110th Metalcasting Congress Attracts 2200 Attendees
WHEELING, IL (May 10, 2006) - The 110th Metalcasting Congress, sponsored by the American Foundry Society (AFS) and the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA), was held April 18-21, 2006 in Columbus, Ohio. The annual event showcased the latest technology and research available to the metalcasting industry. Approximately 2200 people attended the event, which featured 239 companies exhibiting their most innovative products and services.
This year marked the third year AFS and NADCA have combined their annual meetings. The combining of the shows has created an event that represents every facet of the metalcasting industry. One of the most recognizable benefits of the joint show is the amount of research and technology presented. During the four days of Congress Sessions, more than 100 technical presentations were delivered by leading researchers, professors and industry representatives.
NADCA introduced a new format for its sessions this year. While traditional presentations were still offered, five of the sessions started with a keynote speaker that gave a technical overview of current research and advancement on a specific topic. Attendees then heard success stories from individuals on their involvement with a specific process or technology that was implemented with very successful results. Following these presentations, panel discussions composed of industry experts assembled to address questions and comments from the audience.
"Hearing your peers talk about how a technology was used at their company brings technical sessions to a whole new level," noted Gary Ruff, Ruff & Associates, LLC. "These presentations were particularly strong because they aren't overly technical and they aren't sales pitches."
During the Congress, AFS and NADCA hosted the Third Annual Recognition Luncheon for individuals who have made a significant technical contribution to the industry this year. Several NADCA awards were presented at the event. Naoyuki Tsumagari, materials engineering manager at Briggs & Stratton was chosen for the NADCA Technical Committee Member of the Year Award. Scott Kirkman of Kirkman Consulting was awarded NADCA Instructor of the Year. Innovations Marine Propeller Technology: High Ductility Mercalloy 366 Alloy, written and submitted by Danielle K. Visser, Adam E. Kopper, and Andrew J. Schulz, all from Mercury Marine, was named Best NADCA Congress Paper.
Winners of the 2006 International Die Casting Competition were on display throughout the duration of the show and NADCA Corporate Member Companies that were recipients of Safety Awards were also recognized.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, AFS is a not-for-profit technical and management society that has existed since 1896 to provide and promote knowledge and services that strengthen the metalcasting industry for the ultimate benefit of its customers and society.
Based in Wheeling, IL, NADCA represents the world's most effective die casters creating the world's best cast products. The organization serves as the voice of the die casting industry, promoting growth and enhancing its members' ability to compete domestically in the global marketplace.
CONTACT: Adrienne Szymke, NADCA; 847.808.3161; szymke@diecasting.org
