Material scientists and material engineers are both involved in the study and development of materials, but they have different areas of focus and responsibilities.
Material scientists focus on the properties and behavior of materials at the atomic and molecular level. They use this knowledge to develop new materials and improve existing ones for a wide range of applications. They often work in research and development roles, where they conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop models to understand how materials behave under different conditions. Material scientists may specialize in a specific type of material, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites, and they often have a good knowledge of the manufacturing process.
On the other hand, Material engineers are more focused on the practical application of materials in the design and production of products. They use their knowledge of materials properties and behavior to design, develop, and test new materials and products. They work closely with engineers and manufacturers to design and optimize production methods for different materials. They also test and evaluate the performance of materials in different environments, such as extreme temperatures, pressures, and corrosive conditions. Material engineers are also involved in the production and processing of materials, they develop and optimize the process to achieve the desired properties and characteristics.
In summary, material scientists focus on the properties and behavior of materials at the atomic and molecular level, while material engineers focus on the practical application of materials in the design and production of products. Both fields are closely related, but material scientists tend to focus more on research and development, while material engineers tend to focus more on the application of materials in industry.