Which process does brazing use to join materials?

Brazing is a metal-joining process that utilizes a non-ferrous filler metal or alloy that has a melting point above 450 °C (842 °F) but below the melting point of the workpieces being joined. This is a key characteristic of brazing which differentiates it from other joining methods like welding. In brazing, the filler metal flows into the joint by capillary action and solidifies upon cooling, creating a strong bond between the materials.

Using a non-ferrous filler metal is essential because it ensures that the joining process does not melt the base materials, allowing for the integrity of the original components to be maintained. Typically, materials like copper, silver, or aluminum alloys, which do not react adversely with the base materials, are utilized in this process.

The remaining choices represent different joining methods that do not align with the principles of brazing. Ferrous welding rods relate to processes like arc welding, where the rods can melt and fuse with the base materials. Adhesive polymer compounds involve a non-thermal method for joining and would not involve melting metals. Plastic welding techniques involve joining plastic materials through processes that typically involve melting or softening of the plastic, which is distinctly different from the metal-joining approach of brazing