temper steel crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "temper steel crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DRAW: To draw a temper means to gradually reduce the hardness and increase the toughness of steel by heating it to a specific temperature after hardening. This is a direct and common answer for the clue.
6 Letters
ANNEAL: While annealing and tempering are distinct metallurgical processes, they both involve heat treatment of metals to alter their properties. Annealing aims to remove internal stresses and make the metal more ductile, often appearing as a related answer in crosswords for "temper steel."
HARDEN: Tempering is often done *after* steel has been hardened through a process like quenching. The tempering process then makes the hardened steel less brittle and more tough, effectively balancing its hardness with resilience.
7 Letters
TOUGHEN: This word directly describes one of the primary outcomes of tempering steel. The process is applied to make the metal stronger, more resilient, and less prone to breaking under stress, essentially to toughen it.
More About "temper steel"
The phrase "temper steel" refers to a crucial heat treatment process in metallurgy. After steel has been hardened – typically by heating it to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it (quenching) – it often becomes very brittle. Tempering is the subsequent process of reheating the hardened steel to a specific temperature below its critical point, holding it there for a period, and then slowly cooling it. This controlled heating and cooling reduces the brittleness, relieves internal stresses, and increases the steel's ductility and toughness, making it suitable for various applications.
In crosswords, clues like "temper steel" often test your knowledge of specific metallurgical terms or the general effects of such processes. Answers can range from direct actions like "DRAW" (as in 'draw a temper') to the outcomes of the process, such as "TOUGHEN" or "HARDEN" (in the sense of controlled hardness). Understanding the fundamental purpose of tempering – balancing hardness with ductility – is key to cracking these types of clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and effects: For clues involving processes like "temper steel," think not just of the process itself but also its synonyms or, more commonly, its direct effects or purposes (e.g., to toughen, to harden).
- Look at letter count first: Before diving into definitions, always check the number of letters required. This instantly narrows down your options and helps eliminate words that are too long or too short.
- Think technically: Crossword constructors love specific terminology from various fields, including science, industry, and history. If a clue sounds technical, consider specialized terms that fit the context, like metallurgical terms in this case.
- Check surrounding letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as hints. Even one or two letters can often reveal the correct answer, especially for shorter words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "temper steel" mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "temper steel" refers to a metallurgical process of heat treating steel to achieve specific properties, typically to reduce brittleness and increase toughness after it has been hardened. Common answers include terms like DRAW, ANNEAL, HARDEN, or TOUGHEN, each representing a facet or related process of steel treatment.
Are there other words related to metallurgy often found in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords often feature terms from metallurgy or material science. You might encounter clues related to ALLOY, ORE, CAST, FORGE, SMELT, WELD, BRASS, BRONZE, or specific elements like IRON, TIN, ZINC. Recognizing these industrial or scientific terms can greatly aid your puzzle-solving.
Why is the number of letters important for crossword answers?
The number of letters is crucial in crosswords because it directly limits the possible answers. A clue might have multiple valid solutions, but only one will fit the designated number of squares. This constraint is vital for narrowing down options and ensuring the puzzle has a unique solution.