|> Annealing (= softening)|
Annealing is a metallurgical operation falling into the category of thermal processes. This process, known as overhardening, consists of gradual heating followed by rapid cooling, in a controlled atmosphere. This operation is used to restore the balanced structure of the metal, softening and recrystallising it so that it can be cold rolled or used for end purposes involving various methods of forming, folding, drawing, light or deep pressing and stamping.
|> Cold working (= elasticity and hardness) |
Cold rolling consists in a reduction in thickness that is accompanied by hardening of the metal. The mechanical properties change in favour of an increase in mechanical strength, elastic limit and hardness, with a reduction in deformation capacity. In contrast to annealed material, cold-worked material maintains its elasticity or springiness in use.
|>Quenching (= high level of hardness and rigidity)|
Quenching is a thermal metallurgical process uniquely used for martensitic stainless steels with high levels of carbon. This process consists of heating the material to what is known as the austenisation temperature and then cooling it rapidly. This transformation of the austenite into martensite helps to increase hardness, in proportion to the carbon content, and is accompanied by the formation of stresses within the material, necessitating a softening process known as tempering.Tempered steel is hard, rigid and very difficult to deform.