TS 12790

TS 12790 is a vocational standard that defines the heat treater occupation and the professional framework for the person performing heat treatment on metals and alloys. The standard addresses how the occupation is classified, the characteristics expected from practitioners, and how those characteristics are measured and evaluated. It also considers the minimum tools and equipment used in heat-treatment work within the same professional context.

Technical meaning of heat treatment work

Heat treatment is a controlled manufacturing step used to alter the microstructure of metals and alloys and, in turn, influence properties such as hardness, strength, ductility, toughness and residual stress. Core stages such as heating, holding and controlled cooling are applied differently depending on the material, section thickness and the target final properties. For that reason, heat treater work is not only about operating furnaces; it also requires understanding how materials respond and how process parameters should be selected.

How this standard supports vocational assessment

The classification and evaluation approach in the standard helps define the heat treater profession across different levels. In general technical terms, this means assessing the worker’s knowledge of materials, process control, equipment use and work quality. A vocational standard structured in this way provides a common reference point for industries that depend on consistency and repeatability in production.

• Focuses on heat treatment of metals and alloys.
• Includes the definition and classification of the occupation.
• Treats minimum tools and equipment as part of the professional framework.
• Covers measurement and evaluation of the qualities expected from practitioners.