What is the main objective of the annealing process?

The main objective of the annealing process is to make metal easier to work with. This is achieved through controlled heating and cooling, which allows the metal to relax internally, reducing hardness and increasing ductility. As a result, the metal becomes less brittle and more malleable, making it significantly easier for artisans to shape and form the material into the desired forms without the risk of cracking or breaking.

While joining metals together, measuring gauge, or finishing jewelry are important processes in metallurgy and jewelry making, they do not specifically address the intrinsic changes to the metal's properties that annealing aims to achieve. Annealing is particularly vital in processes where manipulation and shaping of the material are required, emphasizing its primary role in enhancing workability.