Softening

Softening refers to the process of making a material less hard or rigid, usually through heating or chemical treatment. It involves breaking down internal structures, such as crystalline bonds in glass or minerals, to increase flexibility or change texture. For example, glass softens when heated, allowing it to be shaped or molded. In water treatment, softening removes minerals like calcium and magnesium, which cause hardness. The goal of softening is often to improve workability, reduce wear and tear, or enhance handling. Overall, softening modifies a material's physical properties to make it more suitable for specific applications or shapes.