We need to address the need for better metallurgy education

Metallurgy courses, teach engineers to understand the behaviours, composition and properties of metallic elements and alloys, and have declined in popularity in recent years. There are currently less than twenty metallurgy courses in the UK, run by only a handful of universities. Despite this, the understanding of metals is becoming increasingly important in combating a variety of industrial plant management issues, including rust.

The cost of corrosion damage accounts for approximately three percent of every European country’s gross domestic product (GDP) each year, which would equal an estimated £186.3bn in 2016 alone. This cost will likely increase in the coming years as a growing population drives a rise in mass-manufacturing and production facilities.

“We have seen for many years that rust is becoming an increasingly costly problem for the industrial sector,” explained Peter Crossen, Vice President of the Maintenance and Partsmaster Innovation Platform at NCH Europe. “Many of the costs associated with rust can be easily prevented with a thorough understanding of metals and solutions, yet most engineers have not received an effective education in metallurgy.

“NCH Europe regularly audits businesses to determine the root cause of persistent corrosion problems. We often find that plant and maintenance engineers are using ineffective rust prevention coatings for their applications, resulting in frequent occurrences of corrosion. Better teaching at a degree level will ensure that these incidents and the costs associated with them are kept to a minimum.”

The need for metallurgists is part of a much-discussed skills shortage in the engineering industry. In fact, a recent state of engineering report revealed that another 265,000 skilled engineers are required every year to meet demand. NCH Europe believes that a significant number of metallurgists are also required alongside this.

“Most calls for trained engineers are very general and do not clarify the kinds of skills that are most valuable,” continued Crossen. “The rising demand for engineers brings with it an increased relevance for a strong understanding of metallurgy. For engineering businesses such as NCH Europe, this skill set is critical in ensuring the long-term delivery of innovative and effective products.”