 | Andy Pinskey (right) presented the SAFTC service plaque to Calum Learn (left). |
The SAFTC met 9 May 2023, Detroit, MI, USA.
The following officers were elected: Chair, Education Chair and Young Professional Chair: Caelan Kennedy - Steel Founders’ Society of America Vice Chair: Andy Pinskey - Holland Manufacturing Corp. Papers Chair: Richard H. Smith - Carpenter Technology Corp. Digitalization Liaison: Saied Kamalpour - North American Stainless
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The SAFTC met 21 March 2023, Huntsville, Ala., USA
The SAFTC began their meeting with a discussion of the 2023 Specialty Alloy and Foundry Roundup scheduled for the October 2023 issue of Iron & Steel Technology. It was agreed that updating the existing data and adding additional facilities would be prioritized.
Caelan Kennedy reported on plans for the upcoming Specialty Alloy and Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar scheduled for 10–12 September 2023 in Milwaukee, Wis., USA.
The committee also reviewed preliminary plans for an international study tour in the Scandinavia/U.K. region to take place in 2024 or 2025.
Next, Andy Pinskey gave a very informative presentation titled “Powder Metallurgy — A Brief History, Techniques and Processes,” which can be found on the SAFTC Member’s Only Area on AIST.org.
At the end of the meeting, the SAFTC enjoyed a great tour of Carpenter Additive’s powdered metals facility in Athens, Ala., USA.  | SAFTC chair Calum Learn presented a plaque of appreciation to Prath Anantwar for hosting the committee’s tour of Carpenter Additive (left to right): Louis Pignotti, Andy Pinskey, Anantwar, Jacob Blacklidge, Nathan Engstrom, Learn, Caelan Kenn |
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The SAFTC met 18 October 2022, Exton, Pa., USA
The SAFTC held an extensive discussion on how to involve young professionals.
Rich Smith reviewed the abstracts that have been accepted by SAFTC. The plan is to hold joint sessions with the Metallurgy — Steelmaking & Casting Technology Committee and the Metallurgy — Processing, Products & Applications. Five members volunteered to be session chairs. The AISTech 2024 Call for Papers text was reviewed and approved.
The SAFTC 2023 Best Paper Award winner has been determined and the award will be presented at the SAFTC meeting during AISTech 2023.
The next Specialty Alloy and Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar will be scheduled for October 2023 in Milwaukee, Wis., USA.
Presentations: “Bethlehem Steel and the Lincoln Tunnel: The Bethlehem Plant Iron Foundry’s Place in Tunnel History,” by Trevor Shellhammer, Shellhammer Consulting. “PRCO America Inc. Opens Plant in Mayfield, Ky.,” by Aaron Ingalls, PRCO America Inc. “Discovery of New Magnesia Source Extends Performance of MgO-Carbon in EAF, BOF, and Ladles,” by Aaron Ingalls. “Induction Melting Safety and Molten Metal Leak Detection,” by Charles Fink, Inductotherm.
The group then toured the Cleveland-Cliffs Coatesville facility with the AIST Philadelphia Member Chapter.  | The SAFTC toured Cleveland-Cliffs Coatesville with AIST’s Philadelphia Member Chapter. |
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 | Andy Pinskey (right) presented the SAFTC service plaque to Calum Learn (left). |
The SAFTC met 17 May 2022, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
The following officers were elected: Chair: Calum Learn / North American Forgemasters Vice Chair: Josh Anderson / Cleveland-Cliffs Mansfield Works Papers Chair: Richard H. Smith / Carpenter Technology Corp. Education Chair: Allen Chan Young Professional Chair: Caelan Kennedy / Steel Founders’ Society of America
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 | Specialty Alloy & Foundry Technology Committee (SAFTC) papers chair Rich Smith presented a plaque of appreciation to Chris Smith, Nucor Steel Birmingham Inc., for hosting the SAFTC’s tour on 23 March 2022 (left to right): Kevin Farrell, Caelen Kennedy, Rich Smith, Chris Smith, Andrew Pinskey, Nathan Engstrom and Louis Pignotti. |
The SAFTC met 23 March 2022, Birmingham, Ala., USA.
