Metallurgy
Metallurgy is the field of materials science and engineering that studies the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, their intermetallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. Metallurgy is an ancient science, with its roots in the transformational processes that began during the Neolithic period in India. Over the centuries, it has evolved from the use of fire to refine metals into tools and weapons, to the use of complex electric and chemical processes to create modern alloys.
Metallurgy is divided into two major categories. Extractive Metallurgy focuses on processes to remove the impurities from ores, and then refining and alloying processes. Physical Metallurgy focuses on the transformation of metals into useable forms, on the structure of metals and their properties, and on the reaction of metals to physical and chemical processes.
The goal of Extractive Metallurgy is to produce a pure metal suitable for further use, while Physical Metallurgy focuses on the shape, structure and properties of metals and alloys. Extractive Metallurgy is a complex field. Processes include crushing and grinding the ore, leaching with chemicals or heat, and electro-dialysis or electrowinning.
Physical Metallurgy requires an understanding of metals and alloys at the atomic level. This includes their crystal structure, their elasticity, their fatigue properties and their response to temperature and pressure. Physical metallurgists study the effects of different elements on the properties of metals and alloys, and also study the effects of temperature, pressure and stress on metals and alloys.
Metallurgy is a diverse field, and its knowledge is crucial to the manufacturing industry. Metallurgists are employed in research and development, in process engineering and in quality control. They are employed in the design and manufacture of parts, the development of new alloys and the evaluation of existing ones, and in the optimization of production processes. Process engineers use the knowledge of metallurgy to design, develop and implement efficient and cost-effective production processes. Quality control personnel use the same knowledge to ensure that materials meet the requirements of the design.
Metallurgy combines science and technology with a deep understanding of the properties of metals and alloys and the processes involved in their fabrication and utilization. The field of metallurgy helps to create efficient and cost-effective production processes, and is essential for the development of modern technology.
