Tempering is the process of improving the characteristics of metals especially steel, by heating it to a

high temperature, though below the melting point, and then cools it usually in air. Tempering is
usually performed after hardening to reduce some excess hardness, and is done by heating a metal
to some temperature before the critical point for a certain period of time, then allowing it to cool in
still air.

The process has the effect of toughening by lowering brittleness and reducing internal stresses.
Suitable temperature for tempering very considerably, depending on the type of steel and designed
application; for tool steels the hardness of which must be retained. The range is usually from 200C
to 250C (400F to 500F).

Low tempering temperatures may only relieve the internal stresses, decreasing brittleness while
maintaining a majority of the hardness. Higher tempering temperatures tend to produce a great
reduction in the hardness and increase in elasticity and plasticity.

The exact temperature depends on both the specific composition of the alloy and on the desired
properties in the finished product for instance, very hard tool are often tempered at low
temperatures, while spring are tempered at much higher temperatures.

The reduction in hardness is usually accompanied by an increase in ductility, thereby decreasing the
brittleness of the metals.

Tempering at low temperatures may produce an increase in hardness while at high temperatures
hardness will decrease.

DEFINITION OF TERMS USE:

 Hardness: - A surface’s resistance to scratching, abrasion and indentation.

 Brittleness: - Brittleness describes material tendency to break before bending deforming
either elastically or plastically. Brittleness increases with decreased toughness, but is greatly
affected by internal stressed as well.
 Plasticity: - The ability to bend or deform in a manner that does not spontaneously return to
its original shape.
 Elasticity:- this is the ability of a material to deform, bend, compress or stretch and return to
its original shape once the external stress is removed.