Calum Learn, SAFTC chair, welcomed everyone in attendance and provided introductions. Following an update on AISTech 2022, the members held a safety roundtable discussion. Since mobile equipment continues to be an important safety issue, special interest was taken in any facilities using wearable devices to track worker positioning in relation to any mobile equipment.
Rich Smith, SAFTC papers chair, provided an update on the committee’s technical sessions organized for AISTech 2022, noting that the two sessions have been co-organized with the Metallurgy — Process, Products & Applications Technology Committee. Session chairs were volunteered and their roles emphasized.
Next, committee officer nominations for the 2022–2023 term were opened and a discussion was held on maintaining the current officers in their roles for a second term. The final decision will be voted on during the SAFTC meeting held at AISTech 2022.
The 2022 SAFTC Best Paper Award winner was announced, with plans made to formally present the award at AISTech.
A discussion was held on the current status for the International Ingot, Casting, Rolling and Forging (ICRF 2022) Conference scheduled for 21–23 June 2022. Submitted papers were noted and additional session chairs were identified for the conference.
The meeting concluded with Charles Monroe, University of Alabama, presenting “Study and Properties of Steel Shape Castings as Forging Pre-Forms Before and After Forging.” Monroe had conducted a study in conjunction with the Steel Founders’ Society of America on the property improvements made by applying a forged reduction to a cast-steel bulldozer bucket tooth versus a conventional cast steel tooth.
Following the meeting, members had the opportunity to tour Nucor Steel Birmingham Inc., where they saw the electric arc furnace, caster, rolling and shipping areas of the facility. |
The SAFTC met 20 September 2021, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Calum Learn, SAFTC chair, opened the meeting and welcomed all who could attend. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding safety incidents in the industry and current COVID-19 practices conducted at various facilities.
AISTech 2022 paper selections were discussed and recommendations were made to pursue additional abstract submissions. Volunteers offered their services as session chairs and session chair responsibilities were reviewed. The SAFTC then approved the AISTech 2023 Call for Paper text in preparation for the following year’s event.
The inaugural Specialty Alloy & Foundry Roundup data was reviewed. The Roundup was published in the October 2021 issue of Iron & Steel Technology. The Roundup represents specialty alloy facilities and foundries that operate throughout North America. The SAFTC will continue to make improvements to the Roundup as feedback from the industry is received.
The SAFTC then discussed the International Congress on Ingot Casting Rolling and Forging Conference (ICRF) to be held in June 2022. The SAFTC is encouraging the industry to consider submissions for this conference to maintain its stature as an internationally supported congress. |
 | Calum Learn (left) presented the SAFTC service plaque to Andy Pinskey (right) at AISTech 2021. |
The SAFTC met 29 June 2021, Nashville, TN USA. The following officers were elected: Chair: Calum Learn, North American Forgemasters Vice Chair: Josh Anderson, Cleveland-Cliffs Mansfield Works Papers Chair and Digital Transformation Liaison: Richard H. Smith, Carpenter Technology Corp. Education Chair: Allen Chan Young Professional Chair: Diana David, Steel Founders’ Society of America
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The SAFTC held a virtual meeting 24 March 2021.
The SAFTC reviewed the Steel Industry Fatalities Report for 2021. Discussion then evolved into a review by Charles Fink of new entry-level employee skills for safe workforce development. The issue was proposed as a possible future Technology Training avenue.
The committee finalized its AISTech session, which will contain five presentations.
Nominations were then taken for committee officers for the 2021–2022 term.
The SAFTC reviewed the status of its Roundup for Iron & Steel Technology magazine. It will include foundries, producers of specialty alloys, powder producers and stainless steel producers.
Education chair Allen Chan discussed the Specialty Alloy and Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar, which will be held on 21–23 September 2021 in Columbus, Ohio, USA. A tour of Fishers Steel Castings will be offered.
The Digitalization Applications 101 online learning modules were discussed. This course is available on AIST.org. Digitalization Applications Fundamentals will be held 12–13 October 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Diana David discussed AIST’s recent slate of Young Professional webinars.
