Spraytime

2023 is of f to an excellent start for the International Thermal Spray Association (ITSA). We are finalizing plans for our next in-person gathering and pursuing opportunities to expand membership activity this year.

With that, I would like to introduce Kirk Fick as the new ITSA vice chair. As ITSA chair, I am looking forward to working with him this year to support our organizational initiatives. Fick will focus on increasing ITSA membership and activity to continue fueling the growth of our organization.

He is a veteran of the industry, currently serving as senior development engineer at Cincinnati Thermal Spray Inc. Fick has been with the company for more than 20 years and has contributed to the growth of thermal spray processes and coatings. He is passionate about advancing the capabilities of the industry. You can learn more about him on page 9.

I am also excited to soon announce the plans for our next in-person ITSA gathering. The ITSA planning committee met on the first week of February to discuss the details of the 2023 Annual Membership Meeting & Symposium. Stay tuned for an official announcement in the next issue of SPRAYTIME.

This year promises to be an exciting one with plenty of potential for ITSA!

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

Mollie Blasingame, chair, Superior Shot Peening & Coatings

Kirk Fick, vice chair, Cincinnati Thermal Spray Inc. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (above officers plus the following)

Ana Duminie, North American Höganäs Jim Ryan, TechMet Alloys

David A. Lee, David Lee Consulting LLC Bill Mosier, Polymet Corp.

Peter Ruggiero, Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies

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 ITSA Annual 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 (800) 443-9353, ext. 295, or itsa@thermalspray.org. 

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