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 | J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 4 8 iTSSe TSS iTSSe TSS GROWTH AHEAD FOR THERMAL SPRAY AND AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES What was life like for you before the arrival of COVID-19 and the resulting changes in the way we work and travel? I thought about this while virtually attending the recent ITSC 2021 meeting. In prior year’s conferences, I would register and choose interesting sessions and exhibitors to visit for each day, make airline and hotel reservations, and even carefully carve out some free time to enjoy the sights of the host city. And though this year’s conference shined with many interesting and highly relevant presentations and events focused on the theme “Versatile Surface Engineering for Environmental Solutions,” I certainly missed the personal interactions with colleagues and students that typically make this event someaningful. Although dark clouds continue to linger over the aerospace industry and a full recovery may not be realized until 2024[1], there are early signs of improvement in some sectors despite huge losses and the threat of new travel restrictions. Furthermore, the past year and near future offer several opportunities to prepare for a market bounce-back and future growth within both the aerospace and thermal spray industries. These were described in a unique keynote lecture by Mitchell Dorfman, FASM, from Oerlikon Metco. Incorporating video commentary from over 30 interviews with technology leaders and specialists across the aerospace supply chain, Dorfman described the following challenges and opportunities to ensure the industry emerges with greater vitality: Changing market conditions: The current lull in business, although worrying, is actually the perfect time to invest in adaptive and capable infrastructure as well as in the development of the next wave of thermal spray specialists to prepare for the eventual rebound. Sustainability: Coatings will continue to be a key enabling technology for durable and fuel-efficient gas turbine engines, including wear-resistant coatings and calcium-magnesium-alumino silicate-resistant advanced thermal barrier coatings for sandy environments, environmental barrier coatings for lightweight ceramic matrix composite components, and new clearance-control coatings. Chromium replacement for aircraft structural parts will continue, driven by environmental regulations. The thermal spray industry should keep its eyes on future mobility and propulsion systems incorporating hybrid and electric designs that will reduce carbon footprint. Technology and cost of ownership: Digital transformation will support the full lifecycle of component design, manufacturing, and aftermarket service. Innovations include physics-based life models to predict coating performance in the relevant environment, as well as advanced sensor technologies to monitor thermal spray processes and adapt to Industry 4.0 initiatives. Therewill also bemorewidespread adoption of SPS, HVAF, and cold spray for OEM and MRO applications. Workforce: The loss of skilled engineers and operators with their accumulated knowledge is a huge concern. Although the digitally enabled factory will augment some of this loss, there is a recognized urgency to train and develop workers’ skills across the supply chain. The keynote lecture and the many presentations certainly underscored the fact that while the industry grapples with business and market challenges unlike those ever seen, the pace of innovation and scientific understanding in thermal spray materials and manufacturing continues accelerating. It is still an exciting time in the aerospace industry, and it’s my firmhope that come 2022, we will gladly look forward to booking our flights for ITSC andmeeting face-to-facewithour global colleagues. Ann Bolcavage, FASM Rolls-Royce Reference 1. Accenture Commercial Aerospace Insight Report: Pre- pare for Takeoff, April 2021. https://www.accenture.com/ _acnmedia/PDF-151/Accenture-Commercial-Aerospace- Insight-Report-2021.pdf#zoom=40. Bolcavage 2 EDITORIAL SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR THERMAL SPRAY HALL OF FAME The Thermal Spray Hall of Fame, established in 1993 by the Thermal Spray Society of ASM International, recognizes and honors outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to the science, technology, practice, education, management, and advancement of thermal spray. For a copy of the rules, nomination form, and list of previous recipients, visit tss. asminternational.org or contact maryanne.jerson@asminternational.org. Nominations are due September 30 of this year for recognition in 2022. 2
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