November 2023 marked the launch of three innovative projects spearheaded by the American Foundry Society as part of the American Metalcasting Consortium’s Emergent MetalCasting Solutions (EMCS) Program. These initiatives showcase AFS's commitment to advancing the metalcasting industry through collaborative research and development.
- Advancing Investment Castings: The first project, a collaborative effort between AFS, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, MetalMorphasis LLC, Metaltek International, PDA LLC, and the University of Northern Iowa, focuses on enhancing shell recycling, rapid shell production, and improving risering rules for challenging alloys in investment castings.
- Surface Defects Analysis: In partnership with Western Michigan University, the second project delves into modeling the intricate relationship between surface defects on cast metal components and various casting process variables and parameters.
- Continuing Nano-Reinforcement Research: Led by Loukus Technologies, under the direction of David Weiss of Vision Materials, the third project builds upon previous success by examining nano-reinforcing aluminum alloys to increase strength without adding weight.
A fourth project in the EMCS Program, Digital Knowledge Transfer Platforms, commenced in March 2023. It focuses on digitizing AFS’s electronic transfer technology programs. Brian Began, AFS VP of Metalcasting Technical Services, will present project updates at Metalcasting Congress 2024.
These projects are sponsored by the Defense Logistics Agency Information Operations, J68, Research & Development, Ft. Belvoir (Virginia), and the Defense Logistics Agency – Troop Support (Philadelphia).
The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $48 billion metalcasting industry. AFS is the only association serving the entire industry, including all metals and processes, with a three-part focus on advocacy, education, and innovation. AFS also publishes Modern Casting and Casting Source magazines and presents Metalcasting Congress and CastExpo, the largest metalcasting trade events in North America. Founded in 1896, the organization is based in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an advocacy office in Washington, D.C. More information is available at AFSinc.org.