Which activity is associated with hot working?

The activity associated with hot working is the process of heating metals above their recrystallization temperature. This is crucial because hot working involves deforming metals through processes such as forging, rolling, or extrusion while they are at elevated temperatures. When the metal is heated beyond its recrystallization temperature, it can be reshaped without the formation of significant internal stresses or hardening, allowing for easier manipulation and superior mechanical properties.

In contrast, molding metals into shape typically refers to a casting process that does not involve the same deformation techniques as hot working. Cooling metals to room temperature is related to solidification and other treatments rather than the working of metals. Similarly, cutting metals into smaller pieces is a process of separation rather than deformation and manipulation that takes place during hot working. Thus, understanding the specific role of temperature in altering metal structure and properties is essential in distinguishing hot working from other metalworking processes.