To subject a metal to mechanical stress at room temperature, causing its crystal lattice to gain dislocations that resist further deformation. Bending, hammering or rolling the metal forces these microscopic defects to pile up. This makes the material stronger but progressively more brittle until it either fractures or receives a stress-relieving anneal.
Heard on the job
If you bend that copper pipe back and forth too many times, it will work-harden and snap off in your hands.
Also heard as
- strain-harden
- cold-work
- Work hardening
- strain hardening
- cold working