Hardening & Tempering are essential heat treatment processes used to improve the mechanical properties of steel and other alloys. Hardening involves heating the metal to a specific temperature and then rapidly cooling it (quenching), which increases hardness and strength. However, this also makes the material more brittle. To balance hardness with toughness, the metal is then tempered — reheated to a lower temperature and cooled again — to reduce internal stresses and improve ductility. This process ensures the component can withstand both wear and impact, making it ideal for tools, automotive parts, and high-stress machinery.
