Metallurgists are professionals who specialize in metallurgy - the study of metals and their properties. Other synonyms that can be used interchangeably with metallurgists include materials scientists, metallurgical engineers, metalworkers, metal technologists, and metal fabricators. Materials scientists are involved in the research and development of metallic materials, while metallurgical engineers design and develop metallic components for various applications. Metalworkers and metal fabricators, on the other hand, are involved in shaping and forming metal into usable products. Metal technologists work in production and processing of metallic substances. Regardless of the synonym used, each role plays an important part in the production, usage and upcycling of materials into useful applications.