and soldering are manufacturing techniques and the following are their differences.
Welding: Welding joints are used to bear the load, and the strength of the portion of the joint usually more than the base metal
Soldering: Solder joints are not designed to bear loads, it is generally used to make electronic contacts
Welding: up to 3800°C.
Soldering: approximately 350-450 °C
Welding: Requires heating to the workpieces melting point
Soldering: Not required
Welding: Heat treatment is usually required to eliminate the undesirable effects of welding
Soldering: Not required
Welding: The mechanical properties of the parent metal may change at the joint due to heating and cooling
Soldering: No change
Welding: common in the automotive, manufacturing and construction industries
Solder: mainly in the electronics industry.
Welding: No need to preheat the workpiece before welding because it is carried out at high temperature
Soldering: Preheating the workpiece before welding is required
Hope this article helps you get started with the basics of welding and soldering. Does your business require metal fabrication and soldering?
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