Although the process of metal hot working is lost in the mists of time, a satisfactory understanding of it was finally achieved within the last 40 years. The easy workability of metals and alloys at high temperature is due to the quick change in microstructure, of which dynamic recrystallization is one of the main aspects. Because it is so easy to cold work precious metals, it is difficult to find information about their hot working. However, the difference in results between cold working followed by annealing and hot working is interesting and useful to know inorder to improve product quality. The present work will give a general and simplified description of the microstructural phenomena occurring during hot working, such as dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization. Furthermore, the advantages of the hot working of some precious metals alloys will be shown by means of practical examples including micro structural observations.

Author: Paolo Battaini