Principles of Metallurgy
eLearning
Discover how metals really work. Learn how composition, microstructure, and processing shape properties like strength and hardness—and how alloying, heat treatment, and cold work are used to engineer performance.
Credit Info
- Contact Hours: 4
- IACET CEUs: N/A
- Valid for ASNT Level III recertification: Yes
Course Overview
Principles of Metallurgy provides a practical introduction to the metallurgical principles that govern metal behavior. The course focuses on how composition, microscopic structure, and manufacturing processes determine properties such as strength and hardness. Designed for non-metallurgists or professionals seeking a refresher, this course builds foundational knowledge applicable to steel, aluminum, and other metal systems.
ASNT partners with Industrial Metallurgist, LLC to deliver this course. Enrollment is completed through ASNT’s learning management system, while coursework takes place on Industrial Metallurgists, LLC learning platform.
Upon Completion, Learners Will Have Covered:
- The relationship between metal properties, composition, microstructure, and manufacturing processes
- How crystal structure, grains, phases, and crystal defects influence metal behavior
- The role of diffusion in microstructural changes and heat treatment
- How alloying elements modify metal strength and hardness through solid solution strengthening
- The effects of cold working and annealing on microstructure, strength, and hardness
- Fundamental steel metallurgy concepts, including phases and basic heat treatment principles
- Precipitation strengthening (age hardening) mechanisms used in aluminum alloys and other systems
Meet the Instructor
Michael Pfeifer
Michael Pfeifer is President of Industrial Metallurgists, a leading engineering consultancy that specializes in metallurgical engineering for product design, manufacturing, and root cause analysis of product failures.
With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Michael has been helping clients world-wide with design and manufacturing decisions and problems. He also is a failure analysis expert for forensic engineering investigations, and provides metallurgy expert witness services when needed.
Questions? Contact us at education@asnt.org
*A passing score of 70% on the final exam is required to complete the course and receive a certificate of completion. Learners will receive three attempts to pass the exam. If the learner is unable to pass the final exam within the three attempts, the course will need to be repurchased.