Anneal

usgb/əˈniːl/
verb

To heat and cool a metal or glass to reduce its brittleness and make it stronger.

The wire is annealed to reduce any work hardening that may have occurred.
Visual representation of "anneal" - To heat and cool a metal or glass to reduce its brittleness and make it stronger.

Often appears as...

  • anneal steel
  • anneal wire

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "anneal"
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Industrial Process

Anneal is often used to describe processes in manufacturing or material science.

Illustration for Industrial Process
The factory must anneal the aluminum sheets before shaping them.
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Physical Change

Annealing refers to a physical transformation that alters a material's properties.

Illustration for Physical Change
Annealed copper conducts electricity better than before the process.
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Not Melting

Annealing involves heating but doesn't melt the material; it's not about liquifying.

Illustration for Not Melting
Be careful not to melt the metal; we only need to anneal it.
Visual representation of the word "Anneal"

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