The Materials Technical Group meetings cover topics including metals; non-ferrous metals; advanced materials (e.g. intermetallic and composites); plastics and ceramics; mechanical properties in metallic and non-metallic joints; service behaviour of components joined by welding or other means; defect mechanisms and weldability testing; metallurgical aspects of filler materials; metallurgy of welding tube and pipe; health and safety; computer software and tools; national and international standards; quality control and IIW activities related to metallurgy.