posted on 07.08.14

MTI is pleased to announce it has joined a consortium of organizations led by ASM, who over the next 18 months, will develop a roadmap that identifies advanced manufacturing technologies that are ready for implementation in thermal manufacturing industries, as well as high-priority areas for development.

Consortium partners include: The Association of Iron and Steel Technology, Forging Industry Association, Heat Treating Society (ASM affiliate), Industrial Heating Equipment Association, Metals Processing Institute, Metal Treating Institute, Nexight, LLC, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Nexight Group, LLC is a funded participant and is a small business that has extensive experience in technology roadmapping, for the roadmapping effort. ASM will engage the ASM Heat Treating Society extensively in the consortium development and sustainability.

The group is set for a kickoff call this week as well as some follow up face to face workshops in the future.  The following outlines the vision and goals that have been established for the consortium:

Vision

Lead and coordinate a national effort to develop and deploy advanced manufacturing technologies, equipment, and processes across the broad thermal manufacturing community that will significantly increase energy efficiency, productivity, and global competitiveness.

Goals

 Lead the development of a comprehensive R&D roadmap that identifies common thermal manufacturing needs and opportunities across industries, utilizing the inputs of equipment suppliers, process implementers, end users, and technology suppliers.

Facilitate implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies, equipment, and processes in thermal manufacturing by bringing together key industry associations that provide access to companies of all sizes, especially small and medium enterprises; academia; and national laboratories.

Build upon a committed consortium nucleus that represents the full range of the value chain to fully launch TMI ATC and create a sustainable consortium, coupling a low-cost consortium membership fee structure to fund ongoing consortium operations with aggressive efforts to raise federal and state funding to support R&D efforts.

MTI will keep you advised as to the developments of the consortium as they work toward their finished product.  If you have any questions on the project, feel free to contact the MTI office at 904-249-0448.