North America’s premier foundry event drew more than 2,200 attendees from around the globe this week for a three-day showcase of industry innovations.
Hosted by the American Foundry Society, Metalcasting Congress 2023 welcomed guests from across the United States and from as far away as South Africa, Brazil, China, Mexico, Canada, and Taiwan to the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland.
Held on April 25-27, 2023, Metalcasting Congress 2023 included more than 70 technical and management presentations, 230 exhibits from suppliers and North American foundries, award presentations, and professional networking events. The event featured three keynotes: a lighthearted debate among forgers, metalcasters, and additive manufacturers about their respective manufacturing processes; the Hoyt Memorial Lecture, “Innovate or Die,” by John “Chip” Keough (LightSpeed Concepts Inc./Keotech Inc.); and an inspiring presentation from author and “Field of Dreams” actor Dwier Brown, who met with attendees and took photos after his moving address.
Sessions and exhibits alike provided insights into the latest trends and best practices in metalcasting, and attendees had the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected experts in the industry and meet with peers. The event attracted a diverse range of attendees, including foundry owners and operators, engineers, consultants, plant managers, academics, administrative personnel, casting designers and buyers, and students.
"We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout from across North America and beyond, and the positive feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive,” said AFS CEO Doug Kurkul. “Metalcasting Congress provides a great platform to showcase the latest advancements in metalcasting and to recognize the incredible talent in our industry. Among our audience was more than 160 students, continuing a longstanding AFS tradition of welcoming students and key professors at no cost.”
Among the awards presented at Metalcasting Congress were the Society’s highest honors, AFS Gold Medals. Gregory Miskinis (retired, Waupaca Foundry) received the John H. Whiting Gold Medal, and Thomas Slavin (Slavin OSH Group LLC) received the William H. McFadden Gold Medal.
Also at the event, AFS and the Foundry Educational Foundation co-hosted the annual IJMC/FEF Student Research Competition, which awards scholarships and publication credits in the International Journal of Metalcasting to undergraduate metalcasting students who perform excellent research. Jenna Van Hoogstraten, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, took home first prize for “The Effect of Cooling Rate on the Microstructure and Physical Properties of Hypereutectic Al-Ce Alloys.” Additionally, the Steel Founders’ Society of America presented its Cast in Steel competition, which this year challenged students to cast an African spear point. The team from California Polytechnic University, Pomona won the 2023 grand prize.
AFS also welcomed new elected leaders during the event, including Bradford Muller (Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Co.), who will serve as AFS President for 2023-2024.
“The success of Metalcasting Congress 2023 demonstrates the continued growth and advancement of the North American foundry industry,” Kurkul concluded. “AFS looks forward to organizing future events that provide a platform for metalcasters to come together, share knowledge, and continue to push our industry forward.” Metalcasting Congress 2024 will be April 23-25, 2024, in Milwaukee.
The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $46 billion metalcasting industry. AFS is the only association serving the entire industry, including all metals and processes, with a three-part focus on advocacy, education, and innovation. AFS also publishes Modern Casting and Casting Source magazines and presents Metalcasting Congress and CastExpo, the largest metalcasting trade events in North America. Founded in 1896, the organization is based in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an advocacy office in Washington, D.C. More information is available at afsinc.org.