Additive manufacturing is fundamentally changing metalcasting—and not just at foundries that already use 3D printing.

“The companies who aren’t adopting [3D] technology are not attracting the younger employees who can help them sustain their organizations, and they’re not being competitive,” said Jerry Thiel, director of the Metal Casting Center at the University of Northern Iowa. “They’re losing that competitive advantage to other foundries.”

Frank Headington, who has served since 2017 as AFS Interim Technical Director, will continue with the society in the role of Senior Technical Director.

The American Foundry Society (AFS) today announced the 2019 return of the Casting Designers & Buyers Track, presented by Metal Casting Design & Purchasing magazine, at CastExpo 2019, April 27-30, 2019, in Atlanta. The track will be presented Sunday, April 28, and Monday, April 29.

Casting buyers are demanding additive capabilities from their metalcasters—and proactive foundries are responding to that call. With additive manufacturing changing the way customers are designing and sourcing their components, it’s crucial not to get left behind. 

Stephen Shapiro knows the way businesses succeed is changing. He’ll bring that message to metalcasters as a presenter at the 2018 AFS Foundry Leadership Conference, Sept. 16-18 in Amelia Island, Florida.