Temper

“Temper” can indeed refer to a variety of processes related to heat treatment and the alteration of material properties in metals, alloys, and even some plastics.

1. Tempering of Steel: This is a heat treatment process used to improve the toughness and reduce the brittleness of hardened steel. After steel has been hardened through quenching (rapid cooling), it is often too hard and brittle for many applications. Tempering involves reheating the steel to a lower temperature (usually below the critical point) and then allowing it to cool slowly. This process helps to relieve internal stresses and adjust the hardness and strength of the steel to achieve the desired properties for specific applications.
2. Thermal Treatment of Finished Products: This refers to the application of heat to finished products, such as metals, alloys, and plastics, to remove internal stresses that may have been introduced during manufacturing processes like machining or forming. This can help improve the dimensional stability, reduce the risk of distortion or cracking, and enhance the overall quality and performance of the finished product.
3. Softening and Stress Relief: In addition to tempering hardened steel, heat treatment processes can also be used to soften metal alloys and relieve internal stresses. This can involve heating the material to specific temperatures and then allowing it to cool naturally, which helps to restore ductility, reduce hardness, and minimize residual stresses.

Overall, tempering plays a crucial role in the heat treatment of materials, allowing engineers and manufacturers to control and optimize the mechanical properties of metals and alloys for a wide range of applications, from automotive components to industrial machinery.