Abstract: A method for improving the strength and toughness of an austenitic metal alloy selected from the group consisting of stainless steel alloys of the AISI 200 and 300 series and non-stainless steel alloys containing iron, manganese, chromium, and carbon, said alloy having an Md temperature of no higher than about 100.degree. C and an Ms temperature of no higher than about minus 100.degree. C comprising the following steps:A. deforming the alloy at a strain of at least about 10 percent at a temperature in the range of about Md minus 50.degree. C to about Md plus 50.degree. C, said Md temperature being that of the alloy undergoing deformation, in such a manner that the material has a martensite phase of no greater than about 10 percent by volume and an austenite phase of at least about 90 percent by volume; andB. deforming the material produced in step (a) at a strain of at least about 10 percent and at a temperature no higher than minus 75.degree.

Abstract: A process for shearing metal which substantially eliminates the effects of plastic deformation in the sheared metal edge. The process comprises (1) cooling the work metal to a cryogenic temperature, and (2) shearing the cooled metal to form a sheared workpiece having edges relatively free of plastic deformation and dimensional distortion. The shearing operations contemplated by the invention include punching, blanking, piercing and slitting.