It's important to consider cutting parameters, tool selection, and lubrication to minimize work hardening and strain hardening effects during machining. Also, post-machining processes like annealing can relieve the hardening effects and restore the material's original properties when necessary.

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Distinguishing from Recrystallization: Work hardening is distinct from hot working as it occurs at temperatures below the recrystallization range. Hot working involves deformation at high temperatures, preventing strain hardening. Reversibility through Heat Treatment: Despite its transformative effects, work hardening isn't a permanent change. Heat treatment processes like annealing can restore the material's initial properties.

Understanding the nuances of work hardening aids in developing effective manufacturing strategies and maintaining the desired mechanical properties of materials.

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Getting behind-the-scenes access to places most people never see is a real thrill. In the case of the New York Diamond District, it was a gritty and somewhat claustrophobic thrill! In this Midtown Manhattan area along West 47 Street—between 5th and 6th Avenues—you’ll find more than 2,600 jewellers and wholesalers, according to the New York Diamond Exchange. It’s rare to get beyond the counter and into one of the workshops without the help of someone like Michael, our guide from Myron Toback. To get into one diamond cutters’ studio, we walked down a drab long corridor and through forbidding security doors. Inside, the craftsmen (women were nowhere to be seen) were sitting elbow to elbow. No words were being exchanged; only the noise of the machines echoed the rhythms of life in this microcosm. The air was tight, the space oppressive and the men were compulsively absorbed by their task.

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Be wary of unscrupulous sales tactics.  “They will tell you that the item you are viewing is a ‘hot product’ and will be gone by the time you return to the store again. Or If you buy now, they will reduce the price by X% and this special deal is only valid if you commit immediately. Finally, they will act like giving you a ‘special discount’ is a big deal and will call their managers, CEO, mother, father or even their imaginary boss to get the discount ‘approved’.”

Work hardening, also known as strain hardening, is a metallurgical phenomenon observed in metals. It leads to an increase in hardness and strength due to plastic deformation below the recrystallization range. This process is primarily induced by mechanical stress, including machining and forming, causing structural changes in the material.

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Find out their return policy. “For me, the rule I abide by when buying diamonds is simple: No refunds = no purchase. Speaking from both a professional and a consumer point of view, I will only buy diamonds from vendors who offer ‘No questions asked’ refund policies for 14 to 30 days.”

Not all ratings are equal. “One common trick jewelers employ to misrepresent their diamonds is through the use of appraisals with overly inflated values and shady grading certification… If a vendor tries to sell you a diamond with a certificate from dubious gemological labs like EGL, GAI, IGI, GALA, etc., I can assure you that the grading standards are poor and the diamond will be over-graded in its true properties… In order to know exactly what you are buying and that the diamond is being represented correctly, you should only consider diamonds graded by GIA or AGS.”

Increased Hardness and Strength: Work hardening increases the material's hardness and strength by reconfiguring its atomic structure, hindering further deformation. Selective Metal Susceptibility: Certain metals, such as soft, low-carbon steel, alloys containing nickel and manganese, and specific superalloys like Inconel and Monel, exhibit notable work hardening traits. Plastic Deformation as Trigger: Plastic deformation, caused by various techniques such as bending, rolling, or hammering, is the primary driver of work hardening.

One however, took a moment to explain some of the thought and technique involved in cutting a rough diamond.  “First we look at its shape, taking note of any imperfections,” he explained. “Our goal is to try to maximize its value. Sometimes we first have to polish little windows to see into it and then we make a decision where to cut and what the shape will be. It can take weeks or longer. For example, we have a 40 carat very imperfect diamond and it’s going to be eight months working on it from start to finish. You can’t push it, otherwise it will just explode.” After looking at some stunning emerald cut sparklers and other diamonds in the rough, we headed back to the street to tour some of the shops with Michael, who appears to be the Don of the District as we were stopped at every step by someone who wanted to say hello or give him a hug. Everyone seemed to know him. It felt like we were on the set of The Godfather.

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Materials that are highly susceptible to work hardening and strain hardening during machining are typically those with a high degree of ductility.

Aluminium Alloys: Many aluminium alloys, such as 2024 and 7075, are highly susceptible to work hardening, requiring careful tool selection and cutting techniques. Copper and Copper Alloys: Pure copper, brass, and bronze are known for their high ductility and can 'work harden' rapidly during machining. Titanium Alloys: Titanium alloys, common in aerospace and medical applications, exhibit strong work hardening tendencies, necessitating caution during machining. Stainless Steels: Austenitic stainless steels like 304 and 316 are susceptible to work hardening. Proper tooling and cutting speeds are crucial when machining them. Nickel-Based Superalloys: Superalloys such as Inconel and Monel, used in aerospace and marine applications, are highly susceptible to work hardening. Brass and Lead: Copper-zinc alloy (brass) and soft metals like lead 'work harden' easily during machining. Certain Plastics: Thermoplastic materials like polycarbonate can exhibit strain hardening under mechanical stress during machining.

There’s no such thing as wholesale prices. “This is a marketing gimmick. Wholesale prices don’t exist at the retail storefronts and if you are in a store who claims this, walk away. The real ‘wholesalers’ don’t deal with the public and will only sell to people in the trade or other jewelry businesses.”

Anyone can buy diamonds from jewellers in the Diamond District, but it can be both overwhelming and risky if you don’t do your homework. Here are 5 tips from Paul Gian, a gemologist, who has toured the district. (For his complete list, sign up for his newsletter and download a free guide to buying diamonds.)

If it sounds too good to be true… “If the price of a diamond is too good to be true, it’s qualities are being misrepresented. A telltale sign is that these diamonds do not have grading reports from a reliable 3rd party lab like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (America Gem Society).”