Presentations: “Steel Performance Initiative,” by Raymond Monroe, Steel Founders’ Society of America. “CSLM Observation of BN Dissolution in Creep Resistant Martensitic Steels,” by Andrew Huck, Carnegie Mellon University. “LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) Software as the Catalyst for the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication and Upgrade to Foundry 4.0,” by Anna Freddi, Fink & Partner GmbH.
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The SAFTC held a virtual meeting 23 September 2020.
The SAFTC reviewed the Steel Industry Fatalities report. Incidents involving mobile equipment are still a leading cause for fatalities. Allen Chan spoke about equipment companies that are using lane and object detection technology from the auto industry for added operator awareness.
The committee then discussed the impact of COVID-19 on themselves and their companies. Most members were still working from home and did not expect to return to office anytime soon. Members who were still working in plants noted that they are wearing face masks and having temperatures taken regularly. Visitors at most facilities have been restricted apart from vendor inventories and critical customer visits.
The AISTech 2021 SAFTC session development and abstracts selection was then discussed. The SAFTC will host sessions on Tuesday, 4 May. Session chair volunteers were then solicited. The SAFTC best paper awards were also discussed.
The SAFTC then reviewed upcoming training opportunities. Education chair Allen Chan noted that the Specialty Alloy and Foundry Technology Training will be held in September 2021 in the Columbus, Ohio, USA, area.
The Ingot Casting Rolling Forging (ICRF) conference will be held in 2022. The ICRF conference is sponsored by the SAFTC. The organizing committee is working on finalizing the Scientific Advisory Board. Tentative dates for the ICRF conference are June 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pa., USA.
The committee moved to form a subcommittee to develop a Specialty Alloy and Foundry Roundup. Criteria for benchmarking will be pulled from the current roundup data. John Middleton volunteered to head the Roundup Subcommittee with the help of Calum Learn, Raymond Monroe, Charlie Fink, Allen Chan and Mark Rodney.
The Digital Transformation Subcommittee Survey was then discussed, and it was noted that there is a new online Digitalization Applications Technology course in development, which will be available for download on AIST.org.
Presentations: “Carpenter Technology COVID-19 Response — Sharing Best Practices,” by David Graf, Carpenter Technology Corp. “Spread the Message,” by Laurie Barcaskey, Leading Marks LLC. “Steel Performance Initiative,” by Raymond Monroe, Steel Founders’ Society of America.
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The SAFTC held a virtual meeting 8 May 2020.
The SAFTC began their meeting with a review of their planned sessions for AISTech 2020,
The following committee officers for the 2020–2021 term were elected: Chair: Andy Pinskey, Holland Manufacturing Corp. Vice chair: Calum Learn, ArcelorMittal Steelton. Papers chair: Joshua Anderson, AK Steel – Mansfield Works. Education chair: Allen Chan, Praxair Inc. Young Professional chair: Diana David, Steel Founders’ Society of America.
The committee then previewed the Ingot Casting Rolling Forging (ICRF) Conference, to be held in 2022 and sponsored by the SAFTC. The conference topics are ingot casting metallurgy, simulation, additives, refractories and material development. Calum Learn, Thomas Wingens and Andy Pinskey volunteered to be on the organizing committee.
Presentations: “Cybersecurity at Your Plant,” by Nathan Smith, Graymatter. “Ground Leak Detection and Molten Metal Leak Detection Systems,” by Charlie Fink, Inductotherm.
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The SAFTC met 18–19 September 2019, Youngstown, Ohio, USA.
The SAFTC kicked off its meeting by reviewing its AISTech 2020 technical session development. Josh Anderson, papers chair, spoke about the abstracts submitted so far and encouraged all to continue submitting abstracts. The committee’s opinion was that there is a need for more papers. It was suggested to have two SAFTC sessions for AISTech 2020, including a possible joint session with the Metallurgy — Steelmaking & Casting Technology Committee. Volunteers were then solicited for session chairs.
The SAFTC discussed the EAF Roundup, which is published annually in the January issue of Iron & Steel Technology. The discussion included expanding the EAF Roundup to include specialty alloy data. Calum Learn volunteered to reach out to the EAF Roundup chair for discussion.
