Универзитет „Св. Кирил и Методиј“ во Скопје
Технолошко-металуршки факултет

Metallurgical Digital Engineering

Metallurgical Digital Engineering

Digitalization in Metallurgy: Revolutionizing the Industry Through Cutting-Edge Technologies

The digital transformation of metallurgy is reshaping how metals are produced, processed, and perfected. By integrating next-generation technologies, the industry is becoming faster, smarter, cleaner, and dramatically more efficient. Today, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and digital twin technology are driving a new era of precision, sustainability, and innovation in metallurgical plants.

What Does Digitalization in Metallurgy Mean?

It means replacing outdated systems with intelligent machines and software that monitor, analyze, and optimize every stage of production. Smart sensors track real-time data such as temperature and pressure, while big data platforms process vast information streams to predict outcomes and enhance metal quality with unmatched accuracy.

Key Technologies Shaping the Future

  1. Automation & Robotics – Robots perform high-risk tasks like cutting and welding, boosting safety and efficiency.
  2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI predicts product quality, prevents defects, and enables real-time decision-making.
  3. Internet of Things (IoT) – Embedded sensors collect operational data for continuous monitoring and intelligent control.
  4. Big Data Analytics – Massive data sets are processed to optimize performance and reduce downtime.
  5. Digital Twins – Virtual replicas of machines and systems allow for testing, simulation, and improvement before physical changes are made.

Why It Matters – The Benefits of Metallurgical Digitalization

  • ⚙️ Higher Efficiency – Faster, more precise processes that cut costs and maximize output.
  • 🌍 Lower Environmental Impact – Reduced waste and smarter resource use for greener operations.
  • 🔁 Greater Flexibility – Agile production systems that can quickly adapt to new demands.
  • 🛡️ Improved Safety – Fewer human interventions in hazardous zones thanks to automation.

Challenges on the Road Ahead

Implementing digital technologies requires significant investment, a highly skilled workforce, and robust data security infrastructure. But the long-term rewards far outweigh the initial hurdles.

What Does the Future Hold?

Digital metallurgy is the future. It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a complete transformation. As we embrace digital tools, metallurgy is evolving into a smart, sustainable, and future-ready industry.

Welcome to the new era of Metallurgical Digital Engineering.

Course schedule by semesters and years of study for academic studies (AS)

  No.Course code  Name of the Course  SemesterNo. of classes per week  ECTS
LE
FIRST YEAR
1MDE1M1Mathematics 1I337
2MDE1M2General and inorganic chemistry 1I337
3MDE1M3Physics 1I336
4MDE1M4Technical drawing and CADI234
5MDE1M5Electrical EngineeringI326
6MDE2M1Mathematics 2II337
7MDE2M2General and inorganic chemistry 2II337
8MDE2M3Statistics for EngineersII226
9MDE2M4Mineral processingII336
10MDE2E1Elective Subject 1II224
Total hours (lectures, exercises) and number of ECTS per year272730
  No.Course code  Name of the Course  SemesterNo. of classes per week  ECTS
LE
SECOND YEAR
1MDE3M1Introduction to Material EngineeringIII335
2MDE3M2Chemical metallurgy 1III336
3MDE3M3Physical metallurgy 1III336
4MDE3M4Discrete MathematicsIII336
5MDE3M5Machine ElementsIII227
6MDE4M1Chemical Metallurgy 2IV337
7MDE4M2Physical Metallurgy 2IV337
8MDE4M3Transport phenomenaIV226
9MDE4M4Principles of ManagementIV225
10MDE4M5Programming in ScienceIV225
Total hours (lectures, exercises) and number of ECTS per year262660


No.Course codeName of the CourseSemesterNo. of classes per weekECTS
LE
THIRD YEAR
1MDE5M1Investigation of metalsV335
2MDE5M2FerroalloysV235
3MDE5M3Non-ferrous metallurgyV335
4MDE5M4Ferrous metallurgyV337
5MDE5M5Process modeling and optimizationV338
6MDE6M1Theory of metal castingVI336
7MDE6M2Corrosion and protection of metalsVI225
8MDE6M3Measurement, automatic control and monitoring systemsVI225
9MDE6M4Plastic deformation of metalsVI326
10MDE6E2Elective Subject 2VI224
11MDE6E3Elective Subject 3VI224
Total hours (lectures, exercises) and number of ECTS per year292860
  No.Course code  Name of the Course  SemesterNo. of classes per week  ECTS
LE
FOURTH YEAR
1MDE7M1Theory of Metal CastingVII335
2MDE7M2Technology of plastic deformation of metalsVII335
3MDE7M3Machine learningVII226
4MDE7M4Heat TreatmentVII224
5MDE7E4Elective Subject 4VII226
6MDE7M5Workplace safety in metallurgyVII224
7MDE8M1Project ManagementVIII225
8MDE8E5Elective Subject 5VIII225
9MDE8E6Elective Subject 6VIII226
10MDE8M2Welding technologiesVIII225
11MDE8M3Diploma workVIII  9
Total hours (lectures, exercises) and number of ECTS per year222260

Elective courses of the study program (The list includes elective courses from the study program and courses offered by another unit of the university, in accordance with Article 139, paragraph 9 of the Higher Education Law (‘Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia’ 82/18)).

No.CodeName of the CourseSemes terNo. of classes per weekECTSUNIT
LecturesExercises
1MDE2E1Communication skillsII224FTM
2MDE2E1Fundamentals of Computer OperationsII224FTM
3MDE6E2Extraction of metals from secondary raw materialsVI224FTM
4MDE6E2Wastewater treatment in metallurgyVI224FTM
5MDE6E2Surface EngineeringVI224FTM
6MDE6E3Entrepreneurship and BusinessVI224IE
7MDE6E3Nanomaterials and nanotechnologiesVI224FTM
8MDE7E4Fundamentals of MechatronicsVII226FME
9MDE7E4Basics of Artificial IntelligenceVII226FEEIT
19MDE7E4Management of InnovationVII226IE
11MDE7E4Industrial ManagementVII226FTM
12MDE8E5Metallurgical FurnacesVIII225FTM
13MDE8E5Green metallurgyVIII225FTM
14MDE8E5Ladle metallurgyVIII225FTM
15MDE8E5ElectrometallurgyVIII225FTM
16MDE8E6Virtual EngineeringVIII226FME
17MDE8E6Computer process controlVIII226FEEIT
18MDE8E6NanosensorsVIII226FTM
19MDE8E6Methodology of scientific research workVIII226FTM
Total: