durchgehärtet

"Durchgehärtet" is a German term that translates to "through-hardened" in English. It refers to a heat treatment process used in metallurgy to enhance the hardness and wear resistance of a material. This process involves heating the material to a specific temperature, usually above its critical temperature, and then cooling it rapidly, often using quenching methods such as oil, water, or air. The rapid cooling prevents the formation of certain crystal structures, resulting in a harder and more wear-resistant material. This process is commonly applied to steels and other alloys to improve their mechanical properties for applications requiring high strength and durability, such as in tools, gears, and machinery components. The term "durchgehärtet" emphasizes that the hardening process affects the entire material, not just its surface, ensuring uniform properties throughout.