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GCSE Design and Technology · key term
Increasing a metal’s hardness and strength by permanently deforming it through cold working, such as rolling, hammering or bending.
Used by Edexcel and Eduqas
Specification 2.4.2 · Paper 1
Revise: Reinforcement and StiffeningHeat treatment and work hardening alter material properties. Beam sections use shape to resist deformation without needing a solid bar of metal.
Component 1
An increase in hardness and strength caused by permanently deforming a metal without heating it.
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In metals such as aluminium, copper and silver, and suitable copper alloys, continued cold working increases strength and hardness but reduces the ability to stretch without fracture. This is work hardening. A piece that was initially easy to form may eventually become difficult to shape further.
