We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Ray Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy and Garry Pace

Nearly every product made from metal from simple fasteners to complex structural elements to airplane parts has undergone some sort of heat treatment process. After all, the mechanical properties needed from a component like strength, hardness, ductility, or corrosion resistance, can rarely be achieved through material selection alone. Choosing the right material selection is only the first step. Engineering and metallurgists then need to apply the appropriate heat treatment processes to that material to achieve their desired results.

Read more

Nearly every product made from metal from simple fasteners to complex structural elements to airplane parts has undergone some sort of heat treatment process. After all, the mechanical properties needed from a component like strength, hardness, ductility, or corrosion resistance, can rarely be achieved through material selection alone. Choosing the right material selection is only the first step. Engineering and metallurgists then need to apply the appropriate heat treatment processes to that material to achieve their desired results.

So if you are just getting involved with heat treatment processes, the design or manufacturing of steel components, or the purchasing of heat treated components, then this is the class for you.

In this course, Fundamentals of Steel Heat Treating, licensed professional engineer and metallurgy instructor, Garry Pace, will share with you the basic concepts of heat treatment. And this course starts at the BASICS ... no obscure terminology or chemistry to wade through.

You will learn:

  • The basics of steel metallurgy

  • Fundamentals of heat transfer

  • The major types of heat treatment like annealing, quenching, tempering, normalizing and case hardening

  • How carbon affects the ability of a steel to be heat treated

  • How time and temperature interact to heat treat a part

  • An overview of mechanical properties

  • How heat treatment can help achieve those properties

  • The major furnace types

  • The major quench media types

  • And tons of practical insight

And in addition to the wealth of knowledge this course offers, you also get:

  • Lifetime access to all course materials

  • A Certificate of Completion showing your name, the course title, and length of course

  • Q&A access with the instructors through the Udemy platform

So if you're looking for a high-quality, low-cost way to understand the basics of heat treatment, then this is the class for you. SIGN UP TODAY.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Overview of heat treating processes, terminology, equipment, and concepts
  • High-level chemical and metallurgical concepts
  • Overview of mechanical properties
  • Effects of carbon on mechanical properties
  • How mechanical properties and enhanced through heat treating
  • Fundamentals of heat transfer
  • Basics of quench and tempering, annealing, normalizing, and case hardening
  • Basics of furnace designs, types, and quench medias
  • Introduction to the iron-carbon phase diagram

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction to the Course
Overview of the Course Contents
Quiz #1, Overview of Heat Treatment
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores heat treatment processes, which are essential for achieving desired mechanical properties in metal components, such as strength and corrosion resistance
Covers the effects of carbon on mechanical properties, which is crucial for selecting appropriate heat treatments to achieve desired results
Provides an overview of mechanical properties, helping to understand the specifications and requirements of heat-treated parts
Starts with the basics of steel metallurgy and heat transfer, making it accessible for those with limited prior knowledge in the field
Includes quizzes to reinforce learning, which can be helpful for self-assessment and knowledge retention throughout the course
Requires familiarity with high-level chemical and metallurgical concepts, which may necessitate additional study for some learners

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Fundamentals of steel heat treating overview

