2025 Sand Casting Conference
Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown PittsburghSeptember 9 – 10, 2025
Overview
Join us at the 2025 Sand Conference – where innovators and industry leaders converge! Dive into compelling case studies and dynamic discussions on cutting-edge molding technologies, environmental compliance, and process evaluation. Network with peers through process-focused presentations that spotlight real-world applications, showcasing advancements in process improvement and technology transfer. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore and adopt new methodologies and state-of-the-art equipment poised to meet the industry’s future demands.
For information about sponsorship opportunities at the event, please contact Kim Farrugia at kfarrugia@afsinc.org or click here.
Location
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh, PA
- September 9 – 10, 2025
Conference Agenda
Scott Giese
Molding Conference Chair, Univeristy of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA
Greg Colvin
Honeywell Aerospace, Phoenix, AZ
- Basic Science of Clay
- Michelle Ring, Ductile Iron Society, Carmel, IN
- Causticized Lignite
- Liam Miller, American Colloid Co., Hoffman Estates, IL
- Water Surfactant
- Matt Hall, REFCOTEC, Inc., Orrville, OH
- Mechanical Separation
- Mark Pine, Sinto America, Grand Ledge, MI
- Clay Activation Principles and the Effects of Advanced Oxidation
- David Paulsen, Furness-Newburge, Inc., Versailles, KY
This panel answers “what is clay activation? And how do I improve it?”, focusing on key methods to improve sand properties and foundry efficiency. Topics include the fundamentals of bentonite clay structure, the role of water in activation, and the benefits of causticized lignite as a clay modifier and dispersant. The use of surfactants and advanced oxidation processes to improve clay activation and reintroduce recovered clay will also be discussed. The panel will highlight case studies and practical insights for optimizing sand systems while reducing costs and environmental impact.
TBD
HA Group, Westmont, IL
Reza Hashemi,
SRC Pipeflow Technology Center, Saskatchewan, Canada
Lauren Innis
The Lawton Standard Co., De Pere, WI
Kirk Keithly
ExOne, Lapeer, MI
- Moderator: Michelle Ring, Ductile Iron Society, Carmel, IN
- Panelists:
Tom Arenholz
Simpson Technologies Corp., Cedar Falls, IA
Kylee Rothenburger
Dotson Iron Castings, Mankato, MN
Lauren Innis
The Lawton Standard Co, De Pere, WI
Travis Frush
American Foundry Society, Schaumburg, IL
Drinks & Appetizers
(15-20 minute presentations followed by 10-15 minute discussion)
- Joe Muniza, ASK Chemicals, Dublin, OH
- TBD, HA Group, Westmont, IL
- TBD
Jay Morrison, Carpenter Brothers, Inc., Mequon, WI
Effective dust collection is a critical component of modern foundry sand systems. This presentation explores how dust collection systems effect operational efficiency, environmental compliance, and worker safety in the foundry. By capturing fine particulate matter, these systems prevent contamination of the sand, improve casting quality, and reduce wear on machinery. Additionally, proper dust control and monitoring contributes to regulatory adherence and creates a safer, healthier workplace. Key topics will include the mechanics of dust collection, integration within sand reclamation processes, and strategies for optimizing system performance to meet production and environmental goals.
Brian Rachwitz, EJ, East Jordan, MI
Dorothy Havlin
The Nugent Sand Co. Inc., Norton Shores, MU
Kylee Rothenburger
Dotson Iron Castings, Mankato, MN
Tom Prucha
IJMC Editor, Metal Morphasis LLC, Rochester Hills, MI
Caitlyn Dickson
Neenah Foundry Co., Neenah, WI
TBD
Annie Nelson
Waupaca Foundry, Inc., Waupaca, WI
TBD
American Colloid Co., Hoffman Estates, IL
Michelle Ring, Ductile Iron Society, Germantown, WI
Tom Arenholz, Simpson Technologies Corp., Cedar Falls, IA
Registration
AFS presents a variety of technical and management conferences (in both in-person and virtual formats). The refund policy for AFS conferences is as follows: 1) Substitutions are accepted at no charge at any time up until the start of the conference; 2) Full refunds are offered if AFS is notified in writing of cancellation at least 30 days in advance of the conference. No refunds or credits are available for less than 30 days written notice.
Sponsors
Gold
