Rõhutöötlemine

Rõhutöötlemine is an Estonian term that translates to "pressure processing" or "stress processing" in English. It refers to a range of industrial techniques that utilize applied pressure to modify the properties of materials. This can involve shaping, hardening, or otherwise altering the physical characteristics of substances.

One common application of rõhutöötlemine is in metallurgy. Processes like forging, rolling, and extrusion all fall under this category, where metals are shaped under high pressure. This pressure can induce plastic deformation, allowing for the creation of complex shapes and improving the material's strength and ductility through work hardening. Cold working, a form of pressure processing performed below the recrystallization temperature, further enhances these properties.

Beyond shaping metals, rõhutöötlemine also encompasses techniques for improving material durability. Shot peening, for example, involves bombarding a metal surface with small spherical projectiles. The impact creates a compressive stress layer on the surface, increasing resistance to fatigue and stress corrosion cracking. Similarly, certain types of surface treatments and compacting of powders rely on significant applied pressure to achieve desired material structures and performance. The specific method and pressure applied are critical factors in determining the outcome of the rõhutöötlemine process.