Tempering is the science of a materials ability to spring back after being flexed.

Tempers such as Soft, 1/4 Hard, 1/2 Hard, 3/4 Hard, and Full Hard are produced by compressing flat stainless steel under very high pressures between two rolls, which flatten and elongate the material. This increases the material surface’s tensile strength and yield strength. Soft tempers contain no spring back, due to the annealing process. Hard tempers have been cold-rolled to its 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, Full Hard condition. This increases the metal’s attractiveness for mild drawing, stretching and forming operations.


Please see below for a list of available Stainless Steel Tempers:


  • Soft (annealed)
  • 1/4 Hard
  • 1/2 Hard
  • 3/4 Hard
  • Full Hard
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