Annealing (materials science)

Annealing is a heat treatment process used in materials science, primarily in metallurgy, to alter the physical and sometimes chemical properties of a material, usually metals or glass. The main purposes of annealing include: 1. **Reducing Hardness**: Annealing can soften a hardened material, making it easier to work with through processes like machining or forming. 2. **Improving Ductility**: The process enhances the ductility of metals, allowing them to deform more easily without breaking.