Brazer is a skilled professional who joins metal components using brazing techniques to create durable and strong connections. The profession requires certain education, experience, and certification. The brazing process involves heating and melting a filler metal to bond the parts together. Brazers work with a variety of metals, such as aluminum, copper, steel, and alloys. They utilize specialized equipment and tools to perform brazing operations. Most commonly, the brazing technique is used in industries such as automotive, plumbing, manufacturing, and aerospace. In this article, read all about Brazer’s job description in detail.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Brazing Equipment
- Brazing Techniques
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Educational Qualifications
Typical education level includes-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Trade School
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Relevant AWS Certification
Course Types
Some common courses types include-
- Advanced Brazing Courses
- Basic Brazing Courses
- Brazing Certification Preparation Courses
- Customized/In-House Training
- Specialized Brazing Techniques Courses
Certification/License
Some commonly recognized certifications include-
American Welding Society (AWS) Certifications-
- Certified Brazing Inspector (CBI)
- Certified Brazing Operator (CBO)
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)-
- Certified Production Technician (CPT)
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)-
- NCCER Brazing Certification
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Apprenticeships
- Industry-Specific Experience
- Previous Welding Experience
- Relevant Hands-on Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to safety guidelines and procedures
- Apply flux to the joint area before brazing
- Apply/control the filler metal or alloy
- Clean/prepare the metal surfaces before brazing
- Collaborate with team members
- Heat metal components to the required temperature
- Identify/troubleshoot brazing issues
- Inspect/assess the quality of brazed joints
- Maintain accurate records for future reference
- Perform post-brazing finishing
- Perform the brazing operation
- Record/document the work performed
- Review blueprints/other specifications
- Select compatible filler metal/alloy as per the materials
- Set up/adjust brazing equipment
Brazing Equipment
Some common equipment types include-
- Brazing Furnace
- Brazing Jigs/Fixtures
- Brazing Torch
- Cleaning/Preparing Equipment (sandpaper, wire brushes, chemical solvents)
- Filler Metal Dispensing System: (wire feeders, spool guns)
- Flux Applicators (sprayers, brushes, or dipping tanks)
- Induction Heating Equipment (power supply, induction coils, and cooling system)
- Inspection Tools (calipers, micrometers, magnifying lenses, lights, dye penetrant, X-ray)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (safety glasses, gloves, and heat-resistant clothing)
Brazing Techniques
Some common techniques include-
- Dip Brazing
- Furnace Brazing
- Induction Brazing
- Resistance Brazing
- Silver Soldering (silver brazing)
- Torch Brazing
Abilities/Skills
Some key skills include-
- Attention to detail
- Blueprint reading/interpretation skills
- Brazing equipment operation proficiency
- Continuous learning temperament
- Effective communication skills
- Filler metal selection/application knowledge
- Effective problem-solving skills
- Hand-eye coordination skills
- Heat control/cycle management ability
- Joint preparation/fit-up skills
- Knowledge of brazing techniques
- Metallurgy/material knowledge
- Quality control/inspection skills
- Troubleshooting skills
Work Environment
Some common work conditions include-
- Exposure to heat and fumes
- Follow safety protocols/guidelines
- May be exposed to potential hazards
- May operate on shifts or require overtime work
- May work independently or with a team
- Typically work full-time schedules
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work in a variety of settings
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- Good manual dexterity is essential
- May need to lift and carry heavy materials
- May need to work in awkward positions
- May require physical strength to handle materials
- Often need to stand/walk for long periods
- Require eye-hand coordination
- Subject to heat exposure
- Work may involve repetitive motions
Top Industries
Some common job areas include-
- Aerospace/Defense Industries
- Automotive/Transportation Sectors
- Construction/HVAC Industries
- Manufacturing Industries
- Medical Equipment Industries
- Metal Fabrication Companies/Shops
- Plumbing/Pipefitting Applications
- Research/Development Settings
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aerospace Brazer
- Brazer/Fabricator
- Brazer/Welder
- HVAC Brazer
- Plumbing Brazer
- Production Brazer
- Quality Control Brazer
- Repair/Maintenance Brazer
- Research/Development Brazer
Salary Information
On average, a Brazer in the United States earns $19.73 per hour. The factors like education, certification, experience, company size, location, and market trends affect salary figures. The highest hourly paying cities are Phoenix ($22.54), Sparta ($20.52), Tulsa ($18.60), and Dayton ($18.45).
However, the approximate salary ranges include-
- Hourly Wage – $15 to $30
- Monthly Salary – $2,400 to $4,800
- Yearly Salary – $28,000 to $58,000 or more
These salary ranges are just estimates, actual figures may vary from place to place. Additionally, certified brazers may earn higher salaries in specific roles.
Benefits/Perks
The most common benefits include-
- 401(k) and Matching
- Dental Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fitness Reimbursement
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Life Insurance
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Uniform/Work Boot Stipend
- Vacation Time
- Vision Insurance
Summary
The profession of a Brazer is crucial in a variety such as construction, plumbing, automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace. Brazers join metal components using brazing techniques. The job requires knowledge of metallurgy, brazing techniques, blueprint interpretation, and other specifications. They commonly use brazing equipment like furnaces, torches, or induction heating systems. Certified brazers have more earning potential. Overall, Brazers contribute to the successful completion of various brazing projects.
