North American Metalcasters on Display at Newcast 2009, Award Applications Now Available
The 2009 Newcast trade show will be held in Dusseldorf, Germany, on June 23-25. This trade show has been held concurrently with GIFA in the past. Newcast is now branching out to an every 2-year trade show where metal casters show off their capabilities to casting buyers. This is your plant’s chance to exhibit and shine its casting prowess.

For the 2009 show, AFS is co-sponsoring a North American pavilion to help more North American metalcasters exhibit themselves on the global stage. The North American pavilion is unique in that it provides exhibitors a turnkey 3m x 3m booth (furniture, storage, table, chairs, etc.) for a set fee of $6650. In addition, those exhibiting in the pavilion have access to an interpreter, a lounge and other amenities included in your booth fee.

As part of the trade fair, the 2^nd International NEWCAST Awards will be presented. The awards are the joint initiative of the Federal Association of the German Foundry Industry (BDG), the Association of German Foundrymen (VDG) and Messe Düsseldorf. The awards will be presented in three categories: the metalcasting with the best function integration, the best substitution of another production process and the best casting technology solution achieved by broadening the casting technology limits. Applications are now being accepted, and can be downloaded at www.newcast.de.

PPE Webinar Focuses on Hazard Assessment, Basic Protection
AFS is producing a 30-minute webinar for AFS Corporate Members, on personal protective equipment on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 11:00 AM EST. Important topics to be covered include hazard assessment, basic protection and specific protection for all body parts in various metalcasting positions. To register for this webinar, click here. For more information, contact Dave Krugman, AFS PR and marketing coordinator, at dkrugman@afsinc.org or 800/537-4237 x 286.

AFS Updates Heat Stress Publication, Downloadable via AFS Website
AFS has updated its publication Establishing a Foundry Heat Stress Management Program. The publication is an extensive guide for recognizing and controlling heat stress, and was developed as part of the AFS/OSHA Alliance.

For more information on Establishing a Foundry Heat Stress Management Program, contact Fred Kohloff, AFS Director of Environmental, Health and Safety, at fhk@afsinc.org or 847/824-0181 x 230. To obtain your free download of the updated publication, visit www.afsinc.org/heatmanagement.

Alloy & Process Selector Available at MetalcastingDesign.com
MetalcastingDesign.com now features an interactive tool that can help buyers and designers determine the optimum metalcasting process and alloy for any application. The Casting Alloy & Process Selector allows metal casting designers and purchasers to input the specifications of their desired engineered metal component (weight, size, section thickness, surface finish and production volume) and delivers a list of metalcasting processes and alloys that can satisfy their needs.

MetalcastingDesign.com also offers a metalcaster directory, articles, blogs and audio clips to help casting end users get the most out of their components. Link your website to MetalcastingDesign.com today and connect your company to the audience that can help your business grow.

Ductile Iron Metallurgy Course Coming
CMI will be offering a Ductile Iron Metallurgy internet course Feb. 2-March 1. Information is presented through video lectures, reading assignments and participation in discussion boards.  Weekly quizzes will be given. The student does not have to be online at a certain time of day or a certain day of the week, but must complete the weekly assignments by the due dates. Expect to spend approximately 10 hours per week on this course..