Hot working involves hammering, rolling, or pressing metal while it is hot enough that new, strain-free grains form continuously during the deformation. Because the metal recrystallizes as it is worked, it does not strain-harden, allowing for massive changes in shape without fracturing. It requires less force than cold working but leaves a rougher surface due to oxidation.
Heard on the job
You have to hot work this billet down to size before it cools past the recrystallization point.
Also heard as
- hot-working
Do not mix it up with
- Cold work: Hot work happens above the recrystallization temperature, while cold work happens below it and causes strain hardening.