The 2020 Board of Directors Awards were discussed and it was proposed that the SAFTC should submit nominees. The winner of the 2020 Specialty Alloy and Foundry Best Paper Award was selected. The award will be presented at AISTech 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Specialty Alloy and Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar will be held in March 2021. Suggestions for the location included Mansfield or Marion, Ohio, with tours of either AK Steel or Universal Stainless.
The SAFTC reviewed the 2019 Steel Industry Fatalities report, followed by a safety roundtable discussion. Several topics were discussed, including: Flame-retardant fabric and gloves. Crane safety — marking and location monitoring. Keeping the workforce trained.
The SAFTC spent some time discussing AIST’s women’s programming. Women are an increasing demographic in the steel industry. Discussions focused on how to attract more women to the steel industry.
Trevor Shellhammer then presented “100 Years of Bethlehem Steel.” The presentation described the history of the corporation, from the iron age of 19th century Pennsylvania as the Saucona Iron Co. (1857), to the incorporation of Bethlehem Steel in 1904, to its final days in 2003. Landmarks along the way included: the acquisition of other steel works, fabrication plants and ancillary companies; the opening of the extensive Homer Research Labs in 1961; and various iconic buildings, bridges and structures built by and/or using steel from Bethlehem Steel. The presentation concluded with the transition from Bethlehem Steel to the International Steel Group (ISG), to Mittal Steel USA, to ArcelorMittal.
The SAFTC visited the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor in the afternoon. On the second day, the group visited Universal Stainless (USAP) North Jackson and Ellwood Engineered Castings.  |  | 1. Andy Pinskey presented Adam Scarmack of Ellwood Engineered Castings with a plaque of appreciation for hosting the SAFTC’s tour (left to right): William Zaben, Aaron Ingalls, Mark Suer, Trevor Shellhammer, Brandon Sheldon, Calum Learn, Scarmack and Pinskey. 2. Andy Pinskey (right) presented Chris Mangus (left) of Universal Stainless (USAP) North Jackson with a plaque of appreciation for hosting the SAFTC’s tour. |
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The SAFTC met 7 May 2019, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
The following officers were elected: Chair: Andy Pinskey, Holland Manufacturing Corp. Vice chair: Calum Learn, ArcelorMittal Steelton Papers chair: Josh Anderson, AK Steel – Mansfield Works Education chair: Allen Chan, Praxair Inc. |
| |  | | | The SAFTC toured Regal Cast Foundry on 18 March 2019. SAFTC chair Kevin Ninehouser (right) presented a plaque to Greg Raudenbush (left), technical director, Regal Cast Foundry. |
The SAFTC met 18 March 2019, Harrisburg, Pa., USA.
The Steel Industry Fatalities report was reviewed and a roundtable discussion was held. For AISTech 2019, papers chair Calum Learn reviewed the SAFTC-related papers. Nominations for the 2019–2020 committee officers were reviewed.
Allen Chan discussed the Specialty Alloy & Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar, which kicked off the day after the SAFTC meeting on 19 March 2019. The 54 registered attendees represented a mix of producers, suppliers and representatives from the United States Geological Survey. A recap of the conference can be found on pages 149–150 of this issue.
The Specialty Alloy & Foundry Best Paper Award for 2019 was announced. The award was presented during the SAFTC’s meeting at AISTech 2019.
The initial AIST Digital Transformation Task Force meeting was held during AISTech 2019. Kevin Ninehouser and John Middleton volunteered to attend as representatives of the SAFTC.
The location and tour site for 2019 fall SAFTC meeting was discussed. Potential locations for a September meeting included Universal Stainless, Davis Alloys, Coronado Steel Co., Harrison Steel Casting Co. and Holland Manufacturing.
The third joint international study tour for the Specialty Alloy & Foundry Technology Committee and the Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA) will be planned for September 2020. SAFTC members are asked to provide specialty steel mills and foundry operations in Sweden to be considered for this study tour. Planning for the 2020 Sweden Joint AIST/SFSA Specialty Steelmaking & Foundry Study Tour was scheduled to commence following AISTech 2019.
SAFTC members then departed for a tour of Regal Cast Foundry. The tour was guided by Regal Cast’s technical director, Greg Raudenbush.
In the evening, members of the SAFTC and attendees of Specialty Alloy & Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar were invited to attend the AIST Philadelphia Member Chapter Dinner for networking and fellowship. |
The SAFTC met 19–20 September 2018, State College, Pa., USA.
