From the Editor A Challenge to You I would like to issue a challenge to our


readers, contributors, editorial board and our industry, “Ask not what the Metal- casting Research Foundation can do for you, but what you can do for your indus-


mechanism to fund metalcasting technol- ogy development and provide our mem- bers a competitive edge in the marketplace. As can be seen by the logo for the


METALCASTING RESEARCH


METALCASTER EDUCATION RESEARCH


try, company and, ultimately, yourself”. You may be familiar with a similar


phrase uttered by President John F. Ken- nedy. This was a sentiment that inspired a generation of Americans to serve their country. During this time, another vision propelled the U.S. into space and on the moon. Our country was at a critical point in its destiny, fighting for technical survival and perhaps its future existence. Our North American metalcasting in-


dustry faces similar daunting challenges: • declining numbers of metalcasting facilities;


• reduced enrollment in math, science and engineering (especially metalcasting) programs;


• loss of government support for metalcasting-related initiatives;


• increased competition from overseas; • adjusting to a global economy.


This perfect storm presents us the op-


portunity to either act or see our status in the world diminish. The American Foundry Society (AFS) has established the Metalcasting Research Foundation (MRF) as a mechanism to fund research and help ensure our future and legacy. It is time to take our fate out of the hands of politicians and special interest groups. By creating a separate IRS sec. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, we have established the


International Journal of Metalcasting/Winter 11


MRF, this effort is depicted by a three- legged stool representing the collaboration between industry, educators and student investigators con- ducting the research. The stability and sustainability of our industry requires three strong legs sup-


porting this mission. Since the focus of MRF is to promote research funding and support of the professors and graduate


Technology development can level any playing field, but it will require the sup- port of the MRF and your contributions. Support of research is critical for


North America to maintain a strong, vi- brant, healthy and continually advancing metalcasting industry. This mission has never been more critical than now as gov- ernment funding and priorities continue to shift from baseline manufacturing to “sexier” sciences. Please consider a tax deductible dona-


tion to the MRF. AFS has the adminis- trative capabilities through the Research Board, Division Council and Technical Committee Structure to focus, direct


Technology development can level any playing field, but it will require the support of the MRF and your contributions.


students involved with metalcasting, its efforts will not detract from those di- rected at undergraduate students. The reality is that they will be synergistic. As mentioned in previous editorials, we must ensure opportunities for graduate students to pursue advanced degrees and then seek faculty positions, otherwise all metalcasting programs will stumble and disappear like the historic program at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Our industry must continue to learn from the past and secure our future today.


Thomas Prucha


Editor International Journal of Metalcasting AFS Vice President of Technology tprucha@afsinc.org


5


and oversee research activities that ad- dress our industry’s current and future needs. A summary of the current proj- ects funded or monitored by AFS is in- cluded in each issue of the IJMC. You will see that this represents a varied slate of programs representing the spectrum of metals, manufacturing processes and technologies of our members and indus- try. The MRF is “Securing the Future of Metalcasting Through Technology De- velopment.” The time is now for you to contribute to this future.


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