Cold solidification

Physical phenomenon that describes the fact that strength (tensile strength) and hardness of metals are increased to different extents upon plastic deformation (cold forming) of said metals. In contrast to that, elongation and impact strength are decreased.

The increase in strength depends on the rate of implementation of the reforming process and on the tendency of the workpiece material towards cold solidification. A high cold solidification rate involves fast increase in strength in proportion to the decreasing reforming rate.

If additional reforming is required during the manufacturing process, cold solidification must be eliminated by means of annealing (see Heat treatment).

Austempered nodular graphite cast iron (s. Bainitic cast iron) may undergo cold solidification through mechanical reforming or abrasive wear, for example. This kind of solidification takes place in the strained surface area through transformation of the mechanically instable austenite phase of the austemptered structure in martensite. This results in hardness increase and wear resistance and the service life of the respective components is enhanced.

Cold solidification of non-flammable materials is defined as chemical and/or hydraulic bonding of masses and plasters without the introduction of heat.

Additional references:
Solidification mechanisms