The properties of metal are different when above and when below its recrystallization temperature. The strength of a metal decreases as temperature rises, and its grains can be distorted more easily. If a ductile crystal is distorted by working, it does not visibly come apart, but its lattice structure is fragmented . New and smaller crystals form out of the fragments. If the temperature is dropped soon, a fine structure results. However, if the metal is held above the recrystallization temperature and below the melting point, its crystals grow larger. Small crystals tend to combine, and large ones to absorb small ones. The higher the temperature, the faster the growth. The longer the time, the larger the grains become. These conditions help explain the following advantages of pressing or working hot metals.