This comprehensive course examines the complete spectrum of aluminum metallurgy, from extractive processes to finished products. Students will learn about aluminum alloy classification, composition, solidification principles, phase diagrams, and the fundamental differences between casting and wrought alloys. The course addresses both hot and cold working processes, heat treatment principles including precipitation hardening, and the recovery and recrystallization behavior that influences final material properties.
The course also includes practical applications such as joining methods including welding, brazing, and soldering, as well as corrosion mechanisms and protection strategies for aluminum alloys. Students will learn about metallographic examination techniques, material selection for specific applications, and various finishing methods. Upon completion, students will be able to identify suitable aluminum alloys for specific applications, describe composition and processing interactions, solve routine processing issues, and identify cost-reduction opportunities without compromising material performance.
Students are encouraged to bring questions and their real-world problems to class for discussion and resolution. This is the ideal class for someone who will be actively working with the many diverse aspects of aluminum technology.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
- Professionals working with aluminum and its alloys in any capacity
- Metallurgists and Technicians
- Quality Assurance/Quality Control Professionals
- Engineering Managers
- Manufacturing and Production Personnel
- Purchasing Professionals
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Identify aluminum alloys suited to specific applications
- Describe key processing parameters that influence structure-property relationships
- Identify composition and processing interactions that result in final material properties
- Solve routine processing and heat -treating issues
- Identify cost-reduction opportunities that do not negatively impact material and product performance
COURSE OUTLINE:
- Introduction to Aluminum
- Extractive Metallurgy
- Aluminum Alloy Systems and Phase Diagrams
- Aluminum Casting Principles
- Aluminum Casting Practice
- Hot and Cold Working Aluminum Alloys
- Recovery, Recrystallization and Grain Growth
- Precipitation Hardening of Aluminum Alloys
- Metallography of Aluminum Alloys
- Application and Properties of Wrought Aluminum Alloys
- Applications and Properties of Aluminum Casting Alloys
- Joining Aluminum Alloys
- Corrosion of Aluminum Alloys
- Finishing Aluminum
Continuing Education Units: 2.0