The Tungsten Industry Conflict Minerals Council announced the release of an updated version of its Tungsten Framework document. The Tungsten Industry—Conflict Minerals Council (TI-CMC or “the Council”) is a framework through which its members can provide industry stakeholders, downstream tungsten consumers with conflict mineral reporting and disclosure obligations, and the public at large with their assurances that the tungsten products they supply are sourced in accordance with the relevant OECD Guidance, appropriate US laws such as Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council from May 17, 2017, and that the risks highlighted in this guidance are assessed and mitigated as appropriate. 

The North American powder metallurgy (PM) industry has not been immune from the unprecedented challenges facing the global supply‐chain. We continue to feel the negative effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic. I don’t think anyone could have imagined this virus would take a million American lives. The semiconductor microchip processor shortages, resulting in orders being pushed out or even worse, cancelled. Most automotive companies, whose vehicles use an estimated 20‐100 processors each, depending on the vehicle’s features, agree that recovery will begin in the second half of 2022, but a normal supply won’t be met until well into 2023. Volkswagen doesn’t expect demands to be met until 2024.  

The winners in the 2022 Powder Metallurgy (PM) Design Excellence Awards competition, sponsored by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF), showcase outstanding examples of PM’s unique ability to challenge competing technologies. From lightweighting to complex geometries, provides component designers with the ability to utilize advanced engineering methods that add up to part-to-part uniformity for improved product quality; shape and material flexibility; application versatility, and more.

An official call for presentations has been announced for MIM2023, International Conference on Injection Molding of Metals, Ceramics and Carbides, to be held in California at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa Hotel, February 27–March 1, 2023. Authors have until September 30, 2022, to submit presentation abstracts on manufacturing innovations and material advancements. All abstracts accepted for presentation will require a PowerPoint submission prior to the conference.

APMI International’s most prestigious award recognizes APMI members for their significant contributions to the goals, purpose, and mission of the organization as well as for a high level of expertise in the technology, practice, or business of the industry. Dean Howard, PMT, North American Höganäs Co., the 2022 Fellow Award recipient, will receive elevation to Fellow status at PowderMet2022 / AMPM2022, June 12-15, in Portland, OR.