Topic outline

  • Fundamentals of Blacksmithing - Applied Metallurgical Engineering Principles

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course presents blacksmithing as a practical and intuitive framework for understanding core metallurgical engineering principles. Through the lens of traditional
    forging techniques, learners will explore how heat, deformation, and cooling influence the microstructure and mechanical properties of metals.

    The course bridges hands-on craft knowledge with scientific metallurgy, providing engineers with a conceptual foundation for material behavior under thermal and
    mechanical processing. Emphasis is placed on phase transformations, grain structure evolution, work hardening, heat treatment, and failure mechanisms, all interpreted
    through blacksmithing operations such as forging, annealing, quenching, and tempering.

    Topics:

    • Interpret blacksmithing processes in terms of metallurgical phase transformations and microstructural evolution
    • Explain the effects of heat and deformation on grain structure and material properties
    • Relate forging techniques to strain hardening, recrystallization, and grain refinement
    • Analyze heat treatment processes such as annealing, quenching, and tempering using metallurgical principles
    • Evaluate failure modes in forged components based on improper processing techniques
    • Apply metallurgical reasoning to improve durability, strength, and performance of metal components

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 

    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion
    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, mechanical, industrial, and other engineers whose job description may require a general knowledge of core metallurgical principles as applied to the blacksmithing practice.
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE

  • Topic 1