cold work

Cold work refers to the process of shaping or deforming a material, typically metal, at room temperature without heating it. This technique enhances the material's strength and hardness due to the dislocation of its internal structure. Common methods include bending, drawing, or rolling. While cold working improves mechanical properties, it can also lead to increased brittleness and reduced ductility, meaning the material may break instead of bending under stress. Cold work is widely used in manufacturing since it can improve product durability and performance while allowing for precise control over dimensions and surface finish.