2040 – 07 – What is Thermal Expansion

When a material heats up, its molecules acquire more energy, becoming more active and taking up more space as they move. This increase in activity is called thermal expansion.

While some projects require workers to manipulate metals using thermal expansion, some materials expand more drastically than others and it’s important to be aware that even a slight change in volume can create defects in a finished product. A workpiece subjected to excessive thermal stresses can warp, crack, or fall apart.