What advantage does cold working have over hot working?

The advantage of cold working over hot working lies in the precision and accuracy it provides. Cold working processes are carried out at or near room temperature, which allows for greater control over dimensions and tolerances. As a result, the materials can be shaped with finer detail, leading to a smoother surface finish and better mechanical properties. This accuracy is crucial in many applications where a precise fit is essential.

In contrast, while hot working involves significant deformation of materials and often leads to larger shapes, it can result in less control over the final dimensions. The heat can also cause changes in the material properties that may not be desirable for certain applications requiring tight tolerances.

Moreover, cold working typically increases the strength of materials through strain hardening, which is an additional benefit when considering the overall mechanical performance. This makes cold working a favorable choice for applications where precision and material integrity are paramount.