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How to Harden Copper

Copper is a metal that has many uses, ranging from jewelry to plumbing to computer circuitry. Craftspeople who work with the metal in order to make jewelry, for example, can attest to its flexibility. The metal is soft, especially when heated, and can be bent into many shapes and sizes. It also can be hammered flat or in a relief that reflects a piece of art. Copper workers also know that by hammering and bending, they are making the metal harder. This is called work hardening and can be done without the aid of special tools.

Things You'll Need

Hammer
Punch
Rock tumbler
Container with lid

Instructions

- 1
  Bend it. Copper is made up of a microscopic structure of crystals that hardens when defects are inflicted on the structure. Bend the copper to the shape that you need, working the metal as much as possible to harden the piece.
- 2
  Hammer it. Hammering copper is another way to harden it. It is also a way to create multiple breaks in the copper crystals in order to get more hard spots. Beat the copper with a hammer and punch to create a hardened copper relief. You can also simply beat the copper in order to flatten it. Doing so will strengthen the piece at the same time.
- 3
  Tumble it. Place smaller pieces of copper in a rock tumbler to harden the metal. You can also place the pieces inside a container with a lid and shake. The point is to bruise the copper's crystal structure. Tumbling and shaking are ways to accomplish this even with smaller pieces.

Rocks & Minerals