halfhard

Halfhard refers to a specific temper or hardness level for metals, particularly steel. It describes a state of hardness that is midway between fully annealed and fully hardened. This temper is achieved through processes like quenching and tempering, but with a less severe tempering temperature or duration compared to full hardening. Metals that are halfhard exhibit a balance of properties. They are generally more ductile and formable than fully hardened metals, making them easier to work with in manufacturing processes such as bending or stamping. However, they also possess a greater degree of strength and wear resistance than annealed metals. The exact properties of a halfhard metal will vary depending on the specific alloy and the precise heat treatment applied. This intermediate hardness is often sought after for applications where a combination of strength and workability is required, without the brittleness associated with full hardening. For example, certain types of springs, fasteners, or tool components might be manufactured at a halfhard temper.