When the chemical and physical properties of metals are scrutinized with the objective to manipulate those properties for culturally useful purposes, the processes are broadly classified under Metallurgy. Metal purification, Alloy production, and extraction procedures that include ores are also referred to as metallurgical processes. Standard Metallurgical Equipment and technology is said to have been used as early as 3,500 BC, popularly known as the Bronze Age. It was discovered that copper and tin, when heated and combined, gave out a bronze alloy. The Iron Age is said to have begun with the discovery of iron ore extraction was formulated to use iron to develop culture and economy. Previously, copper, tin, silver, and meteoric iron was used by the Egyptian civilizations to forge weapons. The Father of Metallurgy Georg Agricola wrote a book in the 16th century (De Re Metallica) which uncovered detailed instruction on the procedures employed in ore mining and metal extraction.
Modern Metallurgy is said to be divided into two main subtypes Process Metallurgy and Physical Metallurgy. The steps involved in producing metals, most often from sulphides and oxides, and subsequent refinements in reduced form through electrolysis or selective oxidation of impurities are categorized under Process Metallurgy. Studying metal structures on the basis of their composition and treatment, and studying the relationship between structure and properties are categorized as Physical Metallurgy. The basic difference between process metallurgy and physical metallurgy is that process metallurgy deals more with processes and procedures while physical metallurgy is concerned with the physical properties of metals.
There are subsequent advancements happening in the metallurgical industry. M/s Modern Metallurgical & Scientific Services in Chennai is one such contributor, providing metallurgical and scientific equipment to business enterprises as well as educational institutions. M/s Modern Metallurgical & Scientific Services supply dynamic lab equipments, physical testing equipment, as well as chemical lab testing equipments for engineering colleges.
Metallurgical Engineering is split into two areas - Extractive metallurgy and Physical metallurgy. Extractive metallurgy encompasses extraction and refinement of metals mined from the earth. Metals are almost always found to be mixed with impurities. The raw or impure form or a metal is called an ore. For example, Iron ore is the impure form of iron. Once the ore is extracted and the impurities are removed, the resultant iron becomes fit for industrial use. Physical metallurgy is concerned with the use of metals. Once a metal is extracted from its ore and deemed fit for industrial use, physical metallurgy employs those metals for purposes such as creating metal alloys. Alloys are created by combining metal and non-metal materials or substances. Since alloys are a result of combinations of metals and non-metals, a vast number of possibilities arise in terms of the properties and purposes of the alloy.
The field of metallurgical engineering employs a number of scientific equipments. These heavy duty equipments are used to test metals and their properties to ascertain strength and durability. Non Destructive Testing (NDT) equipments are used to evaluate properties of materials, components, and/or systems without sustaining any damage to subjects. Ultrasonic testing involves the usage of short ultrasonic pulse waves with central frequencies ranging between 0.-15 MHz; this is done to detect internal flaws and/or characterize materials into relevant categories. Ultrasonic thickness measurement tests the thickness of an object. Foundry sand testing equipments are used in factories that manufacture metal castings. Physical testing equipments are used to test implementation of procedures where metals and alloys are incorporated.