Lõõmutama

Lõõmutama is an Estonian verb that describes the act of softening or tempering metal, typically by heating it to a specific temperature and then allowing it to cool slowly. This process is a crucial step in metallurgy, used to reduce the hardness and brittleness of metal that has been previously hardened by quenching. By lõõmutama, the metal's internal stresses are relieved, making it more malleable and less prone to fracture.

The specific temperature and cooling rate used in lõõmutama depend on the type of metal and the desired outcome. For example, steel is often lõõmutatud after hardening to achieve a balance between strength and toughness. The process can also be applied to other metals like copper and brass to improve their workability.

The effects of lõõmutama are significant. It alters the microstructure of the metal, leading to changes in its mechanical properties. The grain structure becomes finer, and dislocations within the crystal lattice are reorganized, resulting in a softer and more ductile material. This makes the metal easier to machine, shape, or form without breaking. In essence, lõõmutama is a controlled heat treatment that refines the metal's internal structure for improved performance and usability in various applications.