Yes, heating steel can weaken it and make it more malleable, which can facilitate bending. When steel is heated to high temperatures, it undergoes a process called annealing or tempering, depending on the specific temperature range.
During annealing, steel is heated to a temperature above its critical temperature and then slowly cooled. This process relieves internal stresses within the steel and allows for the rearrangement of its atomic structure, making it softer and more ductile. As a result, annealed steel is easier to bend and shape without fracturing.
Similarly, tempering involves heating steel to a specific temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This process imparts additional toughness and ductility to the steel, allowing for easier bending and deformation.
It's worth noting that the exact temperature ranges and processes for annealing and tempering vary depending on the specific type and grade of steel being used. Different steels require different heating and cooling cycles to achieve the desired properties for bending or other applications.