binders for similar castings in the U.S.
Types of Research Research in our industry generally
takes several forms. One such form is performed by supplier companies, with an objective to increasing their sales to the foundry industry. An example this author is familiar
with involves the research that led to the invention of phenolic urethane cold-box and nobake binders, and subsequent advances. In many cases, research such as this is protected by patents. Companies can choose to protect and defend their patented inventions, or license to competitors to increase the penetration and use of the technology in foundries. As patents expire, technology becomes available to other suppliers in those fields to commercialize and further develop. Certain types of research involving
industry consortia and paid sponsorship may preclude immediate technical trans- fer to the general industry for a period after the project has been completed.
“Most organizations delay in-house adoption of complex technology until they
obtain sufficient technical knowhow to both implement and operate it successfully. Te burden of developing technical know-how through organizational learning becomes a hurdle to adopting new technology.”
Supplier sponsored research may
also involve non-disclosure agreements with operating foundries and/or research organizations to protect potential patent- able ideas or proprietary information the supplier has developed. Federally-funded programs, such as
those sponsored by the Department of Energy, Department of Defense and the Defense Logistics Agency most often include NDAs that limit and restrict technology transfer. Supplier organizations have pro-
vided and contributed research to the industry in years past. AFS Transac- tions are filled with papers by suppli- ers, but some of these have changed or are gone due to mergers and acquisi- tions and those that remain have reduced their investment in research and development as the metalcasting industry has shrunk. AFS funded and monitored
research is also key. As stated by AFS, support of research is critical for North America to maintain a strong, vibrant, healthy and continually advancing metalcasting industry. Part of AFS’ mission is to promote these activities for the betterment of our membership, our industry and our society. It does so in many ways, AFS directly funds research proj-
ects from allocation of a portion of the annual dues paid by AFS Corporate Memberships. The Research Board is responsible for review and approval of AFS-sponsored research programs recommended by the Divisions. The Board also can recommend specific research and development to meet the immediate and long-range needs of the industry. The Board reviews devel- opments in all metal forming fields. It coordinates AFS research with that of other organizations when it is mutu- ally beneficial in addressing the needs of the metalcasting community. The AFS Research Board consists of five members who serve staggered terms of five years, with the term of one mem- ber expiring each year.
Gap Analysis In management literature, gap anal-
Certain types of research involving industry consortia and paid sponsorship may preclude immediate technical transfer to the general industry for a period after the project has been completed.
ysis involves the comparison of actual performance with potential or desired
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