32 / 62
EDITORIAL
iTSSe
TSS
A D V A N C E D M A T E R I A L S & P R O C E S S E S | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6
3 2
iTSSe
TSS
2
A
ttending the International Thermal
Spray Conference & Exposition (ITSC)
involves much more than simply arriving
at the destination and going to lectures.
We must think about our time and justify
expenses, but we also need to consider
howour effortsmight positively influence
the thermal spray community. As Ther-
mal Spray Society members work with
various partners for ITSC planning, we
discuss past efforts, new programming ideas, interesting sem-
inars, and associated activities. We also talk about students,
different industries that use thermal spray, papers that will in-
terest a diverse audience, and creating an exhibit floor that will
provide an effective venue for suppliers.
Over the past several years, the Programming Committee
members of ASM and DVS have seen an increase in paper con-
tributions from Asia. Unfortunately, this trend is lower in the
U.S. For those individuals serving in leadership positions with
regard to surfacing technologies, it is important to recognize
the contributions of many. Leaders can serve as ambassadors
for the thermal spray community and encourage others to
submit papers and become involved in industry activities.
CREATING A VIBRANT THERMAL
SPRAY COMMUNITY
Kay
Coming this May is the Far East ITSC tri-rotation in Shang-
hai. In addition to reading this issue of
iTSSe,
you can also go
online to learn further details about ITSC and do your due dil-
igence before heading east! For those preparing papers, think
of how important your contribution is and about the possibili-
ty of reaching newcomers to the industry. Many of us involved
in volunteering for the Thermal Spray Society cannot help
mentioning the passion and hard work of both committee
members and the leadership team. Many ASM staff members
also work diligently to support the Society, which is the back-
bone that makes it possible to do what we do.
In this issue, youwill see a focus onmarine andaerospace
applications. In the 1960s, the U.S. government gave substan-
tial support to engineers to reach higher into the sky with R&D
funding for new designs and materials. John F. Kennedy’s in-
spiring “moon speech” in September 1962 is a prime example
of this era. It is this kind of support that laid the foundation
for many of the technology advancements bearing fruit today.
Sincerely,
Charles Kay
Vice president, Marketing, ASB Industries Inc.