ITSA Member News

Whether you’ve been part of the thermal spray community for years or you’re picking up SPRAYTIME for the first time, thank you for taking the time to read this issue and for being part of an industry that never stops learning and sharing.

I’ll be the first to admit that I do not have hands-on experience with cold spray. That’s one of the reasons I was excited about this issue. Cold spray is one of the fastest-growing areas of thermal spray, with applications ranging from repair and additive manufacturing to corrosion protection and aerospace. It’s an impressive technology, and I enjoyed learning more about its capabilities from the experts. I hope you will, too.

One of the things I love most about ITSA is that no one person knows everything, but together we form an incredible community that’s always willing to share ideas, experiences, and innovations. Every issue of SPRAYTIME is a chance to learn something new, and this one certainly was for me.

Our ITSA Annual Meeting in San Diego is right around the corner in November. I haven’t been there since I was a child, so I’m looking forward to seeing the city again and trading the cold November weather of St. Louis for Southern California sunshine. More importantly, the meeting promises to be a fantastic event filled with technical presentations, networking, and a panel discussion featuring leading powder manufacturers. They’ll discuss emerging materials, current industry challenges, and what’s on the horizon, with plenty of time for audience questions.

Be sure to register early. The first 30 attendees will have the opportunity to tour GKN Aerospace’s newly completed facility in nearby El Cajon. It’s a unique chance to see aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities up close. I hope you’ll make plans to join us. I can’t wait to see everyone in San Diego.

ITSA MISSION STATEMENT

The International Thermal Spray Association (ITSA), a standing committee of the American Welding Society, is a professional industrial organization dedicated to expanding the use of thermal spray technologies for the benefit of industry and society. ITSA invites all interested companies to talk with our officers and company representatives to better understand member benefits.

OFFICERS

Ashley Hunsaker, chair, HTS Coatings

Peter Ruggiero, vice chair, Curtiss-Wright

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

(previously listed officers plus the following)

Kirk Fick, Cincinnati Thermal Spray

Mollie Blasingame, Superior Shot Peening & Coatings

Ana Duminie, North American Höganäs

Jim Ryan, TechMet Alloys

David A. Lee, David Lee Consulting LLC

ITSA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

ITSA offers annual graduate scholarships. Since 1992, the ITSA scholarship program has contributed to the growth of the thermal spray community, especially in the development of new technologists and engineers. ITSA is very proud of this education partnership and encourages all eligible participants to apply. Visit thermalspray.org for criteria information and a printable application form.

ITSA SPRAYTIME

Since 1992, ITSA has been publishing SPRAYTIME for the thermal spray industry. The mission is to be the flagship thermal spray industry publication providing company, event, personnel, product, research, and membership news of interest to the thermal spray community.

JOIN ITSA

Membership is open to companies involved in all facets of the industry — equipment and materials suppliers, job shops, in-house facilities, educational institutions, industry consultants, and others.

Engage with dozens of like-minded industry professionals at the Annual ITSA Membership Meeting, where there is ample time for business and personal discussions. Learn about industry advancements through the one-day technical program, participate in the half-day business meeting, and connect with peers in a relaxed atmosphere complete with fun social events.

Build awareness of your company and its products and services through valuable promotional opportunities: a listing in SPRAYTIME, exposure on the ITSA website, and recognition at industry trade shows.

In addition, ITSA Membership comes with an AWS Supporting Company Membership and up to five AWS Individual Memberships to give to your best employees, colleagues, or customers. Visit aws.org/membership/supportingcompany for a complete listing of additional AWS benefits. For more information or a membership application, contact Adrian Bustillo at (786) 937-9595 or abustillo@aws.org.

For an ITSA Membership application, visit the membership section at thermalspray.org.