The annealing furnace heat the material above the recrystallization temperature and then cool down the material.The material recrystallizes as it cools once the heating process has caused atom movement to redistribute and eradicate dislocations in the workpiece.

Annealing works in three stages , the recovery stage, recrystallization stage and the grain growth stage. These work as follows:

1. Recovery Stage

This stage is where the furnace or other heating device is used to raise the temperature of the material to such a point that the internal stresses are relieved.

2. Recrystallization Stage

Heating the material above its recrystallization temperature but below its melting point causes new grains to form without any residual stresses.

3. Grain Growth Stage

Cooling the material at a specific rate causes new grains to develop. After which the material will be more workable. Subsequent operations to alter mechanical properties can be carried out following annealing.