ITSA Member News

Dear ITSA members and colleagues,

I’m happy to report that ITSA had a strong presence at the AMPP Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn., where we hosted a booth that drew consistent traffic throughout the show. We gathered a solid list of leads from those interested in thermal spray services and ITSA membership. A special thank you to Alina Blanco at AMPP for providing the booth, as well as ITSA Vice Chair Ashley Hunsaker and ITSA Program Manager Adrian Bustillo for helping plan and representing ITSA so well at the booth!

As a reminder, the deadline for the 2025 ITSA Scholarship is August 30, and it’ll be here before you know it. If you know someone pursuing a graduate degree in thermal spray or a related field, please encourage them to apply. It’s a great opportunity to support the next generation of leaders in our industry.

We’re excited to announce that the 2025 ITSA Annual Meeting and Symposium will take place November 10–12 at the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette in Peoria, Ill. This year’s event is presented in partnership with AMPP, highlighting our ongoing collaboration to advance thermal spray technologies across key industries.

Our technical program will spotlight applications in mining, agriculture, and overhaul/repair areas where surface engineering continues to deliver real value. Expect insightful presentations, case studies, and practical research that speak directly to the needs and innovations in these sectors.

We’re also pleased to offer a tour of the Caterpillar production facility, giving attendees a unique behind-the-scenes look at how coatings support modern manufacturing in heavy equipment.

I hope to see many of you in Peoria this fall as we come together to share knowledge and advance our industry.

Lastly, don’t forget that submitting articles or updates for SPRAYTIME consideration is free and a great way to promote your work or company. We’re seeking content for:

• Q3 (September) – Thermal Spray in Aerospace
• Q4 (December) – Thermal Spray Powders

Submissions are due two months before publication. For details, please contact Cindy Weihl (cweihl@aws.org).

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

Kirk Fick, chair, Cincinnati Thermal Spray Inc.

Ashley Hunsaker, vice chair, HTS Coatings

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

(above officers plus the following)

Mollie Blasingame, Superior Shot Peening & Coatings

Ana Duminie, North American Höganäs

Jim Ryan, TechMet Alloys

David A. Lee, David Lee Consulting LLC

Bill Mosier, Polymet Corp.

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’s 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 enjoy your 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.

Plus, 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, contact Adrian Bustillo at (786) 937-9595 or abustillo@aws.org.

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