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundational understanding of steel heat treating. Many praise the clear explanations by the instructor, making complex topics easy to grasp, even for absolute beginners. Students find the content highly applicable to real-world industry practices and value the practical insights offered. While overwhelmingly positive, a few students with prior knowledge note that the course focuses strictly on basics and lacks depth on advanced metallurgical concepts. Some also report minor frustrations with the quizzes, occasionally finding them unclear. Overall, it is considered an excellent starting point for anyone new to the field.
Designed for those new to metallurgy or heat treating.
"Perfect starting point, truly assumes no prior knowledge of the subject."
"Starts at the BASICS, exactly as promised in the course description."
"Great for absolute beginners looking to get into the field of heat treatment."
Offers insights applicable to real-world industry scenarios.
"Valuable practical insights shared that are directly applicable to my work."
"Helped me understand heat treat processes and terminology used in my job role."
"Applicable information for anyone involved in the steel or manufacturing industry."
Instructor explains complex concepts in an easy-to-grasp manner.
"The instructor explains things very clearly, making even technical topics accessible."
"Breaks down difficult metallurgical concepts into simple, understandable terms."
"Found the lectures easy to follow and the explanations very concise."
Provides a strong intro to steel heat treating fundamentals.
"Gives you the foundational knowledge needed to start understanding steel heat treat processes."
"Really helps solidify the basics of metallurgy and heat treating techniques discussed."
"Provides an excellent overview for beginners looking to learn the core concepts."
One review expresses significant dissatisfaction.
"This course was not what I expected and lacked substance overall."
"Found it too simplified and not detailed enough for my needs."
"Did not provide the level of understanding I was hoping to gain."
Some find quizzes occasionally confusing or misaligned.
"Some quiz questions felt slightly misleading or were worded oddly."
"The quizzes didn't always seem to test directly what was covered in the lectures."
"Found the quizzes a little frustrating at times compared to the video content."
May be too basic for experienced learners needing advanced topics.
"If you know the basics already, this might feel too introductory for you."
"Doesn't go deep into phase diagrams or more advanced metallurgical concepts."
"Could use more detail on complex alloys or specific advanced processes."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Steel Heat Treating with these activities:
Review Basic Chemistry Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of basic chemistry principles, which are essential for grasping the metallurgical concepts discussed in the course.
Show steps
  • Review the periodic table and chemical bonding.
  • Study basic chemical reactions and stoichiometry.
  • Practice solving basic chemistry problems.
Review 'Metallurgy Fundamentals' by Daniel A. Brandt
Deepen your understanding of metallurgy fundamentals, which are crucial for comprehending the heat treatment processes covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on phase diagrams and heat treatment.
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
Iron-Carbon Phase Diagram Exercises
Solidify your understanding of the Iron-Carbon Phase Diagram, a critical tool for understanding steel heat treatment.
Show steps
  • Sketch the Iron-Carbon Phase Diagram from memory.
  • Identify different phases at various temperatures and carbon compositions.
  • Determine the appropriate heat treatment for a given steel composition.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Heat Treatment Process Flowchart
Visualize the steps involved in different heat treatment processes to reinforce your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific heat treatment process (e.g., quenching and tempering).
  • Outline the steps involved in the process.
  • Create a flowchart illustrating the process flow.
  • Add notes explaining the purpose of each step.
Research and Compare Furnace Types
Deepen your knowledge of furnace types and their applications in heat treatment by conducting independent research.
Show steps
  • Select three different furnace types.
  • Research the design, operation, and applications of each furnace type.
  • Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each furnace type.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings.
Review 'Heat Treatment: Principles and Applications' by Charlie R. Brooks
Expand your understanding of heat treatment principles and applications with a comprehensive industry guide.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to specific heat treatment processes.
  • Study case studies and examples provided in the book.
  • Compare the information with the course content.
Create a Presentation on Quench Media
Synthesize your knowledge of quench media by creating a presentation that compares different types and their effects on steel properties.
Show steps
  • Research different types of quench media (e.g., water, oil, polymer solutions).
  • Investigate the cooling rates and effects on steel properties for each medium.
  • Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings.
  • Include visuals and examples to illustrate your points.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Steel Heat Treating will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Heat Treatment Specialist
Heat Treatment Specialists oversee and optimize heat treatment processes in manufacturing. This course is directly relevant to this role, providing a comprehensive overview of heat treating concepts, terminology, and equipment. This course is aimed at those just getting involved with heat treatment processes, so if you are one such individual, or if you are wanting to move into this role, it may of use to you. A Heat Treatment Specialist particularly benefits from the course's coverage of annealing, quenching, tempering, normalizing, and case hardening.
Metallurgist
Metallurgists study the properties of metals and alloys, developing new materials and processes. A Metallurgist wishing to refresh themselves, or one new to the role, may find the course useful. If one wishes to become a Metallurgist, the course's discussion of steel metallurgy, heat transfer, and mechanical properties provides a solid base for further study and specialization. Metallurgists apply the concepts taught in this course, such as the effects of carbon and the Iron-Carbon Phase Diagram, to optimize material properties for various applications. Many metallurgists hold advanced degrees.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials with specific properties. If you are studying to become a Materials Scientist, you may find this course of use. This course emphasizes the mechanical properties of steel and how they are altered through heat treatment. A Materials Scientist applies the knowledge of heat transfer, carbon effects, and phase diagrams to design and create materials with superior characteristics. This is a role that typically requires an advanced degree.
Materials Engineer
