The April 2024 issue of ACerS Bulletin is now available online.
In this month’s issue, we look at ceramics used in the processing and manufacturing of other materials. The cover story discusses Blasch Precision Ceramics’ work on developing novel ceramic crucibles that can withstand increasingly extreme molten metal processing environments while remaining reasonably priced. A second feature article describes using Lithoz’s lithography-based 3D-printing process to fabricate ceramic cores for investment casting. The final feature article announces MATECH’s development of a new class of ultrahigh-density carbon–carbon composites for next-generation aerospace applications.
In addition to the feature stories, the “Deciphering the Discipline” column by Miloš Dujović reviews how MAX phases are opening new doorways with machinable ceramics, and the “Business and Market View” column overviews the global abrasive market.
Two more columns provide further discussion on the issue’s theme. The “Industry Perspectives” column by Doug Thurman gives an inside look at the Association of American Ceramic Component Manufacturers (AACCM) and also remembers Jeffery (Jeff) Brundage, current AACCM president who died in February 2024. The new “Journal Highlights” column by ACerS journals managing editor Jonathon Foreman gives a sneak peek inside ACerS’ latest Topical Collection, which contains recent articles on the topic of ceramics to improve manufacturing.
The April issue includes the first issue of Volume 5 of Ceramic & Glass Manufacturing, which looks at the emerging nanomaterials market. The cover story by author David Holthaus describes how the promise of nanotechnology has started to materialize in many industrial sectors, but challenges remain in converting research lab findings to scaled-up commercial production. It includes interviews with representatives from industry (Cerion), academia (The Pennsylvania State University), and international collaboratives (Graphene Flagship). An accompany article by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory group leader Kristin Omberg discusses ethical considerations of nanomaterials research. A final article overviews the past and future of nanotechnology guidance developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Finally, preview the upcoming Ceramics Expo, which this year will take place in Novi, Mich., April 30–May 1.
You’ll find a lot more interesting content inside this—and every issue—of the ACerS Bulletin. The current issue is free to all for a short time, but remember that all the valuable content in more than one hundred years of past issues of the ACerS Bulletin is free only to members—so considering joining us today!