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Metallurgy — Your Basic Guide

Published Monday, January 31, 2022
Pyrometallurgy in action.  roasting, smelting, calcining, and refining the metal compounds.

Some of you might be wondering what metallurgy is and how it relates to metal fabrication. Well, metallurgy is a complex field of science and technology that involves the art of metal extraction and/or modification for practical use. There are several different types of processes involved before the metal can be developed into a material that can be used to construct end products.

The type of metal used for metal fabrication is a crucial and often overlooked, element when it comes to developing and manufacturing quality metal goods. In order to obtain the metals used for metal fabrication it first has to go through the processes of metallurgy. The following informative article discusses the science of metallurgy and the importance of the metal used in metal fabrication projects. To learn more, continue reading!

The Art & Science Behind Metallurgy

Metallurgy is an expansive field of study that involves knowledge of the chemical, physical, and atomic properties of each type of metal and alloy. Each type of metal possesses its own unique properties and principles. It also demonstrates the art, science and technology behind turning metals and alloys into malleable forms.

Types of Metallurgy Processes

Metal extraction and modification involves several types of processes. Extractive metallurgy is the process of extracting metal from ores and refining these materials into a pure state. There are many methods that can be used to extract a pure metal from natural ore. The first step in metal extraction is to use methods to concentrate and separate the metal from the ore. Hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy are subprocesses in extractive metallurgy.

Pyrometallurgy

Pyrometallurgy is a process that uses high temperatures for metal extraction purposes. This involves roasting, smelting, calcining, and refining the metal compounds. The heat used during this process is generally obtained through combustion or electrical heat. High-grade metals like steel, iron and copper require pyrometallurgy for extraction.

Hydrometallurgy

On the other hand, hydrometallurgy is a process that uses aqueous solutions, either acidic or basic, to extract metal from ores. This process involves leaching, concentration, purification, and metal recovery. Low-grade ores like uranium, silver, copper and gold require hydrometallurgy for extraction. Which method is used is determined by the properties of the natural compound.

Metallurgy & Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication is the process of using raw material that is extracted during the metallurgy processes to create metal goods. This is an extensive process that requires fabrication experts to have a thorough knowledge of the compounds of metals during the machining and manufacturing processes. This knowledge of metallurgy is important because the process of fabrication requires professionals to bend, cut, weld, and use other methods to manipulate these precious materials into strong and high-quality parts.

Contact VeriForm Today

VeriForm is leading the metal fabrication industry through advanced technology, innovative fabrication equipment, and the most experienced metal fabrication experts. VeriForm provides its clients with a full range of fabrication services to meet their unique needs.

Metal Fabrication Services Include:

  • Engineering Assistance
  • Plasma and Laser Cutting
  • Shearing
  • Punching
  • Bending
  • Welding
  • Assembly
  • Painting

VeriForm also employs a team of dedicated quality control experts to ensure that every metal project is completed successfully. Not only is VeriForm a proud member of the Canadian Tools & Machining Association but they also provide their clients with honest, quality-assured products, for organizations, members of the community, and beyond. Contact Veriform today for more information about your metal fabrication needs.