The second international Nitriding Symposium that took place at the MGM Grand conference center in Las Vegas on November 18-19, 2010 was a great success. Symposium participants heard about the current state and developments in controlled nitriding and nitrocarburizing processes, technologies and applications. The event brought together an international audience of 90 academic researchers and industry professionals. Participants from the Americas made up 79% of the registered attendees, whereas other international participants accounted for 21%. Attendees represented academia (4%), industrial manufacturing sector (15%), heat treaters (52%), heat treat consultants & reps (10%) and equipment suppliers (18%).
The symposium focused on both technical and commercial advancements in nitriding / nitrocarburizing. The presentations were categorized into four general themes; Advances in Nitriding, Applications/Cases, Distortion, and Simulation. Members of academia presented recent scientific developments in nitriding of stainless steels, research results on wear and corrosion resistance, roughness control and process simulations, while the commercial counterpart presented practical applications and case studies. Round table discussions were also held. It generally concerned potential user knowledge and understanding of the benefits of nitriding and the future of the technology.
Successfully launched in 2005, Nitriding Symposium relies on both, leading academic researchers and industry practitioners to deliver high quality content on the latest innovations that improve manufacturing quality and efficiency. This edition of the symposium was sponsored by United Process Controls, Industrial Heat Treating Magazine and The Monty, and chaired by Mr. Michel Korwin, president of Nitrex Metal and co-chaired by Dr. K. Funatani, IMST Institute, Japan, Mr. J. Hubbard, past CEO of Bodycote Plc, and Dr. George Totten, Portland State University, USA.
In keeping with tradition, the Hephaestus Award for honoring outstanding experts in the heat treating community and their scientific contributions to the theory and practice of nitriding and nitrocarburizing was bestowed upon to Dr. K. Funatani. Considered as one of the most distinguished experts, Dr. Funatani has played a leading role in the development and industrialization of various nitriding technologies in the automotive industry worldwide.
Visitor response at the symposium was reminiscent of the previous edition in that participants expressed their appreciation and interest in future editions. Participants similarly praised the quality of the sessions and organization of the event. The main purpose of attending was to improve knowledge of available technologies and to make meaningful relationships with industry/academic players.
To request a copy of the symposium proceedings, please click here.
