Slip

The metallurgical mechanism that explains the way in which grain structure of metals deform to allow wire to be drawn and strength to increase. Slip occurs as atomic dislocation within the metal crystal lattice along prescribed planes, much as a deck of cards spreads when pushed from the side. Since metals are polycrystalline (each grain is oriented in a different direction), slip occurs in a single grain until it encounters another grain. Slip is difficult in strong metals, and easy in soft metals.