Strain hardening, also known as work hardening, is a process that increases the strength and hardness of a material, typically metals, through plastic deformation. When a metal is deformed, dislocations within its crystal structure multiply, making further deformation more difficult. This results in a stronger material that can withstand greater stress. The process occurs during mechanical working, such as bending or stretching, and is commonly utilized in manufacturing processes like metal forming and rolling. Strain hardening is essential in applications where materials need to maintain strength while being shaped, such as in the production of automotive parts and construction materials.