Was this course authored by AWS?

No. This course was produced by Industrial Metallurgists, LLC and is not an AWS course. The course was authored by Michael Pfeifer, Ph.D., P.E. Michael received a B.S. and M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University. After graduating, he worked 13 years at Motorola as a manufacturing engineer in an integrated circuit factory and as a design/quality/cost reduction engineer for automotive electronics.

Who should take this course?

This course is ideal for design, manufacturing, and quality engineers as well as sales people and purchasing agents who have metallurgy discussions with suppliers and customers.

Are there any prerequisites to take this course?

Yes. Principles of Metallurgy and Metallurgy of Steel or knowledge of the following: diffusion, metallurgical phase, grain, steel phases and their microstructures, iron-carbon phase diagram, and the effects of cooling rate on steel microstructure.

How long do I have to complete this course?

Participants have access to the course content 24 hours a day for a period of 90 days from the date of registration. The final exam may be activated before the end of the 90-day period if the participant has completed all the modules.

Does this course include a completion exam?

Yes. Upon completion of the final course module, participants are prompted to take an exam designed to evaluate their comprehension of the subject matter. The completion exam consists of 8 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within a 60-minute period. Participants who do not attain the 70% passing score may attempt to retake the exam a second time. Participants that pass the exam earn a Certificate of Completion and 1 Professional Development Hour. Certificates can be downloaded from AWS Learning upon successful completion of the final exam.

Do I need to purchase any other materials?

No. All the materials and resources necessary to complete the course objectives are included.

Do I receive Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for completing this course?

Yes. Participants that receive a score of 70% or above will receive a Certificate of Completion and 1 Professional Development Hour (PDHs).

Can I use these Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for recertification?

Yes. Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned through Industrial Metallurgists, LLC, courses can be applied towards recertification provided the PDHs are earned during the certification period.

What are the requirements to pass this course?

Learners must do the following to successfully complete a course: Complete all course modules. Achieve at least 70% correct on the course exam. Complete the course within 3 months of the course registration date.

Are there course notes?

Yes. Downloads of the course material are available with each course.

How do I obtain my certificate of completion?

Certificates of completion can be printed after completing a course, which includes passing the course exam.

What platforms and devices can I use to view the courses?

You must be connected to the internet to access our online courses. We support the most recent versions of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. Courses can be viewed on desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Note, however, that a high speed internet connection and large screen offer a better user experience.

Steel Through-Hardening Processes Online Course

Steel Through Hardening

Please Note:

This course is offered through our partner, Industrial Metallurgist, and does not include an AWS course completion certificate.

If your products use through hardened steel components, understanding the effects of alloy composition and heat treating process conditions on the microstructure and properties of the steel is critical for:

Selecting the most appropriate alloy and heat treating process for your application.
Evaluating suppliers
Developing manufacturing processes
Solving quality problems

This course teaches:

Quenching and tempering, martempering, and austempering through hardening process conditions.
Effects of steel composition and heat treating temperature and cooling rate on through hardened steel microstructure and strength.
Through hardening problems and how to avoid them.

at a glance

Price

$89

Availability to Course Materials

60 days

Course Length

Approximately 1 hour

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course details

Benefits
Course Modules

COMPREHENSIVE
Approximately 1 hours of instruction divided into 2 easily manageable modules.
EASY TO ACCESS
Participants can access the course 24/7 from any computer with an internet connection.
EASY TO USE
Pause, advance, and rewind navigation features give users complete control over their learning experience.
EASY TO UNDERSTAND
Audio narration, animated graphics and video footage make even the most complex topics engaging and easy-to-understand.
PROVEN METHODS
Interactive elements, practice problems, and quizzes facilitate the mastery of concepts and measure content retention.
RELIABLE
Course content was authored by Michael Pfeifer, Ph.D., P.E and was produced by Industrial Metallurgists, LLC.
SUPPORT
Please provide support or contact information.

Module 1 – Through Hardening I

Module 2 – Through Hardening II

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AWS Steel Through Hardening course and who is it for?

The AWS Steel Through Hardening course is a self-paced online course that covers the heat treatment processes used to harden steel throughout its entire cross-section, rather than just the surface. Topics include austenitizing, quenching, tempering, and how these processes affect the mechanical properties and weldability of carbon and alloy steels. It is ideal for welding engineers, metallurgists, fabricators, and quality professionals working with heat-treated steel components.
How is through hardening different from case hardening and why does it matter for welding?

Unlike case hardening, which only hardens the outer surface layer, through hardening changes the hardness and microstructure of the steel throughout its full thickness. For welders and inspectors, this distinction matters because through-hardened steels require specific preheat and post-weld heat treatment procedures to avoid cracking and maintain mechanical integrity after welding.
Do I need prior knowledge before taking this course?

A foundational understanding of steel metallurgy is recommended before enrolling. Completing the AWS Principles of Metallurgy or Steel Metallurgy courses first is strongly encouraged, as this course builds on concepts such as phase diagrams, microstructure, and heat treatment principles covered in those prerequisite courses.
How long do I have to complete the course and what do I earn?

Participants receive 90 days of access from the date of registration. Those who score 70% or higher on the completion exam earn a Certificate of Completion and Professional Development Hours (PDHs) applicable toward AWS certification and recertification requirements.
Can the PDHs earned count toward CWI recertification?

Yes. PDHs earned through AWS self-paced online courses can be applied toward AWS recertification requirements provided they are earned during the active certification period. Check the course page for the exact number of PDHs awarded upon successful completion.

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Comprehensive support for your welding education journey

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Comprehensive support for your welding education journey

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Our dedicated support team is here to make sure your welding education experience stays on track. Visit our Learning Support page, select the type of help you need from the dropdown menu, and a team member will be in touch promptly.

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