Annealing is a heat treatment process used to soften metal, improve ductility, relieve internal stresses, and enhance machinability. The metal is heated to a specific temperature and held there before being cooled slowly in a controlled environment. This process refines the grain structure and makes the material more workable for forming and machining operations. Annealing is commonly used on steel, copper, aluminum, and other alloys across multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.