The first ever AFS Additive Manufacturing for Metalcasting Conference was held Oct. 3-6 in Novi, Michigan. The four-day conference was AFS’ first full technical conference on additive manufacturing and 3-D printing technologies. The conference featured over 35 expert speakers, each focusing on how the new emerging technologies are being utilized in metalcasting facilities to produce cast components.
“The future of Additive and 3-D printing technologies within metalcasting is an exciting chapter for our industry,” AFS VP Technology, Zayna Connor. “The technology has been around for some time, but metalcasters are starting to see its true potential to help improve their operations.”
On day one, the conference kicked off with plant tours at local foundries utilizing additive or 3-D printing processes:
Keynote speaker Ralph Resnick, kicked off three days of presentations with his keynote address on Tuesday, October 4. Resnick is a part of NCDMM (National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining) and is also involved with the America Makes, National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. Resnick discussed the increased importance of additive manufacturing within metalcasting, and where the future of the technology can take the industry.
Spread throughout four days, the conference covered a variety of metals, processes and topics revolving around additive manufacturing, including:
Keynote presentations were also delivered by John Danko, Danko Arlington. Danko discussed the role of entrepreneurial management and training as a transformational force. He talked about the additive manufacturing technologies that have been implemented at the Danko facilities.
Bill Harris, Sikorsky Aircraft, gave his keynote address about using technology to improve product, from helicopters to castings.
The conference also included poster sessions from universities to show what is being done to train the next generation of metalcasters in additive manufacturing principles and techniques.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., 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.
From the conference: top left, Ralph Resnick, National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining and America Makes, Top Right, Tom Prucha, MetalMorphasis, Bottom left, David Weiss, Eck Industries, bottom right, Keynote John Danko, Danko Arlington.