Engineering is full of limitless possibilities whether you want to enter the tech world or the tech world. It is not just limited to the popular career streams of software engineering, civil engineering, electronic engineering, etc., but you can also search for robotic engineering, mechanical engineering, and Geotech engineering. One such lesser-known field is metallurgical engineering. Referred to as the study of metals and mining, metallurgical engineering is slowly progressing into a full-fledged career. Here, we are bringing you all the details about the field of Metallurgical Engineering, the best courses to pursue, and the career scope in it.
Observation
Metallurgical engineering is a sub-field of engineering that studies various properties and processes related to metal and metal extraction. The field also applies engineering fundamentals to the processing, designing, and extraction of metals, along with the analysis of key processes in the metals industry. If you are interested in assessing the various practical and theoretical aspects revolving around metals and ores, this is an ideal field to explore. Metallurgical engineering is also associated with diverse fields such as mining, structuring of alloys, separating minerals, etc.
Key Elements of Metallurgical Engineering
To explore this field, you need to look at the foundational courses and subfields that constitute metallurgical engineering. Here are some of the key elements of this field that are taught in detail while pursuing a program in metallurgical engineering:
Engineering Mechanics
Engineering Mechanics also known as applied mechanics, this field looks at the practical application of the theory of mechanics. This field serves as a bridge between the principles of physics and its technical applications. Engineering mechanics is an important part of any program in metallurgical engineering as it serves as building the foundation for the study of metals.
Physical metallurgy
This sub-field of metallurgical engineering deals with the physical properties and structures of metals and alloys. Physical metallurgy ensures that the properties of an alloy or metal are extracted according to standards. It also includes large-scale metal extraction and structuring of alloys.
Chemical metallurgy
Chemical metallurgy is a sub-field of metallurgical engineering that essentially involves the chemical processes behind the extraction of metals from their ores. Like physical metallurgy, this field plays an important role in the basic processes involved in the field of metallurgy.
Machine Elements and Machining
This field looks at the practical and theoretical study of various machinery involved in the extraction, remodeling, shaping, and manufacturing of metals. If you are interested in knowing how different machines help with processes related to metallurgy, Studying Machine Elements and Machining will give you an overview of those machines and the processes related to them.
Course subject:
B.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering
Candidates interested in Metallurgy can pursue B.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering after passing their class 12th or equivalent examination in the Science stream. A bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering takes 4 years to complete. And it is divided into eight semesters and is assessed semester by semester. Candidates will learn the fundamentals of metals while earning a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy. In their bachelor’s degree, students are taught about 6 to 10 core subjects related to metallurgy, with the remaining subjects linked to mechanical engineering. Candidates can choose to work or enhance their education by pursuing M.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering.
M.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering
Candidates who have completed their bachelor’s degree can do M.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering. M.Tech in Metallurgy is a two-year postgraduate engineering program. It is divided into four semesters spread over two years. Candidates will study in-depth metallurgy processing, extraction, and application in everyday life. GATE is the most popular exam for admission in the Metallurgy course in M.Tech.
A career in metallurgy:
The field of metallurgical engineering has ample career opportunities for those who are passionate enough to explore the world of metals. A metallurgical engineer has diverse possibilities to explore in many metal industries and can play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of various industrial processes in various capacities. Here are some job prospects that you can explore after pursuing a course in metallurgical engineering:
Application Engineer
Application engineers are experts in the field of metallurgy and are hired by corporate firms to obtain expert advice on the various industrial processes managed by the firm. An applications engineer helps the sales department by providing his expertise on certain business aspects of metallurgy.
Process design engineer
A process design engineer oversees the various processes involved in designing and overseeing a project. These projects can involve a variety of metallurgical processes, from mining to designing alloys. Process design engineers also interact with various sales segments of the firm to meet the market and the firm’s demands.
Maintenance Engineer
A maintenance engineer supervises a range of different industrial processes and is responsible for the regular inspection of machinery as well as the efficient flow of work in the industry.
Career prospects:
- Metallurgist
- Civil Services
- Process Engineering / Corrosion Engineering
- Indian Rail
- Nondestructive testing specialist
- Steel industry
- Heat treatment specialist
- Foundries
- Mineral Process Engineering / Ceramic Engineering
- Metals manufacturing industry
- Polymer Engineering / Welding Engineering
- Composite engineering
- Semiconductor processing engineering
- Quality planning engineering
- Ballistic engineering
- Metallurgy, Materials Research, and Development Laboratories
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nuclear power sector
- Space Research / Aeronautics
Apart from this, you can also do a course in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. It provides information on the development, testing, design, manufacture, maintenance, and operation of aircraft, military aircraft, space aircraft, missiles, satellites, etc.