The SAFTC opened its meeting with a safety roundtable discussion, which included topics such as clothing materials, international requirements, changing workforce, muscle strains, heat exhaustion and silica exposure.
Calum Learn, SAFTC papers chair, led the discussion on AISTech 2019 technical session development. Two abstracts were accepted. Session chairs were nominated and the instructions for papers chair and session chair were reviewed.
John Middleton was recognized for organizing the 2018 SAFTC-Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA) Spain Study Tour. The next study tour will be the 2020 Scandinavian Specialty Alloy & Foundry Study Tour on 1–6 June 2020.
The winner of the 2019 Specialty Alloy Best Paper Award was announced. This award will be presented at the SAFTC meeting at AISTech 2019 in Pittsburgh,
Pa., USA.
Allen Chan, education chair, discussed Specialty Alloy and Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar, which will be held on 18–21 March 2019 in Harrisburg, Pa., USA. Carpenter Technology Corp. will be the host plant. The suggestion was made to add a foundry tour to the conference schedule.
The following attendees gave presentations: Raymond Monroe, SFSA, gave two presentations; one on a steel performance initiative and the second on free trade and tariffs. Bob Voigt, The Pennsylvania State University, discussed steel castings research at the university.
In addition, students from The Pennsylvania State University gave presentations.
The SAFTC toured the research facilities at The Pennsylvania State University the following morning.  |  | 1. 2018 SAFTC Spain Study Tour participants Trevor Shellhammer and Louis Pignotti presented John Middleton with a plaque of appreciation for organizing the second joint AIST-Steel Founders’ Society of America Study Tour in Spain (left to right): Pignotti, Raymond Monroe, Middleton, Josh Anderson, Kevin Ninehouser and Shellhammer. 2. Susan Sinnott, head of the Materials Science and Engineering Department, and Amy Robinson of the Material Sciences and Engineering Department accepted a plaque of appreciation for the tour of The Pennsylvania State University’s research facilities (left to right): Charlie Fink, Louis Pignotti, Andy Pinskey, Trevor Shellhammer, Susan Sinnott, Amy Robinson, Herman Moggee, Allen Chan and Kevin Ninehouser. |
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 | Andy Pinskey (right) presented Kevin Ninehouser (left) with the SAFTC service plaque at AISTech 2018. |
The SAFTC met 8 May 2018, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
The following officers were elected: Chair: Kevin Ninehouser, Carpenter Latrobe Operations Vice chair: Andy Pinskey, Holland Manufacturing Corp. Papers chair: Calum Learn, ArcelorMittal Steelton Education chair: Allen Chan, Praxair Inc.
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The SAFTC met 13–15 March 2018, Florence, S.C., USA. The SAFTC reviewed the 2017 Steel Industry Fatalities report, followed by a safety roundtable discussion.
Andy Pinskey reviewed the SAFTC’s technical session for AISTech 2018, and re-emphasized the roles of session chair and papers chair.
Nominations for SAFTC officers for the 2018–2019 term were taken.
John Middleton reviewed the June 2018 joint study tour of Spain with the Steel Founders’ Society of America. Six foundries are confirmed, with two more to be added.
The program for Specialty Alloy and Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar was reviewed and revised. The course will be held on 19–22 March 2019 in Harrisburg, Pa., USA, with Carpenter Technology Corp. serving as host plant.
The SAFTC’s Fall 2018 meeting and tour site were discussed. It will be held near The Pennsylvania State University campus. Presentations and university participation are yet to be determined.
Cary Andrews gave an overview of Superior Machine Co., and Louis Pignotti gave a corporate overview of Kolene Corp.
