The science of metallurgy is essential to developing metal and metal alloy materials used across industries. Metal parts and components are found in machines, vehicles, heavy equipment, household products, structures, and more.
Midwest Metal Products is a foundry that relies on metallurgical science to cast metal components that are durable and high-quality for a long life cycle. But what does metallurgy mean? And what role does it play in metalcasting? Keep reading to learn more.
What is Metallurgy?
Metallurgy is the study of metals and their properties. A more comprehensive metallurgy definition includes multiple areas of study within it, such as extracting and refining metals from natural sources, developing alloys with specific properties, and developing industrial processes for manufacturing with metals.
Another area of study, physical metallurgy, is focused on the physical properties, structure, and chemical composition of metals and alloys. These characteristics are used to better understand and apply processing and manufacturing methods, such as heat treatment, casting, forging, and others. Physical metallurgy is also used to select materials with desirable behaviors such as strength, brittleness, malleability, conductivity, or corrosion resistance. The goal is to improve metal properties for different applications.
What is a Metallurgist?
A metallurgist is a materials scientist who studies the properties and behaviors of metals. They work with metals and alloys including:
- Copper Alloys
- Iron
- Zinc
- Precious Metals
- Steel
- Aluminum Alloys
- Magnesium
Scientific findings are applied to processes like casting to improve part quality and durability, optimize processes, reduce labor intensiveness, and achieve designs with reduced part counts.
Metallurgists play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and performance of metal-based products. They work in many settings including foundries, civil engineering, automotive engineering, aircraft manufacturing, and the defense industry.
Importance of Metallurgy in Metalcasting
From the steel used in construction to aluminum in vehicles to components in machinery, cast metal parts are ubiquitous in the modern world. Metallurgy is important in developing materials and creating the parts that we have come to depend on daily.
In metalcasting, metallurgy is essential for:
Material Selection
Metallurgists are responsible for determining the most suitable metal or alloy for a casting application. Material characteristics and behaviors like strength, corrosion resistance, ductility, and cost must be considered.
Alloy Development
Metallurgy is involved in the development of new materials with improved properties. New alloys are constantly being developed that are stronger, more corrosion-resistant, or that exhibit better electrical conductivity than traditional metals. Alloys are developed by manipulating the chemical or structural composition of metals to achieve or enhance desired characteristics.
Casting Process Optimization
Metallurgists study the relationship between metal properties; casting parameters such as temperature, mold design, and pouring rate; and casting defects. Metallurgy optimizes the casting process by helping to prevent defects like shrinkage, porosity, and cracking. This helps reduce scrap, saving labor, time, and money.
Quality Control
Metallurgy is important for quality control measures that ensure castings meet required standards. Defects are identified and corrective actions are recommended following microstructure and property analysis.
Failure Analysis
Metallurgists investigate the root causes of casting failures using techniques like metallography and chemical analysis. This helps to prevent future failures.
About our Resident Metallurgists
So many variables are involved in the casting process. To achieve components with optimal properties, it is important to understand the effects of chemical composition, heat treatment, and the production process on selected materials. Having a metallurgist on-site saves time, money, scrap, and frustration because of their in-depth knowledge of metal properties and ability to anticipate how materials may react before problems occur.
Midwest Metal’s resident metallurgists, Joe Plunger and Jeanne Wagner, study the properties and characteristics of metals and apply their expertise to practical applications for our customers. They ensure the best materials and techniques are used for each application to produce high-quality parts and components that meet requirements.
Our metallurgists have the training, experience, and insight to evaluate a quote and assist with alloy selection, computerized part mapping, and cost-saving alternatives. With their oversight, you can rest assured that our products meet or exceed your requirements, without having to wait for an outside metallurgist to solve any problems.
Metalcasting Backed by Metallurgy from Midwest Metal
Metalcasting by Midwest Metal Products, Inc., is backed by the science of metallurgy and our hard-working team of engineers and skilled technicians. Partnering with us gives you access to the best materials, equipment, and casting capabilities for your application.
Contact us today for more information or to obtain a quote for your next project.