What does 'cold working' refer to in materials processing?

Cold working refers to the process of deforming a material at temperatures below its recrystallization temperature. This technique involves mechanically shaping or altering the material through methods such as rolling, bending, or drawing without the need for heat. When a material is cold worked, its dislocation density increases, leading to work hardening, which enhances strength and hardness but may reduce ductility.

Deforming below the recrystallization temperature is significant because it allows for substantial changes in the material's shape while maintaining its structural integrity, allowing for precise manipulation of its properties. As a result, cold working is commonly employed in a variety of manufacturing processes to achieve desired mechanical properties and dimensions in metals and alloys.