Message from the HTS President

Here’s an update on some of the exciting developments discussed recently by the ASM Heat Treating Society Board.

The new HTS web site is outstanding. Be sure to visit our site often to learn what ASM and the HTS can do for you. The key features include the Research Library, Career Center, networking, several forums, and the Members Directory. Thanks to the leadership of Terry Brown, Roger Jones, Steve Kowalski and Fred Specht, our site is designed to meet the needs of HTS members. Please visit the site and let me know (sisson@wpi.edu) what you think.

Student and Young Board Members. Following the model of the ASM Board of Trustees Student Member Program, the HTS will add two new positions to the Board in the near future. We plan to add one student (undergraduate or graduate) and a young professional. The recruiting cycle will run in parallel with the ASM Board’s solicitation and nomination processes. We hope to diversify the board structure with the addition of these young members. The details currently are under consideration.

HTS Regional Events. The Technical and Programming Committee, under the outstanding leadership of Dan Herring, Fred Specht, and George Pfaffman, has planned four regional events for 2008. These included Principles of Proper Vacuum Furnace Maintenance, held March 18-19 in Anaheim; Induction Heating Technology and Application, held May 15-16 in Monterrey, Mexico; Control of Distortion and Residual Stress of Heat Treated Gears, to be held September 24-25 in Milwaukee; and Cleaning Requirements for Heat Treatment – Developments and Applications, to be held October 29-30 in Worcester, Mass. The Vacuum Furnace maintenance event was a resounding success, with more than 125 attendees and several exhibitors.

In the future, the T&P Committee has decided to produce six regional events during even years and two during odd years (the year in which our HTS Conference and Exposition occurs). These events are typically two days long and focused on new and emerging technologies. We will be looking for support from the local chapters, Materials Advantage student chapters, and universities for these events.

Education. The HTS Education Committee, under the leadership of Lynn Ferguson, is currently reviewing the heat treating courses we offer and updating where needed. The committee also is planning new courses or additions to existing courses on emerging technologies. In addition, the committee is evaluating the potential to deliver courses via web-based systems. Please send your thoughts and ideas about these endeavors to Lynn at lynn.ferguson@deformationcontrol.com.

Strategic Planning. The HTS Board is continuing strategic planning focusing on Lifelong Learning and Education, Improved Value for HTS Members, and Enhanced Web Presence (as described above). A new critical issue focuses on Emerging Technologies. A team is being created to indentify new technologies that will be of importance and interest to the heat treating community.

As you can see, HTS leaders are working to bring real value to our membership. We encourage you to take advantage of the excellent HTS Community website, as well as events and educational opportunities, to help you in your career.

Rick Sisson
President
ASM Heat Treating Society