On Thursday, 15 March, the group toured Nucor Steel–South Carolina and Remelt Sources Inc.  |  | 1. Joseph Ogea, process improvement engineer for Apollo Flow Controls, accepted a plaque of appreciation for hosting the SAFTC’s tour of the facility from Charles Fink (left to right): John Middleton, John Joyce, Andy Pinskey, Fink, Ogea, Trevor Shellhammer, Dennis Rodal, Mark Suer and Louis Pignotti. 2. George Knapp, executive vice president of Remelt Sources Inc., accepted a plaque of appreciation for hosting the SAFTC’s tour from John Middleton (left to right): Dennis Rodal, Louis Pignotti, Andy Pinskey, John Joyce, Middleton, Knapp, Herm Moggee, Trevor Shellhammer, Charlie Fink and Mark Suer. |  | Ian Deeks, caster day supervisor, Nucor Steel–South Carolina, led the SAFTC through a tour of the steelmaking facilities at Nucor Steel–South Carolina (left to right): Louis Pignotti, Trevor Shellhammer, John Joyce, Dennis Rodal, Mark Suer, Deeks, Charlie Fink, Herm Moggee, John Middleton and Andy Pinskey. |
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The SAFTC met 27–28 September 2017, West Overton, Pa., USA. The SAFTC reviewed the 2017 Steel Industry Fatalities report, followed by a roundtable discussion.
Calum Learn, SAFTC papers chair, led the discussion on AISTech session development. There are two sessions scheduled with plans for a third session for Tuesday morning. Session chairs were selected, and the instructions for papers chair and session chair were reviewed.
The recipient of the 2018 Specialty Alloy and Foundry Best Paper Award was selected. This award will be presented at the SAFTC meeting at AISTech 2018 in Philadelphia, Pa., USA.
Dennis Rodal gave an update on the committee’s 2019 Technology Training course. Mike Sullivan will approach Carpenter Technology Corp. in Reading, Pa., USA, to host this training seminar scheduled for March 2019.
John Middleton of the Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA) discussed the SAFTC’s Spain Study Tour, scheduled for 24–30 June 2018. Collaborators include UNESID, a steelmakers’ association; FEAF, the Spanish Federation of Foundry Associations; Innovatek (logistics); and Lincoln College. This second SAFTC/SFSA international study tour will have a 25-person limit. Six lunch/dinner sponsorships will be available for non-producer members to participate. Contact Pat Philbin at AIST for additional information. Presentations were given by the following attendees: Charles Fink, Inductotherm: “Water Cooling and Recirculating Systems for Induction Furnaces.” Herman Moggee, Magnesita: “World Stainless Steel, Production and Refractories.” Logan Holmes: A historical presentation on Henry Clay Frick and Andrew Carnegie.
A potential date and venue for the SAFTC’s fall 2018 meeting is 18–20 September near The Pennsylvania State University.
On Thursday, 28 September 2017, the SAFTC toured the West Overton Village Museum, DURALOY and the Mount Vernon Iron Furnace.  | The SAFTC enjoyed a hands-on experience with a local group of blacksmiths learning the ironworking trade. |
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| |  | | Calum Learn (left) presented Andy Pinskey (right) with the SAFTC service plaque. |
The SAFTC met 9 May 2017, Nashville, Tenn., USA. The following officers were elected: Chair: Kevin Ninehouser, Carpenter Latrobe Operations Vice chair: Andy Pinskey, Holland Manufacturing Corp. Papers chair: Calum Learn, ArcelorMittal Steelton Education chair: Allen Chan, Praxair Inc. Study tour chair: John Middleton, Multon Process Technology Ltd.
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The SAFTC met 16 March 2017, Mobile, Ala., USA. The SAFTC reviewed the 2016 Steel Industry Fatalities report, followed by a safety roundtable discussion.
The group then reviewed the SAFTC AISTech 2017 technical sessions and discussed the role of session chair.
Committee officers for 2017–2018 were discussed and elections will take place during the SAFTC meeting at AISTech 2017.
The SAFTC Best Paper Award subcommittee was formed, and consists of SAFTC past chairs Dennis Rodal, Andy Pinskey, Mark Suer and Allen Chan, who will chair the subcommittee.
Allen Chan reviewed Specialty Alloy and Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar. This conference is discussed on page 331 of this issue. The SAFTC reviewed the success of the conference and offered suggestions for improvement.
A 2018 Specialty Alloy and Foundry Spain Study Tour with the Steel Founders’ Society of America was discussed, to be held in June 2018. John Middleton presented a preliminary agenda, which included the five largest steel producers in Spain, along with a variety of steel foundries.
