Annealing (metallurgy) brass can be cooled slowly in air, or quickly by quenching in water, unlike ferrous metals, such as steel, which must be cooled slowly to anneal. In this fashion, the metal is softened and prepared for further work—such as shaping, stamping, or forming. Annealing occurs by the diffusion of atoms within a solid material, so that the material progresses towards its equilibrium state. Heat increases the rate of diffusion by providing the energy needed to break bonds. The movement of atoms has the effect of redistributing and eradicating the dislocations in metals and (to a lesser extent) in ceramics. This
Fourcault process By changing the chemistry it is possible to affect the surface characteristics of the glass, improving its quality and durability. Glass rollers hold the ribbon throughout various parts of the process, supporting its weight and continuing the drawing process. The process continues as the ribbon is drawn upwards into a chimney like structure, where it is quenched or rapidly cooled. When the ribbon reaches the end of the process it is scored, or cut, and then removed for further processing in discrete sheets of flat glass. The "bulb edges" are recycled as cullet (flawed glass which is remelted) or were