Welcome to e-Connections, the weekly AFS email newsletter. In this June 24, 2008, edition:

Summer IJMC Includes Research on Copper, Aluminum
The summer issue of the International Journal of Metalcasting (IJMC) is due for release in June. This fourth issue marks a full year of IJMC publication, and includes ground breaking research on copper and aluminum alloys.

The lead article features in the summer issue will highlight research by the Copper Development Association (CDA) on the anti-microbial properties of cast copper based alloys. Also included in the IJMC are two articles on the fluidity and filling of aluminum castings; the first discussing mold filling in lost foam casting of aluminum alloys and the second paper that will aid the understanding of fluidity. A fourth paper will review metalcasting research programs designed to reduce the U.S. transportation systems' 95% dependance on petroleum-based fuels.

Don't delay, subscribe now to receive the publication leading the transfer of research and technology to the global metalcasting industry. For more information on the IJMC, and to download a subscription form, visit www.metalcastingjournal.com or contact AFS customer service at 800/537-4237.

Conference Focuses on Dust Explosions, OSHA Agenda
The 20th annual Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Conference will be held August 24-27 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, St. Louis, Mo.

Conference topics include:

  • dust explosion hazards;
  • global warming implications for metalcasters;
  • the McWane turnaround story;
  • EHS auditing program options and common findings;
  • upcoming OSHA agenda.

In addition, environmental and safety breakout sessions are planned, followed by a reception with exhibitors.

For more information, or to register for this conference, contact AFS customer service at 800/537-4237. To view a brochure, visit www.afsinc.org/events.

Foundry Sand in Soils Workshop Highlights Sample Specifications
The AFS sponsored Foundry Sand in Soils Workshop will be held at The Ohio State Univ., Kottman Hall, July 23-24. This workshop will provide an introduction to foundry sands in soil manufacturing.

Researchers at this workshop will describe the soil-like properties of metalcasting facility sands and their environmental profiles. Soil blenders will present their experiences in using these sands, including sample specifications and issues such as pH balancing. Best management practices for metalcasting facilities also will be covered.

A flyer is available for download on the AFS website by clicking here. For more information, or to register for this workshop, visit www.foundryrecycling.org.

CMI Offers Nonferrouse Gating & Riser Design Course
CMI will be offering a nonferrous Gating & Riser Design course August 19-22 at the Univ. of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Gating and riser design for nonferrous alloys covers information on aluminum, copper-base and magnesium alloy castings. Metal flow, turbulence, solidification, heat transfer, shrinkage, metallostatic pressure effects, gating system and riser design, mold-wall movement and computer modeling will be discussed. Riser size and gating system calculations, pouring times, placement and feeding distance of risers also are important discussion topics in this course.

For more information, or to attend this course, contact AFS customer service at 800/537-4237 or click here to register.

Metallurgy of Copper Base Casting Alloys Available
CMI will be offering a Metallurgy of Copper Base Casting Alloys course August 19-21 at Mohawk College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. This is a practical course for producers and users of copper alloy castings, and will acquaint students with metallurgical technology, solidification characteristics and the features of various copper alloys used in metalcasting production. Students also will acquire an understanding of the latest metallurgical quality-control procedures.

For more information, or to attend this course, contact AFS customer service at 800/537-4237 or click here to register.

Looking for more information on gating and riser design? The publication Aluminum Casting Technology, 2nd Edition can help. AFS Special Publications has everything you need to supplement your metalcasting training. Visit www.afsinc.org/estore or call 800/537-4237 for more information.