Properties of Metals
DOE-HDBK-1017/1-93
WORKING OF METALS
The important information in this chapter is summarized below.
Quenching
Varying the rate of cooling (quenching) of the metal controls grain
size and grain patterns.
Grain characteristics are controlled to produce different levels of
hardness and tensile strength.
Hardness and tensile strength increase in heat-treated steel;
toughness and ductility decrease.
Welding
Produces compressive and tensile stresses
Stresses are minimized by using heat sink welding and annealing
Annealing
Softens steel and improves ductility
Relieves internal stresses caused by previous processes
Refines grain structure
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