The American Foundry Society (AFS)

U.S. Making high-quality castings is a complex process that requires excellent designs and careful attention to quality and chemistry. Recycling is an integral part of the industry. Since metalcasting is an essential industry, U.S. foundries operated – safely, in compliance with government policies – throughout the pandemic. Nearly everywhere we go, castings are omnipresent and indispensable. That includes motor vehicles; agricultural, mining and construction equipment; water lines that transport clean water and wastewater to and from our homes and schools; energy development; aerospace and national defense; medical devices; and even that cast iron cookware in your kitchen. One way to think of it is that we are seldom more than 10 feet from a casting. BVM: Congratulations on the 125 anniversary of AFS this year, can you give us some details on the Society? THE AMER I CAN FOUNDRY SOC I ETY (AFS) Doug: AFS is a dynamic association with an educational arm, 39 regional chapters, 41 student chapters, 13 technical and management divisions, a Future Leaders (young professionals) group, a Women in Metalcasting group, and about 1,000 volunteers. Multi-faceted in nature, AFS is a technical society, an advocacy organization, an education provider, a trade show producer, as well as a publisher. Our mission is to advance the success of our members and the industry through advocacy, education, and innovation. Our vision is to be recognized worldwide by industry stakeholders as the leading voice and resource on technical, management, and advocacy priorities pertaining to metalcasting. AFS was founded in 1896, and we have been commemorating the 125th anniversary in a variety of ways throughout 2021. BVM: How is the organization governed? Doug: AFS is member-led and staff-administered.