I know that some of you reading this column are on board with memberships in our industry associations – Metal Treating Institute (MTI) and Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA). Since both associations have upcoming spring meetings, I thought I would shine the light on them, explain what each association does and provide a look at the events.

Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA)

From their website, IHEA says they are the “industry’s leading trade association representing designers and manufacturers of industrial heating equipment and related supplies and services. The organization focuses on driving its members’ success by providing the knowledge base and authoritative voice for industrial heat processing.” IHEA is celebrating their 90^th anniversary in 2019.

In addition to their annual meeting in the spring, IHEA also has a fall gathering for committees to meet. They have a total of six working committees. IHEA also conducts seminars, including Combustion, Safety Standards and Codes, Induction and Infrared. Their Infrared Equipment and Induction Divisions teach end-users about these technologies, including their advantages and applications.

IHEA’s annual meeting will be held April 29-May 1 at Lido Beach Resort in Sarasota, Fla. From IHEA.org, “IHEA members will enjoy the camaraderie created by the ever-popular social events and thought-provoking presentations. The annual meeting provides plenty of opportunity to get involved with important industry-related developments while exploring new business contacts and growing relationships.” Check out the IHEA column for more information.

If you think IHEA membership might be right for you, the annual meeting is a great time to test the waters. Check out the website (www.IHEA.org) to see the five different membership options, and contact them to see how you can get involved.

Metal Treating Institute (MTI)

The early roots of MTI go back even further than IHEA. You can read about their history on MTI’s website, www.heattreat.net. There’s no way I can do it justice here, but the first meeting of heat treaters happened in October 1913. Over the years, the name changed several times and became MTI in 1933.

From the website, “The membership has expanded worldwide and includes commercial heat treaters, manufacturers with in-house heat-treat operations and suppliers that provide products and services to the industry. MTI is active in government advocacy and technical standards, conducts national and regional educational networking conferences and produces the Furnaces North America business expo every-other year.”

Like IHEA, MTI has two meetings each year – spring and fall. On even-number years, the fall meeting is held in conjunction with Furnaces North America. This year’s spring meeting will be held April 25-27 at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla. MTI also has several training opportunities throughout the year, including the popular YES Management Training. They offer certificate programs in the following: Qualified Furnace Operator, Heat Treat Technical Specialist, Heat Treat Specialist and Heat Treat Management Specialist.

MTI also has four membership categories, and you can learn more about them on the website. If you think MTI might be the association for you, contact them and plan to attend the meeting in April. Industrial Heating will be there as well as at the IHEA meeting the following week. Hope to see you there.

The issue you are holding is our heat-treating issue and contains our Commercial Heat-Treating Directory. This print directory is a great resource for locating commercial heat treaters in your area. You can also use the directory’s search feature by accessing it in the “Directories” dropdown on www.industrialheating.com.

This month’s cover is a look into 3D printing, which is moving into the area of ceramics. Carnegie Mellon University and others are helping to drive the technology developments in this state-of-the-art industry. Check out their article to learn more about it.