INNOVATE CONTINUED
Program. These projects focus on high integrity alloy mechanical property standards and other casting standards and specifi cations and are expected to be completed in 2017. When concluded, the tested alloys will be fully characterized and validated mechanical properties will be submitted for inclusion in MMPDS standards. Development of statistical- based property data will permit the use of castings across a broader range of component applications as engineers and casting designers will be able to make cast alloy conversion and replacement decisions with assurance.
On the committee side, most of the technical divisions and committees have worked through a process of restructuring in an attempt to revitalize their membership and effectiveness. A new working group on additive manufacturing has been launched and is actively meeting.
Web Resources
• CastingConnection, a members-only networking site, is continuing to grow and mature. It offers a much- improved platform for management of committes and a discussion forum for members to connect with one another. The number of total posts on CastingConnection is approaching 2,000 since it launched in 2015.
• Metalcasting TV (MCTV,
www.metalcastingtv.com) focusing on metalcasting-related video is housed on the
afsinc.org website. Most of the video is developed in-house, based on recorded webinars, plant tours, interviews with experts and process demonstrations, but there also is an opportunity for advertiser video and other industry video.
• A searchable online metalcaster directory (
www.afsinc. org/metalcasterdirectory) helps purchasing agents look for North American sources for cast components. Users can input part data such as weight, volume and type of metal for help in determining which type of casting process is best suited to their needs. The tool is also linked to a casting alloy database that provides property information for various casting alloys.
• Melting Point’s website (
meltingpoint.afsinc.org), launched last year, provides a unique platform to students, teachers and industry advocates to help promote metalcasting as a career to students in grades 3-12.
10 A MER I C A N F O U N D R Y S O C I E T Y
Environmental Progress
AFS is committed to funding, coordinating and supporting efforts to improve the metalcasting industry’s impact on the environment. The 10-E and 10-F Committees have created a combined work group to identify components of a “green” or sustainable foundry. The goal of this effort is to identify what the industry currently does to promote environmental sustainability and how the industry can look to the future for additional environmental progress.
The 10-F committee has continued to support and work closely with AFS-FIRST, an independent non- profi t association that is the successor organization to Foundry Industry Recycling Starts Today (FIRST). It exists to educate foundries, end users, government agencies and other stakeholders about the benefi ts of using foundry byproducts. This year, EPA released its fi nal risk assessment report for non-olivine foundry sands produced by iron, steel and aluminum metalcasting operations, deeming them safe for use in manufactured soils, soil-less media or road base. The focus is now on identifying new opportunities for the benefi cial use of foundry sand. AFS Members have begun to use the fi nal risk assessment with state regulators to develop new benefi cial use regulations in Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio.
AFS, as part of a group of metals industries, worked to support bipartisan legislation to modernize U.S. chemical management requirements. The legislation, The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act for the 21st Century Act was signed into law in June 2016.
AFS
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