process annealing

Process annealing is a metallurgical heat treatment applied intermittently during metalworking. Its primary purpose is to restore ductility to a metal that has become brittle due to repeated hammering or other forming processes. This is achieved by heating the metal to a specific temperature, holding it there for a period, and then cooling it slowly. This process prevents the growth of crystals and improves the metal's workability without altering its fundamental properties. Annealing is crucial for preparing metal parts for subsequent manufacturing steps, ensuring they can be shaped and formed effectively.1