Hard lessons learned from the 2020 pandemic taught us that we needed to rebuild and re-establish our U.S. supply-chain ecosystem. The systemic shock to our global supply chains left us with bottlenecks, shortages and an acute awareness of our overdependence on imports.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) developed a low-cost sensor that can identify COVID-19 antibodies in approximately 10 seconds. The sensor is based on a special structure of tiny gold electrodes that are 3D printed using Optomec’s aerosol-jet process. The technology would allow clinicians to instantly and accurately detect the COVID-19 antibodies due to the specific geometry and surface characteristics of the printed structure. The test identifies two antibodies of the virus and is capable of detection even at very low concentrations through an electrochemical reaction sensed in the 3D-printed structure within a simple handheld device that interfaces with a smartphone.  

The Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST), after extensive consultation in recent weeks with governing authorities and the AIST Board of Directors and with due regard to the safety and health of members, exhibitors, attendees and staff, cancelled AISTech 2020 – The Iron & Steel Technology Conference and Exposition. The event was scheduled for Aug. 31-Sept. 3 in Cleveland, Ohio.

After much analysis, feedback from attendees and the uncertainty of COVID-19, the MTI Board of Trustees has approved transition to a virtual format for Furnaces North America 2020. Attendees will be able to experience the virtual exhibit hall for free. For those wanting to view the three live panel discussions and 35 technical sessions, FNA is offering a special for attendees of $199 for each of the first two registrants from a company and $49 for every person after that. To qualify, everyone must register on the same online registration form. 

A medical technology manufacturer ordered Despatch conveyor ovens to help produce COVID-19 diagnostic testing systems. Perforated plenums above the belt create a laminar flow that will keep the small, lightweight parts from being disturbed. Fresh-air ports were added to support the positive chamber pressure needed to achieve the required temperature uniformity of ±9°F (±5°C). The continuous belt design is suited for large quantities of similar workpieces being processed.

The North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) announced that the Die Casting Congress & Tabletop will now be taking place virtually October 20-22, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. NADCA wants to keep the industry informed and connected, but safe, during these unprecedented times. A virtual event will provide participants with the ability to obtain the latest technical information, learn and network from the safety of their own home or office.

The Ipsen Customer Service Team is committed to supporting customers during the COVID-19 pandemic with both on-site and remote assistance to keep critical heat-treating equipment operational. The Cherry Valley, Ill.-based company continues to provide advanced aftermarket support, including instrument calibrations and temperature uniformity surveys (TUS), that adhere to various industry standards such as Nadcap, AMS 2750E, AMS 2769C and MedAccred. Ipsen provides calibration and TUS services for the aerospace and defense, medical device, automotive and energy industries to help ensure their equipment remains in compliance.

Euro PM2020 Congress, Europe's annual powder-metallurgy event organized by the European Powder Metallurgy Association, is set its debut as a virtual congress Oct. 5-7, 2020. This new event will be held online as a live webinar, and the virtual congress is expected to allow approximately 300 technical papers to be presented.

The Executive Committee of the Forging Industry Association’s (FIA) Board of Directors has decided to cancel the International Forging Congress (IFC) 2020 scheduled for September 19-21 at the Marriott Magnificent Mile Downtown in Chicago, Ill. This step has been taken because of the safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. FIA could not be assured that the configurations in the venues where IFC 2020 activities were scheduled to be held could be arranged in a manner to provide sufficient protection for delegates and exhibitors against the transmission of COVID-19. Delegates who have registered and paid to attend IFC 2020 will be reimbursed 100% of their registration fees. Those companies that have reserved and paid for a booth or tabletop at IFC 2020 will be reimbursed 100% of their registration fees. Emails will be sent to both groups explaining the reimbursement process.

Fortin Ironworks, a third-generation, family-owned and operated ornamental iron and metal-fabrication company, is creating new products driven by a surge in consumer safety. These American-made products are destined to be an integral part of the “new normal.” The Columbus, Ohio-based company has been manufacturing products designed to keep people safe, such as fencing and gates, for nearly 75 years. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, however, Fortin Ironworks is getting requests for new ways of doing things.