Welcome to e-Connections, the weekly AFS email newsletter. In this April 7, 2009, edition:
Metalcasting Library Adds More Than 1,000 Papers, Instant Messaging System
In November 2008, AFS announced the release of its updated and advanced library website. Since November, AFS has added more than 1,000 resources to the online library, resulting in a total of 38,372 papers and articles immediately available for download. These papers and articles include important metalcasting topics such as energy conservation, safety and health, ferrous and nonferrous alloys, molding and coremaking, and cleaning and finishing.
The AFS Library also has launched an instant messaging feature to help navigate and locate important resources on the new website. The AFS librarian will be online Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time to answer your library questions. To access the world’s largest collection of metalcasting reference material, visit www.afslibrary.com.
AFS Asks EPA to Exclude Diecasters from Nonferrous HAP Rules
On Feb. 9, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed regulations to control hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from aluminum, copper and other nonferrous area sources in metalcasting facilities. The proposed regulations indicated that diecasting operations were excluded.
On March 11, AFS submitted comments to EPA on the proposed rule. In those comments, AFS specifically requested that EPA provide further clarification that diecasting operations be excluded from the rule, even those diecasting operations that may be co-located with aluminum, copper and other nonferrous metalcasting facilities. EPA is required by court order to finalize the aluminum, copper and other nonferrous metalcasting facility area source rules by June 15. To view the comments AFS proposed, visit www.afsinc.org.
For more information, contact Jeff Hannapel, The Policy Group, at 202/457-0630 or jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com.
How Will Climate Change, Card Check Legislation Affect You?
The 2009 Metalcasting Industry Government Affairs Conference, which will be held May 4-5 at the Capitol Hilton, Washington, D.C., will feature sessions on issues facing the metalcasting industry, including climate change and card check legislation.
The Obama administration and congressional leaders are pressing for passage of an ambitious economy-wide climate change bill this year. U.S. House leaders have just released a draft of the bill with calls for stringent cap-and-trade measures. If passed, these measures likely will have a signifcant economic effect on the metalcasting industry. House leaders are expected to be debating the legislation in May, so don't miss your opportunity to meet with members of the Congress and voice your opinion.
The debate over card check legislation is heating up with the reintroduction of the Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 1409/S. 560) by Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) and Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.). The legislation, which could overturn nearly 70 years of federally supervised secret ballot representation in union elections, is organized labor’s number one issue, and President Obama has indicated that he will sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.
A new national agenda is forming, and you have the power to help shape it when you come to Washington. The 2009 Government Affairs Conference is your opportunity to meet face-to-face in pre-scheduled meetings with your senators and representatives to discuss the impact climate change, card check and health care reform legislation will have on your facility and metalcasting industry.
Now, more than ever, is the time to attend the Government Affairs Conference. Be sure to register and book your hotel room today, as the hotel cutoff is April 13. To reserve your room, call the Capitol Hilton, Washington, D.C., at 800/445-8667. For more information or to register, visit www.metalcastinggov.com or contact AFS customer service at 800/537-4237.
Cummins Inc. Photos Added to MODERN CASTING Gallery
A photo tour of casting buyer Cummins Inc.’s corporate museum has been added to the MODERNCASTING.com photo gallery, located at www.moderncasting.com.
Join the MODERN CASTING staff on a tour of the museum with Cummins technical advisor Ron Walling, and then come along through Golden’s Foundry and Machine Co., Edelbrock Corp., Riverside Brass, Signicast, American Castings and Boose Aluminum. While you’re at it, have a look at the photo album from CastExpo’08 and the 2008 Casting Competition.
The pages of MODERN CASTING can’t accommodate all of the pictures its editors snap while on location in plants around the country, so take this chance to see them online at MODERNCASTING.com.
CMI Offers Permanent Mold Coating Fundamentals-Aluminum Course
CMI will be offering a Permanent Mold Coating Fundamentals-Aluminum course June 9-10 at AFS Headquarters, Schaumburg, Ill. The course is designed to increase understanding of mold coating materials, the composition and purpose of coatings, and coating quality control measures. Emphasis is placed on mold coating application. The cause and elimination of coating related casting defects are examined, as are coating removal methods and materials.
For more information or to attend this course, contact AFS customer service at 800/537-4237, or click here to register.
