Metallurgist

Overview

Metallurgists research, develop, control and provide advice on processes used in extracting metals from their ores, and processes used for casting, alloying, heat treating or welding refined metals, alloys and other materials to produce commercial metal products or develop new alloys and processes.

Day-to-day

• measures and records data on performance of metals or metal combinations
• conducts microscopic, x-ray, x-ray diffraction and spectrographic studies of metals and alloys
• evaluates influences of exotic or unusual metals
• studies effect of radiation on metals exposed to space environment and nuclear reactors and joining of diverse materials to form complex structures
• experiments in power metallurgy and the process of compressing metallic powders and sintering them at high temperatures
• evaluates properties of metals and determines type of metal to be used
• advises on shortcomings of metals in use and tests for anticipated use, and tests alloys to study engineering properties and ensure compliance with standards
• develops hot-working and cooling processes to obtain desired characteristics
• gathers information and consults with engineers and company officials to produce alloys at minimum cost, to minimise air pollution and to implement testing procedures.