How to break hard alloy?Is the hardness of an alloy higher or lower than that of pure metals?

The hardness of an alloy can vary depending on its composition and processing. Generally, alloys tend to be harder than pure metals. This is because the addition of different elements to the base metal alters its microstructure, making it more resistant to deformation and harder than the original metal. Alloys can also undergo processes like work hardening, which further increases their hardness. However, there are exceptions, and some pure metals can exhibit high levels of hardness under specific conditions. Overall, alloys are often preferred for applications requiring high strength and hardness due to their enhanced properties.