Welding

It is process for joining similar metals by melting and fusing the base metals as well as the filler metal. Welding is usually used with ferrous-based metals such as steel and stainless steel. The temperature range of welding is 800ºC – 1635ºC. Welded joints are the strongest of joints.

Brazing

It is a process in which two close-fitting parts are joined by using a filler material which is heated above its melting point and distributed in the gap by capillary action. A chemical cleaning agent known as flux is used to prevent oxidation of metals being heated. Temperature range for brazing is above 450ºC.

Soldering

It is a process similar to brazing but the filler material is of much lower melting point. The filler material, solder is an alloy of tin and lead. Temperature range for soldering is below 450ºC. Soldered joints are the weakest of the three viz welding, brazing and soldering.

Electroplating

It is process in electric current is used to deposit ions of a metal on another. Thus chromium may be used to plate iron bars. Electroplating is usually done to prevent corrosion of the base metal or for decorative purpose.

Smelting

It is a process of extracting a metal from its ore by heating the ore beyond its melting point. Flux is used in the process to remove the slag