What are the kinds of softening points?

Softening points refer to the temperatures at which materials begin to lose their rigidity and become pliable. There are several types of softening points, including the glass transition temperature (Tg), where amorphous materials transition from a hard to a rubbery state; and the melting point, where crystalline materials transition from solid to liquid. Additionally, there are specific softening points determined by methods such as the Ring and Ball test for thermoplastics and the Vicat softening point for thermosetting plastics. Each of these points provides critical information about material behavior under heat.