What is the main purpose of tempering metals?

The main purpose of tempering metals is to alter hardness and elasticity. Tempering is a heat treatment process that involves heating a metal, typically steel, to a specific temperature that is below its critical point and then allowing it to cool, either in air or in a controlled environment. This process adjusts the microstructure of the metal, which effectively balances its hardness with ductility and toughness.

As a result, tempering can reduce brittleness while maintaining strength, making the metal more suitable for various applications where durability and flexibility are important. The correct understanding of this process is crucial for anyone involved in metallurgy, engineering, or skilled trades that utilize metalwork. Other options, while they may describe effects that sometimes occur alongside tempering, do not capture the primary intent and result of this specific metallurgical process.