Age-harden – Definition & Meaning

Age-harden is a term that is commonly used in the field of metallurgy. It is a process that involves heating and cooling a metal to increase its strength and durability. This process is widely used in the manufacturing of various industrial components such as aircraft parts, engine components, and other high-stress applications. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, and associations of age-harden.

Definitions

Age-hardening is a process that involves heating a metal to a specific temperature, holding it at that temperature for a certain period, then cooling it to room temperature. This process is also known as precipitation hardening. The purpose of age-hardening is to increase the strength and hardness of the metal by causing the formation of small particles within the metal structure. These particles are called precipitates and they serve to block the movement of dislocations within the metal structure, making it stronger and more durable.

Origin

The process of age-hardening was first discovered by a German metallurgist named Wilm in 1906. He found that by heating a copper-aluminum alloy to a specific temperature and then cooling it, the metal became much stronger than before. This process was later refined and applied to other metals, such as aluminum, titanium, and nickel.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford Dictionary, age-hardening is defined as “a process of hardening a metal by heating it to a high temperature and then cooling it slowly.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a process of hardening a metal by heating it to a certain temperature and then cooling it rapidly.” In both cases, the process involves heating and cooling the metal to increase its strength and durability.

Associations

Age-hardening is commonly used in the manufacturing of various industrial components such as aircraft parts, engine components, and other high-stress applications. It is also used in the production of sporting goods such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, and baseball bats. Age-hardening is a critical process in the production of these items, as it ensures that they are strong and durable enough to withstand the stresses of regular use.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of age-hardening include precipitation hardening, solution treating, and artificial aging. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe the same process of heating and cooling a metal to increase its strength and durability.

Antonyms

The opposite of age-hardening is annealing, which involves heating a metal to a specific temperature and then cooling it slowly to improve its ductility and reduce its hardness. Annealing is often used to soften metals that have become too hard or brittle due to previous processing.

The same root words

The root words of age-hardening are “age” and “harden.” Age refers to the process of allowing a metal to sit at a specific temperature for a certain period, while harden refers to the process of increasing the strength and hardness of the metal.

Example Sentences

  1. The aircraft manufacturer used age-hardening to ensure that the engine components were strong enough to withstand the stresses of flight.
  2. The tennis racket manufacturer used age-hardening to make sure that the frame was strong and durable enough to withstand the impact of the ball.
  3. The metal fabricator used age-hardening to increase the strength of the aluminum alloy used in the construction of the building’s facade.
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