Mark Adley performs tests on materials to be used in racing car parts.
He also does lab tests of cobalt-based human implants that will lead to improved
hip or knee replacement parts.
Adley is a metallurgical technician. He has been working in
labs since he was 15. "I learned through on-the-job training and self-training,"
he says. Over the years, Adley has been given increasing levels of responsibilities.
He is especially enthusiastic about the research and development around
materials used in the drive train of vehicles. "We have acquired a CASGAR,"
he says. (CASGAR is the Canadian equivalent of NASCAR.) "We are trying to
reduce internal friction in order to increase the horsepower at the rear wheel."
Adley works with many complex instruments, including a powerful scanning
electron microscope. His work involves trying to determine why a metallic
substance failed. "The goal is to redesign or change alloys so the failure
won't happen again," he says.
A typical day begins by looking at what has to be done. "We look at the
samples coming in, assess the priority and begin our analyses of the samples,"
he says. "Analyses consist of sectioning, mounting and polishing the specimens,
then doing hardness profiles."
Communication is important. There are daily meetings, as well as a lot
of client contact. "Specifically, I ascertain their needs, define specifications
and also define the end use of the product so we can develop a treatment that
will best suit their needs."
Adley notes that there is a lot of responsibility involved in maintaining
a lab and ensuring that the equipment operates within specifications.
Adley supervises other technicians. He likes technicians who are meticulous
and precise in the recording of data. Cleanliness is important, as are organizational
skills and time management skills.
"A metallurgical background is definitely an asset," Adley says. "Without
a formal education, a person might be limited in the amount of evaluation
they can do."
Michael O'Brien is a metallurgical technician in Colorado. He has a two-year
associate's degree in science. Like Adley, he was hired as an entry-level
metallurgical technician but has been given added responsibilities over the
years.
O'Brien performs routine material certification. He tests the strength
of materials that are used for the construction of bridges, highways, buildings,
and commercial and military ships. He also performs chemical analyses of metals
and alloys. "Metal and alloy composition is important in respect to what you
can do with that material," he says.
The work can be stressful. Deadlines are important and it's very important
not to make a mistake. If the technician analyzes some steel incorrectly,
the builder could run into problems later.
Ongoing learning is required in this field. Material specifications are
updated regularly, and it is important to use the most recent revision. "This
field is so broad that there is always something new," he says. "New technology,
new alloys. And there is a lot of new non-metallic material as well, such
as composites."
O'Brien says that people who do well in metallurgical testing are usually
good at working with their hands. They might be good at things like metalworking,
photography or digital technology, for instance. "Then, if you have an interest
in science, physics and some maths, you would be a good candidate for a metallurgical
technician."
Rachael Cohen is a metallurgical technician at the Colorado School of Mines.
She says some metallurgical technicians were machinists or welders who developed
an interest in the science of working with metals.
Cohen's background is unusual. She started out working in life science
labs and medical research labs. Later, she switched over to metallurgical
labs.
She says she greatly enjoys working in this field. She likes visualizing
the structure. Metallurgy looks at how the crystal structure of the metal
affects how the metal performs.
"This is true whether you are talking about a car or the silverware of
a paper clip," she says. "The microstructure determines whether your metal
will work OK."
Cohen thinks that communication and presentation training is important.
"As a technician, you interface with many kinds of people, whether you work
in industry or at a university," she says. "Being able to communicate well
really helps."
Cohen usually begins her day by checking on the lab and making sure that
chemicals and other consumables are in stock and available. She also checks
the equipment to be sure it is in working order. "Usually, I end up repairing
something," she says. "If it is complex, I might have to call the supplier."
Since Cohen works in a university lab, she is responsible for helping students
prepare their metallurgical samples. She also keeps track of supplies and
keeps an eye on the budget. "I have to account for the supplies I'm buying
and make sure we have money to pay for repairs, " she explains.
Safety is taken seriously. Since the lab generates hazardous waste, Cohen
ensures that the waste is being handled and disposed of correctly. Metallurgical
labs typically contain mechanical equipment, pressurized air and chemicals.
All of these must be handled safely.
Cohen has to know how to store the chemicals properly, how to handle them
and how to dispose of them. "Normally, you wear long pants, closed shoes [and]
eye protection when using mechanic equipment and gloves in the chemical area."
The lab's tools range from simple cutting and grinding tools to big computer-controlled
equipment worth half a million dollars. The lab also has microscopes that
are attached to film or digital cameras. Students can capture digital images
and include them in their reports.
Cohen enjoys fixing things. Recently, a highly specialized mechanical vise
broke. Cohen was able to rebuild it and save the university $500. "I had fun
and helped save money," she says.
Environmental factors can create stress. Since this is a university lab,
many people are often on site. There can be many requests to address, and
sometimes time is tight or equipment breaks down at the wrong time. "It helps
to have a patient personality and to like to teach people how to work in a
lab," says Cohen.
"You must be able to handle tools. Even washing dishes in a lab and watching
and asking questions would be useful."