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Metallurgy Engineering

Metallurgy Engineering

Introduction -

Metallurgical Engineering refers to everything related with metals. It is basically the study of the technology of metals. In simple terms, Metallurgical Engineering can be understood as that branch of material science which deals with the physical and chemical behavior of the elements of metals and alloys like copper, tin, aluminum, steel, gold etc. Alloy is the substance which is the result of the mixture of inter-metallic compounds. The process of making an alloy also comes under metallurgical engineering in which metals are combined with non-metals. Steel and cast irons are examples of iron-carbon alloys. Copper, Aluminum magnesium, iron and zinc are utilized the most as an alloy.

We are living in an age which is constantly moving towards technological advancement. So often we hear of a new product or invention, a television or refrigerator with new technology, a new sleek furniture (the wrought iron range), new very attractive decoration for homes, models of mobiles introduced everyday, new music systems, modern jewellery and so many useful objects made out of metal, the list is endless. In fact we are surrounded by metals and very happily use them without thinking even once that the skills and mastery of metallurgy engineers have made it possible.

If we are prospering in the age of technology, the credit largely goes to metallurgical engineering. The scientific instruments and gadgets used for various procedures for the new inventions are all products of metallurgical engineering. The automobiles and various machines are products of metallurgical Engineering. The doctors, researchers and scientists completely depend on metallurgical engineering like stethoscope, X-Ray device, spectrographs, electronic microscopes and other equipments. So it is needless to say that metallurgical Engineering is very essential for the comfortable survival and development of our age.

Metallurgical Engineers develop and test materials made of iron and other metals. These materials are used in technology enabling gadgets like computer chips, automotive parts and hard drives. They study the extraction, make ups and behavior of metallic compounds. They usually work closely with the mining engineers. They are involved in metal refining and introduce new alloys for various applications. The metallurgical Engineers work in a laboratory, steel mill, ore treatment plant and refinery. They are also responsible for developing new methods of processing of metals which are economic and can be easily molded into useful products. Though steel and iron are common the metallurgical Engineers can also attain specializations in any exclusive metal like some engineers can only work for aluminum and some for only copper and likewise.

Metallurgical Engineering is a very interesting profession if one has the right aptitude. One has to be very sharp and logical if he has to succeed as a Metallurgical Engineer. He must also be an analytical thinker with an innovative and practical mindset. A good eye sight can be a bonus and it can brighten the chances of shining on the horizon of Metallurgical Engineering

Educational Requirement: The basic qualification for becoming a Metallurgical Engineer is B.E. Metallurgical in Engineering or P.G. Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering. The eligibility criteria for B.E. / B. Tech is 50% marks in Class 12th Board Examination in science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Maths as compulsory subjects. If a person wishes for an advanced course, M.E in metallurgical Engineering, he must achieve at least 60% marks in Class 12th Board Examination along with the bachelor’s degree. The students can also opt for Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering

Selection: - The admission to the metallurgical engineering course is very competitive. You have to pass the entrance test – JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) to attain admission to the IIT. For other reputed institutions you have to succeed in AIEEE (All India Engineering/ Pharmacy /Architecture Examination). There are state level and national level examinations also with some institutions opting for their own entrance examinations. Selection is done on the basis of marks obtained in board examinations i.e. 10+2 and the marks obtained in Entrance Test.

Duration: - The B.E /B.Tech is a 4 year course and when you have the bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering in your hand, you can proceed further for an M.E./M.Tech course which is of 2 years. The Diploma course in Metallurgical Engineering is of 3 years duration.

Metallurgy engineering

Different Branches

1. Physical Metallurgy - Physical Metallurgy deals with the scientific principles and engineering application utilized in metal fabrication and treatments. The physical metallurgical Engineers study the structure of metals based on their composition and treatment and how this structure is related to the properties of metals. They also study the behavior of metal products under their industrial usages.

2. Welding Metallurgy – Welding Metallurgy is concerned with the cost-reduction analysis and programs for the welding industry. The Welding Engineers are involved in finding production solutions for metal forming, metal joining, metal cutting and hot working. They also take management and supervisory training for welding design, welding and weld-quality programs. Research and development for complex and challenging metals-joining processes is also included in their functions as Welding engineer.

3. Process Metallurgy – Process Metallurgy is also sometimes called Chemical Metallurgy. It deals with the various processes used in producing metals mostly from oxides or sulfides. Process Engineers are also involved in refining the metals in their reduced form through electrolysis or careful oxidation of impurities.

4. Mineral Processing – Mineral Processing is the skill of treating unfinished ores and mineral products so that the valuable minerals can be separated from the wastage. After mining, the mineral process engineers develop a concentrated material by the method of extractive metallurgy e.g. extracting metals from ore, purifying it and recycling it. The engineers are involved in all kinds of operations in a mineral processing plant including sampling, analysis and dewatering.

Career Options for Metallurgical Engineers

Metallurgical Engineering covers a vast area as far as career options are concerned. Metallurgical Engineers are always needed in companies which refine, develop, manufacture and distribute metals like in electronics, biotechnology, surgical industry, ceramics and the list is endless. The engineers can have a thriving career in reputed industries like the automobile industry, ship building and aerospace industry. They develop metal parts for different types of vehicles. Designing gas tanks, engine compartments and exhaust systems that are strong against rust and temperature are also included in the functions of metallurgical engineers. They produce methods to make the structures of car and airplanes strong without giving up the functionality and aerodynamics.

Some very skilled metallurgical engineers can also find jobs in the government sectors and military space agencies to create products that can resist extreme heat and pressure. They can also work in foundries, heat treatment shops, rolling mills and other industries. Production sites also have immense job opportunities and metallurgical engineers must have the ability to survive the intense heat. They can also find jobs in research laboratories, industries and plant extraction and processing metals like nickel, tin, copper, zinc, aluminum, brass and iron and steel. Supervision is also needed at mines and plants and it can prove to be a very good job opportunity for metallurgical engineers.

Metallurgical Engineers are also needed for technological discoveries and the field of technology is creating new positions for them. They are also needed for carrying out research in various field of metallurgy. They can be employed as Research Assistants to Senior Engineers and gain practical experience. This way they can attain familiarity with various technical applications as well as administrative duties in metallurgical engineering. Other metallurgical engineering who are not interested in technical jobs can take up teaching which is also a lucrative job opportunity concerning metallurgical engineering. Salary – Metallurgical Engineering are needed by every industry which is related with metals. The salaries depend on the qualifications, experience as well as the location and position of a metallurgical engineer. A Trainee metallurgical Engineer can get a salary of Rs. 5000/- per month. A fresher is entitled to a salary range from Rs.15,000 to 25,000/- per month. A Senior Engineer can demand as much as Rs.2,50,000 to Rs.3, 00,000/- per year. According to a survey conducted in 2004, in U.S.A. the salary of Material Engineers is $67,110 per year and the survey in 2005 declared the salary of a Material Engineer with bachelor’s degree $50,982 per year. There are additional benefits also which include paid holidays, vacations, health insurance and pension plans. A career in Metallurgical Engineering can be very enjoyable if one has the aptitude because everyday there are new challenges and new experiences lined up for them. There one can expect to reach the dazzling heights in Metallurgical Engineering.

The Best Metallurgical Engineering Colleges in India are: -

1. Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

2. Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

3. Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

4. Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee

5. Birla Institute Of Technology, Jharkhand

6. Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam

7. Faculty Of Engineering And Technology, Jadavpur University

8. Government College Of Engineering, Salem, TN

9. National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chattisgarh.

10. Punjab Engineering College

The Best Colleges in the USA for Metallurgical Engineering are -

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology