ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JULY/AUGUST 2025 36 iTSSe TSS iTSSe TSS A STRONG FUTURE FOR THERMAL SPRAY: REFLECTIONS FROM ITSC 2025 AND A LOOK AHEAD TO SEMI 2025 T his past May, the global thermal spray community gathered in Vancouver, Canada, for the Inter- national Thermal Spray Conference (ITSC 2025). Set against the backdrop of the majestic North Shore Mountains, the conference brought together more than 1200 attendees from around the world, representing academia, industry, and government. Over 400 technical presentations showcased emerging frontiers—from cold spray repair to hybrid thermal spray processes and digital tools like AI-driven process control. However, ITSC 2025 was more than just a conference— it was a powerful testament to the relentless drive and ingenuity within the thermal spray community. With the timely theme, “Sustainable Innovations in Thermal Spray Technology: Pioneering a Greener Future,” the event highlighted the critical role our field plays in enabling more sustainable manufacturing practices. The bustling exhibit hall, featuring the latest in equipment, materials, and automation, reflected strong industry confidence and continued investment in thermal spray technologies. One of the proudest moments of the week was the official launch of the Women in Thermal Spray (WiTS) initiative. This new committee and platform aim to promote the visibility, advancement, and inclusion of women working in all aspects of thermal spray science and engineering. The inaugural WiTS event brought together women professionals and allies for a powerful session of sharing experiences with the ITSC community. It was a timely and much-needed step toward ensuring a more diverse and equitable professional landscape. I would like to commend the founding members and TSS volunteers who made WiTS a reality—your leadership is deeply appreciated. Also encouraging was the strong participation of early-career professionals. The Young Professionals Competition was, once again, a standout feature of the conference, reminding us that the future of thermal spray is in excellent hands. My heartfelt thanks go out to every presenter, every attendee, and especially to the tireless organizing Ang EDITORIAL committee, whose dedication made this global gathering an unequivocal success. The insights gained and the relationships forged at ITSC 2025 in Vancouver will resonate throughout our industry for years to come. As we carry forward the momentum from ITSC 2025, I invite everyone to turn their attention to our next major TSS event—the Symposium on Emerging Materials and Innovations in Thermal Spray (SEMI 2025)—to be held in Melbourne, Australia, December 1-3. This topical event will be the first ASM-TSS conference held in Australia, chaired by Distinguished Professor Christopher Berndt, FASM, TSS HoF; who is well known to many in our TSS community. SEMI 2025 offers a unique platform to explore emerging interdisciplinary advancements in surface engineering and forge new avenues for collaboration and innovation. While thermal spray is a powerful enabling technology, its greatest impact often emerges through synergy with other advanced materials and manufacturing processes. SEMI 2025 will foster connections with researchers and industry leaders from adjacent fields and explore how thermal spray can integrate with and enhance novel systems and applications. Mark your calendars for December 1-3 and consider participating in this exciting event to expand your knowledge and professional network. As your current president of the Thermal Spray Society, I am continually inspired by the dedication and innovation within our global network. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in thermal spray, I encourage you to stay involved—join our TSS Open Mic series, contribute to technical committees, or participate in one of our events or initiatives. Together, we are shaping a field that is technically advanced, socially inclusive, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Let us continue identifying new opportunities, fostering cross-pollination of ideas, and ensuring that thermal spray continues to play a pivotal role in the manufacturing landscape of the future—together. Andrew Ang Associate Professor, Swinburne University of Technology President, ASM Thermal Spray Society 2
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