Applications of Metallurigical Analysis to Manufacturing Problems

There are three primary causes for manufacturing problems that are generally attributed to the material being fabricated:

1. (1)
   Incomplete specification of the raw material which is usually due to insufficient consideration of both manufacturing and service requirements of the part.
2. (2)
   Poor or no surveillance to assure conformity to specifications.
3. (3)
   Lack of understanding and appreciation of the effects of metallurgy and heat treatment on the properties of materials.

The results of metallurgical analysis can be applied to aid the manufacturing process by solving current problems and insuring against their recurrence.

As such, metallurgy (analysis, material selection and heat treatment) should be considered as a manufacturing process akin to screw machines and stamping presses.