According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica in their entry titled “heat-treating,” the process of altering material properties through controlled heating and cooling is a cornerstone of modern metallurgy. This method is essential for hardening, softening, or modifying metals and glass based on the crystal structure of materials at varying temperatures. 

Heat-treating’s effectiveness lies in precise control over heating and cooling rates. For example, quenching involves rapidly cooling steel in water, oil, or salt brine after high-temperature exposure. This locks carbon atoms into the lattice structure, creating a harder material and improving wear resistance—ideal for tools and high-impact components.

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