Design and Technology GCSE
Work Hardening
What Work Hardening means in Design and Technology GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Work Hardening
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
The strengthening of a metal by plastic deformation. As metal is bent or hammered cold, its crystal structure changes, making it harder but more brittle.
An increase in the hardness and brittleness of a metal caused by repeated plastic deformation (cold working) without the application of heat.
An increase in the hardness and strength of a metal caused by plastic deformation at room temperature.
Topics that use Work Hardening
- Metals: Design contexts (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Metals: Specialist techniques, tools, equipment and processes to shape, fabricate, construct and assemble a high-quality metal prototype (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Metals: The impact of forces and stresses on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and how they can be reinforced and stiffened (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
Using Work Hardening in the exam
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