The Materials Engineer develops and tests new materials, often focusing on improving their properties for specific applications. This course is a strong starting point for understanding how heat treatment alters the mechanical properties of steel. You'll learn about the fundamentals of heat transfer, different types of heat treatment, and how carbon affects steel's ability to be heat treated. Given that the course overviews mechanical properties and the effect of heat treatment on them, this may help you be more successful as a Materials Engineer. The course's introduction to the Iron-Carbon Phase Diagram is also relevant.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers improve manufacturing processes and ensure efficient production. A Manufacturing Engineer must understand how various processes affect the materials used in manufacturing, and the course helps build a foundation in heat treatment, a critical process for steel components. If one wishes to become a Manufacturing Engineer, the course's content on annealing, quenching, tempering, normalizing, and case hardening may be useful. The course's overview of heat treating processes, terminology, and equipment may also lend itself to success in such a career.
Process Engineer
Process Engineers design and implement processes for manufacturing and production. This course helps one become proficient in understanding how heat treatment affects the properties of steel. The comprehensive overview of heat treating processes, including annealing, quenching, and case hardening, can be directly applied to optimizing manufacturing processes. As a Process Engineer, knowing how time and temperature interact to heat treat a part, as taught in the course, is crucial for designing efficient and effective processes.
Failure Analysis Engineer
Failure Analysis Engineers investigate the causes of component failures to prevent future incidents. Understanding heat treatment processes is of considerable importance when analyzing steel parts. A course regarding the fundamentals of steel heat treating may be useful to the Failure Analysis Engineer, given that the course covers normalizing and annealing, quenching and tempering, and case hardening. The overview of mechanical properties and how heat treatment influences them helps one determine if improper heat treatment contributed to a failure.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems. This course helps mechanical engineers understand how heat treatment affects the mechanical properties of steel components used in their designs. You can apply this knowledge to select appropriate materials and specify heat treatment processes to achieve desired performance characteristics. This course may be of particular use, given its subject matter regarding the effects of carbon on mechanical properties, and the fundamentals of heat transfer.
Welding Engineer
Welding Engineers develop and oversee welding procedures, ensuring the structural integrity of welded components. This course may be of use to one who aspires to this role, as this course gives you an understanding of how heat treatment impacts the properties of steel, which is crucial for managing welding processes. The discussion of the effects of carbon on mechanical properties is particularly relevant, as carbon content affects the weldability and the post-weld heat treatment requirements. A Welding Engineer applies the concepts taught in this course to optimize welding parameters and ensure the longevity of welded structures.
Product Development Engineer
Product Development Engineers are responsible for designing and developing new products or improving existing ones. The knowledge gained from this course may be of use as you consider material selection and heat treatment processes for steel components. This individual often works closely with materials scientists and manufacturing engineers to ensure that the product meets the required specifications and performance standards. You can leverage the course's coverage of mechanical properties and the impact of heat treatment to make informed decisions during the design phase. A Product Development Engineer would benefit from understanding the major furnace types and quench media types.
Quality Control Inspector
Quality Control Inspectors ensure that manufactured products meet specific standards and specifications. The Fundamentals of Steel Heat Treating course may be of use to one who aspires to this role, as the course provides information regarding heat treatment processes and helps one learn the key vocabulary terms associated with them. A Quality Control Inspector benefits from understanding how heat treatment impacts the mechanical properties of steel and how to identify potential issues arising from improper heat treatment. The course also gives an overview of mechanical properties, which helps one in this role to better understand their application.
Automotive Engineer
Automotive Engineers design and develop vehicles and their components. The knowledge of steel heat treatment may be helpful in this line of work, as this course helps you to understand how heat treatment processes can improve the performance and durability of automotive parts. Becoming an Automotive Engineer entails understanding material properties and manufacturing processes, and this course gives an introduction to major furnace types. The course’s overview of mechanical properties and enhanced properties through heat treating helps you to make informed decisions about material selection.
Metallurgical Technician
A Metallurgical Technician plays a crucial role in testing and analyzing the properties of metals and alloys. If you are looking into becoming a Metallurgical Technician, this course may be of use to you, in particular because you'll be able to build a foundation regarding the effects of carbon on mechanical properties. The course helps you acquire an understanding of heat treatment processes and terminology, including annealing, quenching, tempering, normalizing, and case hardening. Furthermore, the course provides an overview of mechanical properties, and how heat treatment can help achieve those properties. The ability to understand these concepts may improve one's effectiveness in the role.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design and test aircraft and spacecraft. The course may be useful for one in this role as it helps one better understand the relationship between heat treatment and the mechanical properties of steel. The topics covered in this course help one identify the right material in a safety-critical system like an airplane. The course can help the Aerospace Engineer choose the right material and heat treatment process for components that need to withstand extreme conditions. This Aerospace Engineer would find the section on mechanical properties of use.
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technicians perform tests and experiments in a laboratory setting. A Laboratory Technician who wishes to work with metals may find the course's content of use as it provides a sound basis in steel heat treatment. The course's coverage of steel metallurgy, heat transfer, and mechanical properties may allow one to conduct basic experiments with more confidence. The course may also help one to interpret the results of heat treatment processes. Laboratory Technicians apply concepts such as the effects of carbon on mechanical properties and the basics of quench and tempering learned in this course.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Steel Heat Treating.
Comprehensive guide to heat treatment processes, covering the underlying principles, practical applications, and equipment used in the industry. It provides detailed explanations of various heat treatment techniques, including annealing, quenching, tempering, and case hardening. This book is commonly used as a textbook in materials science and engineering programs, and it valuable resource for professionals working in the heat treatment industry. It adds significant depth to the course material.
Provides a comprehensive overview of metallurgy, covering topics such as crystal structure, phase diagrams, and heat treatment processes. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding the underlying principles of steel heat treating. The book offers a more in-depth explanation of the metallurgical concepts introduced in the course, making it a valuable resource for students seeking a deeper understanding.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser