Toughness Explained – Part 1
Heat treating is the process of applying thermal energy by heating or cooling to change the mechanical, physical, metallurgical or chemical properties of a material without affecting its size and shape. The goal of heat treating is to create a part capable of performing its intended function. The steps for achieving this goal normally consist of heating to a given temperature, maintaining that temperature for a specific length of time and then cooling the material back to room temperature, either slowly or rapidly. One of the changes most often associated with heat treating is an increase or decrease in strength often measured by a change in hardness, but another equally important property affected by heat treatment is toughness. In this article we explain what it is and why we want to pay attention to it.
Toughness (…)
via Fastener Technology International – February/March 2012 : Toughness Explained – Part 1.