Cold work changes strength and hardness through accumulated deformation and dislocation structures. In a machined component, the near-surface state can differ from the bulk, while drawn stock or heavily formed regions can contain location-dependent strain. Review initial hardness distribution, forming sequence and stock removal alongside the grade to interpret differences between lots.

Recovery and recrystallization change stored deformation energy and structure and can restore ductility. Continued exposure after recrystallization can grow grains and affect strength and surface-forming behavior. Newly formed grains alone do not establish a good outcome; evaluate the required balance for the section and function. During anisothermal annealing of severely cold-rolled SUS316L, compare hardness, mean grain size and EBSD structure across the relevant heating rates. Heating rate can affect recrystallization completion and the evolved structure, so equal peak temperatures need not produce equivalent states. Heavily deformed specimens differ from machined bar components; their rates and grain sizes are not general production targets.

Compare micrographs using consistent section direction, location, preparation and observation. Consider whether a heavily deformed initial structure and an equiaxed annealed structure can legitimately share one average-grain-size metric. Apply ASTM E112 within its stated applicability and limitations when selecting the evaluation method.