Fall IJMC Includes Quantification of Casting Skin in DI and CGI, Univ. Research
The fall issue of the International Journal of Metalcasting (IJMC) has been released and is in the mail to subscribers. This unique issue highlights universities and educational institutions conducting metalcasting related research in North America as well as findings in an AFS research project.

The lead article in the fall issue highlights findings of the AFS-sponsored research project Quantification of Casting Skin in Ductile and Compacted Graphite Irons and Its Effect on Tensile Properties, D. Stefanescu, S. Wills and J. Massone, The Ohio State Univ., Columbus, Ohio, and F. Duncan, Ashland Casting Solutions, Dublin, Ohio, and identifies the individual features that together define skin quality in ductile iron and compated graphite iron to develop a method for the measurement of skin thickness, and to quantify the influence of the skin of thin wall (2 to 6 mm) ductile iron castings on its tensile properties.

Also included in the fall IJMC are the papers Adapting More Progressive Refractory Coating Measurement Controls, Prediction of Hot Tear Formation in a Magnesium Alloy Permanent Mold Casting and Transformation Kinetics and Ferrite-Pearlite Ratios in a 65-45-12 Ductile Iron. The issue concludes with results from the AFS/FEF Student Technology Competition, which recognizes the metalcasting related research and activities of undergraduate students in the FEF school network.

Don't delay, subscribe now to receive the publication leading the transfer of research and technology to the global metalcasting industry. For more information on the IJMC, and to download a subscription form, visit www.metalcastingjournal.com or contact AFS customer service at 800/537-4237.

E-Mainifest Bill Passes Senate Committee
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed legislation this summer that would authorize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop an electronic system to track hazardous waste. Entitled the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act, the bill would permit the EPA to select a contractor to develop an electronic manifest system and would authorize the collection of fees from industry to fund the effort.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requires companies to track their shipments of hazardous waste through maintaining records of shipments and the filing of paper manifests with the government after the shipment. The electronic system is purported to permit a more complete and accurate tracking of the wastes. Although awaiting authorization from Congress to establish a funding mechanism, EPA has already begun a rulemaking process, issuing a request for comments from the industry last February on the benefits and costs of establishing an e-manifest system. For more information on the EPA e-mainfest program, contact Stephanie Salmon, AFS Washington Office, at 202/842-4864 or ssalmon@afsinc.org.