Once in while, I reflect on my parenting mis-steps. For example, my oldest son used to enjoy an occasional arm wrestle with his “old mom” when he was about 11. I remember joking with him: “You know, the day you can beat me, you can send me to the nursing home!” Note to self: Never be so stupid as to make such absurd and dangerous remarks. That boy was about 6 foot 170 a few years later and, needless to say, I ceased and desisted all activity related to that former pastime. 

I wonder sometimes if sourcing castings feels like an arm wrestle. Maybe you’re a casting buyer and there’s a disconnect about why your parts cost more than you expected. Or maybe you’re a parts engineer and it doesn’t feel right when the foundry says they want to modify your design. A wide array of manufacturing considerations go into the making of a casting, and they all represent a possibility for conflict or an opportunity for collaboration. 

I once had a boss who said she liked it when employees interacted like bumper cars colliding into each other––I never could agree with that peculiar mindset. Healthy tension and differing viewpoints are natural, whether it’s between colleagues or between the casting customer and the foundry, but good communication and partnership is the easiest way to get the best casting outcome. I am acquainted with several casting customers and foundries that concur. In fact, a couple of each are joining me at CastExpo in Atlanta for a lively panel conversation about how they’ve achieved greater success with cast parts through continuous back-and-forth dialogue and idea sharing. 

This panel is one of nine continuing education sessions for casting buyers and designers taking place April 12–15 at the Georgia World Congress Center. It’s the biggest array of sessions ever offered at the Casting Source Theater, all designed to equip you with deeper knowledge about the metalcasting industry––knowledge you can put into practice on Day 1 back at work. 

Please take a look at the program descriptions on page 28. I know April 12 is just around the corner, but if you’re within a few hours’ drive from Atlanta, this would be well worth the investment of time and travel—your ROI will be quick and tangible.

I’ll be at the Casting Source Theater all four days––please come over and say hello in between sessions! 

Thanks for reading.