Copper Work Hardening Coefficient
The copper work-hardening coefficient tells you how much copper's strength increases when it's plastically deformed without heating. This happens because dislocations pile up in the crystal lattice.
Physicochemical Mechanism of Action
Copper can be plastically deformed at room temperature, which leads to an increase in its strength. This happens through the accumulation of dislocations in the crystal lattice. The more dislocations build up, the harder the material becomes.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
When deforming copper without heating, the strength can be raised, which can lead to better toughness. However, too strong a work-hardening effect can make the material too hard and prone to cracking. This can be a danger especially in complex welding applications or under high loads.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
To control the work-hardening effect, it is important to plan and carry out the deformation steps carefully. When manufacturing copper parts or welding with copper, sufficient heating before and after deformation should be applied to minimize the work-hardening effect. This can be done through heating processes or by choosing suitable tools.