Wiki-Annealing

Definition: A heat treatment process that softens steel, relieves internal stresses, and stabilizes its structure, serving as a foundation for later processes such as quenching and tempering.
Details: Annealing is performed by heating steel to a specific temperature, holding it for a period, and then cooling it slowly, typically in a furnace. This treatment improves ductility, homogenizes the internal structure, and removes residual stress from forging or machining.
Comparison: Full annealing is the most common method, producing softness and uniformity. Spheroidizing annealing is critical for high-carbon tool steels before quenching, while stress relief annealing specifically targets the removal of internal strain. Each type is chosen depending on the steel composition and intended use.
Practical Use: In knife making, annealing makes steel easier to forge, grind, and shape, while also preparing it for subsequent hardening. Without proper annealing, quenching may result in cracks, distortion, or uneven hardness. It is considered one of the most essential preliminary steps in producing stable, high-quality knives.

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