Metallurgical engineers, metallurgists and metallurgical and non-destructive testing technicians working in cast metals, advise on, test and improve the processes for casting, alloying, heat treating or welding refined metals, alloys and other materials. They may be involved with the development of new alloys and the technical supervision of metal and alloy manufacture, processing and fabrication in industry.
Metallurgical engineers may…
seek new and more efficient processes and materials, or improve or find new uses for existing materials
design methods and equipment to control and contain the processes that transform basic materials into useful products
ensure the safe, efficient and environmentally friendly operation of equipment and test products at various stages of production to check the quality
design and build pilot plants to indicate how full-scale plants will operate when built
make plans and specifications for full-scale production plants, taking into account available technology, the cost and size of equipment and storage space, market needs, transport methods and disposal of surplus substances
review current methods of production for cost efficiency, environmental friendliness, maximum output and product quality
identify faults in the day-to-day operation of process plants and take corrective action
prepare reports, feasibility studies and cost analyses of processes
provide product process information to sales and marketing personnel or customers
direct and coordinate the work of maintenance and construction tradespeople or process plant operators
provide advice on economical methods of converting raw materials
Metallurgists may…
apply physical and chemical methods to separate valuable minerals from their ores
conduct studies of metals and alloys before and during processing to determine their properties
supervise sampling from various stages of processing for laboratory analysis and testing
examine metal processing techniques to make sure that quality is maintained and to improve processing or develop new methods
investigate whether methods being used are the cheapest, most efficient and environmentally acceptable
work out temperature adjustments, raw material mixtures and other processing variables to make metals
supervise and coordinate the work of technicians and other workers
advise operators on production methods and quality control systems
investigate failure of components to identify the cause
prepare technical reports
Metallurgical and non-destructive testing technicians may…
obtain, measure and prepare samples for testing
if working as a non-destructive testing technician, examine and test the functionality and performance of an object or material in a way that will not affect its usefulness
put materials through test procedures often using complex equipment under the direction of metallurgists and other professionals
analyse, record and report results
put together charts, graphs and other data for reports
set up, operate and clean laboratories and scientific equipment
Personal Requirements
To work in metallurgy you should
enjoy technical and engineering work
willing to adhere to safety requirements
able to identify, analyse and solve problems
able to communicate well orally, in writing and graphically
enjoy mathematics and science
good at computing and design
practical and creative
able to work independently
able to accept responsibility
Environment
Metallurgical engineers, metallurgists and metallurgical technicians usually work with other professionals such as engineers, geologists, mineralogists, technicians and tradespeople. They work in laboratories, factories, workshops, foundries and offices.
Training
To work as a metallurgical technician you will usually require a Certificate IV in Manufacturing Technology .
To work as a metallurgist - metallurgical technologist you will usually require a Diploma of Manufacturing Technology or an Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology.
To work as a metallurgical engineer you will usually require a Degree.
Graduates of accredited courses may be eligible to join the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Engineers Australia, or the Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Ltd (IMEA).
For detailed information regarding earnings, job and employment prospects for Metallurgical and Non-destructive Testing Technicians, Metallurgists and Metallurgical Engineers go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .
Printed Resources
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