Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Materials - Discussion

The answer should be Annealing.

In tempering hard steel is converted to hard steel at nearly 200 to 300 degree C. Tempering is used to remove the brittleness.

Tempering is a heat-treatment process consisting of reheating the hardened steel to a temperature below 400°C, followed by cooling. Steel in its hardened condition is generally too brittle to be used for certain functions. Therefore, it is tempered.

After the hardening of steel is completed that hardened steel is softened by Tempering but normally steel is soften by the annealing process of heat treatment.

Here the answer will be tempering as it asks hardened steel is softened by the process.

The correct answer is: Annealing.

Annealing is a heat treatment process used to soften hardened steel by:

1. Heating the steel to a specific temperature (usually between 800°C to 900°C) to relieve internal stresses and reduce hardness.
2. Holding the temperature for some time to allow the steel to fully transform into a softer microstructure.
3. Cooling the steel slowly to prevent re-hardening.

Annealing is often used to:

- Soften hardened steel for machining or forming.
- Relieve internal stresses and prevent cracking.
- Improve ductility and toughness.

The other options are not used for softening hardened steel:

- Carburising: A surface hardening process that adds carbon to the steel surface.
- Normalising: A heat treatment process that refines the microstructure and relieves internal stresses, but does not significantly soften the steel.
- Tempering: A heat treatment process that reduces the hardness of quenched steel, but is not used to soften fully hardened steel.

=> Note that the specific heat treatment process and parameters may vary depending on the steel grade and application.

Answer is anneling.

Annealing is the right one.

Tempering is a process in which hardened steel (Martensite) is transformed into soft steel with increase in toughness.

What about annealing?

Well explained, Thanks everyone.

Tempering is the process that is done after hardening process. That soften the harden steel.