Third-generation, high-intensity, x-ray synchrotron radiation sources are capable of producing high heat-flux x- ray beams. In many applications finding ways to handle these powers is viewed as a burden. However, there are some technological applications where the deep penetration length of the x-rays may find beneficial uses as a volumetric heat source. In this paper we discuss the prospects for using high power x-rays for volumetric heating and report some recent experimental results. The particular applications we focus on are welding and surface heat treatment. The radiation source is an undulator at the Advanced Photon Source. Results of preliminary tests on aluminum, aluminum metal matrix composites, and steel will be presented.