The fall 2017 SAFTC meeting will be held on 27–28 September 2017 in West Overton, Pa., USA, and the spring 2018 meeting will be held in South Carolina. |
The SAFTC met 26–27 October 2016, Westampton, NJ, USA. The SAFTC reviewed the 2016 Steel Industry Fatalities report, followed by a safety roundtable discussion.
Calum Learn discussed the SAFTC’s AISTech 2017 technical session development. Ten papers were scheduled. Session chairs were selected, and the roles of papers chair and session chair were reviewed.
Raymond Monroe provided an update on Specialty Alloy and Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar. This conference will be held in Mobile, Ala., USA, on 13–16 March 2017 with Outokumpu as the tour host.
John Middleton reviewed the Specialty Alloy & Foundry Study Tour, which was held in June 2016. The next Specialty Alloy & Foundry Study Tour with the Steel Founders’ Society of America is being planned for June 2018 in Spain. Middleton and Monroe will present a program outline at the next SAFTC meeting.
The SAFTC has agreed to create a best paper award to be given to the best paper presented at AISTech regarding specialty steelmaking or foundry innovations with process improvements. A nominating subcommittee was also created for this award. The following presentations were given: “Safety on the Furnace Deck,” by Charlie Fink, Inductotherm Corp. “Tackling Some ‘Kobayashi Maru’s’ in Recycling,” by Dennis Rodal, ELG Haniel Metals. “Iron Castings at American Foundry Society,” by Phillip Harrison, Penumbra Design Studio.
 |  | 1. Charlie Fink (left) and Trevor Shellhammer (right) presented John Middleton (center) with a plaque of appreciation for organizing the first joint study tour between the AIST Specialty Alloy & Foundry Technology Committee and the Steel Founders’ Society of America, which took place in northern England in June 2016. 2. Charlie Fink, vice president customer relations and training for Inductotherm Corp., accepts a plaque of appreciation from Andy Pinskey, SAFTC chair, for hosting the SAFTC (left to right): Dennis Rodal, John Middleton, Pinskey, Trevor Shellhammer, Fink, Mark Suer, Raymond Monroe, Phillip Harrison and Garrett Smith. |
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 | The SAFTC service plaque was presented to Mark Suer (left to right): Andy Pinskey, Suer and Kevin Ninehouser. |
The SAFTC met 17 May 2016, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. The following officers were elected: Chair: Andy Pinskey, Holland Manufacturing Corp. Vice chair: Kevin Ninehouser, Carpenter Latrobe Operations Papers chair: Calum Learn, ArcelorMittal Steelton
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The SAFTC met 16–17 March 2016, Warrendale, Pa., USA.
The SAFTC reviewed the 2016 Steel Industry Fatalities report in a roundtable discussion, followed by roundtable discussion.
The SAFTC reviewed its AISTech 2016 technical sessions. The roles of session chair and papers chair were discussed, and the session protocol was reviewed.
The SAFTC approved establishing a Best Paper Award. The first award will be presented at AISTech 2017.
Nominations for SAFTC officers for the 2016–2017 term were confirmed.
Allen Chan and Dennis Rodal gave an update on the 2017 Specialty Alloy and Foundry — A Practical Training Seminar.
John Middleton gave an update on the 2016 United Kingdom Study Tour. As of the meeting, 14 SAFTC members were registered. The group will be limited to 20 participants. Those interested in attending should contact Pat Philbin at pphilbin@aist.org.
The following individuals gave presentations: Tom Kasun of ALCOA, “Natural Engineered Wastewater Treatment.” Charles Fink of Inductotherm, “Introduction to Induction Furnaces.” Howard Kuhn of America Makes. Diana David of Steel Founders’ Society of America.
The group was given tours of Industrial Gasket & Shim (IGS Industries) and All-Clad on 17 March 2016.  | Mark Suer (left), SAFTC chair, and Andy Pinskey (right), SAFTC papers chair, presented a plaque of appreciation to Jean Stewart (to the right of Suer) and Bill Groll (to the right of Stewart) of All-Clad, a division of Groupe SEB. |  | Mark Suer (left) and Andy Pinskey (right) presented a plaque of appreciation to Dave Sphar (center), president of IGS Industries. |
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