Hardened steel is a type of steel that has undergone a specific heat treatment process known as "hardening," which profoundly alters its mechanical properties.
The hardening process involves heating the steel to a precise temperature, typically between 800 and 1000°C, and then rapidly cooling it using a medium such as water, oil, or compressed air.
This rapid cooling triggers a transformation in the steel's internal structure, making it significantly harder and more resistant than its original state. Unlike standard steel, which has a more uniform molecular structure, hardened steel develops a microstructure known as "martensite," which imparts both hardness and impact resistance.