coldworking
Room-temperature metal forming
Coldworking is shaping metal without heating it first—bending, hammering, rolling, or pressing at room temperature.
The process hardens the metal through deformation, which can strengthen it but also make it more brittle.
Contrast with hot working, where metal is heated to make it more malleable.
The jeweler used coldworking techniques to texture the silver bracelet.
Curving from straight
- hammeringStriking repeatedly with force
- stampingForceful foot motion
- punchingStriking with closed fist
- shearingCutting away fleece
rolling · drawing · swaging · coining · embossing · spinning · forging · pressing
Ability to stretch unbroken
- hardnessResistance to penetration
- microstructureSubmillimeter material composition
- dislocationForced out of position
- plasticityAbility to change shape
crystalline · deformation · fatigue · embrittlement · anisotropy · recrystallization · toughness · elongation
Dividing via sharp edge
- drillingHole-making by rotation
- millingProcessing grain mechanically
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- lathingInstalling plaster backing
turning · filing · sawing · planing · reaming · tapping · threading · boring
Smoothing by friction
- burnishingSmoothing by friction
- peeningHammer-working metal surfaces
- smoothingReducing irregularities systematically
- tumblingAcrobatic rolling and flipping
lapping · buffing · deburring · texturing · calendering
bending
Curving from straight
- hammeringStriking repeatedly with force
- stampingForceful foot motion
- punchingStriking with closed fist
shearing · rolling · drawing · swaging · coining · embossing · spinning · forging · pressing · forming
ductility
Ability to stretch unbroken
- hardnessResistance to penetration
- microstructureSubmillimeter material composition
- dislocationForced out of position
plasticity · crystalline · deformation · fatigue · embrittlement · anisotropy · recrystallization · toughness · elongation · fracture
cutting
Dividing via sharp edge
lathing · turning · filing · sawing · planing · reaming · tapping · threading · boring · broaching
polishing
Smoothing by friction
- burnishingSmoothing by friction
- peeningHammer-working metal surfaces
- smoothingReducing irregularities systematically
tumbling · lapping · buffing · deburring · texturing · calendering
coldworkingannealing
Heat-softening of metals
heat treatment · recrystallization · stress relieving · softening · tempering
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