You’ve probably heard of metallurgy and metallurgical engineering. These fields both deal with the production and processing of metals. The difference between the two fields lies in the type of training that each requires. People who work in metal processing usually have a scientific background, and they are often considered experts in the material from a chemical perspective. In most cases, starting a career in this field will require you to study both in the classroom and through practical experiences. If you’re considering becoming a metallurgist, it’s best to begin planning early.
Metallurgical engineering
Metallurgical engineers work with metals to extract, shape, and transform them into a useful material. Their work involves scientific training and use of advanced equipment, including electron microscopes and X-ray devices. They often work in laboratories, but may also travel to distant locations to conduct fieldwork.
Metallurgical engineering is an interdisciplinary field with diverse application. Students will learn fundamental engineering principles through both classroom and laboratory courses. In addition, students will develop teamwork, leadership, and communicative skills. Upon graduation, metallurgical engineers are well prepared for a career in the global engineering community.
While a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy engineering will help you land a job, earning potential and career advancement may be enhanced by a master’s degree. Additionally, a master’s degree in metallurgy and mineral processing will give you a leg up on the competition in the job market. You can choose to focus on physical metallurgy, materials processing, or extractive metallurgy for your master’s degree. Most MS programs will also incorporate advanced mathematics, geological applications, and mechanics.
Metallurgy
Metallurgical engineers study the properties of metallic materials and alloys in order to design stronger, lighter, and more efficient products. They also work in industries that process metals, such as steel mills and refineries. They develop cost-reduction initiatives and supervise quality-control procedures, such as equipment and tools, to ensure that production processes are safe and efficient.
The study of metals has been going on for centuries, and the use of these valuable materials has become crucial for most manufacturing processes. These materials are also important in space exploration and aerospace. Metallurgical engineers study the chemical and physical properties of metals and their alloys, as well as the compounds of those metals. These materials are used for everything from surgical implants to computer chips, automobiles, and aerospace.
Metallurgical engineers are concerned with the environment, and they may help design more environmentally friendly processes. They usually work in laboratories or offices, but can also be “on the shop floor” in a manufacturing facility. The federal government also employs metallurgical engineers.
Mineral processing
Mineral processing involves separating various kinds of metals from their ores. Some of these processes are physical, such as crushing or grinding, and some are chemical. They make use of the properties of the materials, including particle size, density, electrical or magnetic properties, and surface properties. The result of the process can be a pure metal or an alloy that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Metallurgy engineers are usually highly qualified, with a science background. As a result, they are considered experts on metals, both in terms of composition and properties. Those with metallurgical engineering degrees can go into private industry or government positions. They can also become professors in universities or pursue graduate degrees in foreign universities.
Another important difference between metallurgical engineering and chemistry is the type of materials that they deal with. Metallurgy engineers work with the materials that contain metals, and they are responsible for developing methods of extraction and refining them. These processes are used to recover metals from various materials, and they can help make many products we use on a daily basis.
