RECRYSTALLIZATION

1. Formation of a new, strain-free grain structure from that existing in cold worked metal, usually accomplished by heating (solution annealing of austenitic stainless steels).
2. The change from one crystal structure to another, as occurs when heating or cooling through a critical temperature. As in the change of an as-welded dendritic structure to an equi-axed grain structure, similar to that of the parent material.