The word 'annealed' describes a process or state where a material, typically metal or glass, has been heated to a specific temperature and then slowly cooled. This process alters the material's physical and sometimes chemical properties. Primarily, annealing makes the material softer, less brittle, and reduces internal stresses. It can also improve its ductility, enhancing its ability to be drawn or hammered into shape without cracking. Furthermore, annealing may refine the grain structure of the material, leading to improved machinability and overall performance. This controlled heating and cooling also removes impurities and makes the material easier to work with. Think of it like "resetting" the material's internal state, allowing for greater flexibility and resilience.
Annealed meaning with examples
- The blacksmith carefully annealed the steel blade, heating it until it glowed red before allowing it to cool slowly. This painstaking process removed internal stresses and made the metal pliable enough to be hammered into the desired shape, without the risk of cracking or shattering under the repeated blows. Without the annealing process, the blade would have been too brittle and prone to failure.
- After the glassblower shaped the delicate vase, they immediately put it in the annealing oven. The slow cooling process was crucial; without it, the rapid temperature change would have caused the glass to crack and shatter due to internal stresses. The annealing ensured a strong, durable, and beautiful final product, safe for use.
- The engineer determined that the welds on the pressure vessel required annealing to prevent future failures. High temperatures from the welding process created internal stress; Annealing reduced the chance of cracking or warping. The controlled heating and cooling of the material was a critical step in making sure that the vessel could withstand the pressure for years.
- The jeweler annealed the gold wire before crafting it into a delicate necklace. The process made the gold more malleable, allowing her to shape it precisely without breaking the thin strands. The final product, a beautiful piece of jewelry, would not have been possible without the controlled heating process to soften the material.