Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Tennessee, have announced the development of Future Foundries, a new additive manufacturing (AM) platform. The system integrates wire arc AM, heat treatment, inspection and machining, connected by an autonomous pallet changer that moves components between processes.

The resurgence of America’s magnet segment has run into a roadblock: the pressing labor shortages in the U.S. rare earth supply chain during increased efforts to reduce reliance on China. Companies that are continuing to expand face a critical shortage of skilled workers across mining, chemical processing, and magnet manufacturing due to decades of offshoring.

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. The 2026 Fellow Award recipient will receive elevation to Fellow status at WorldPM2026: World Congress on Powder Metallurgy & Particulate Materials. The 2026 recipient is Rodney Brennen, Metco Industries, Inc.

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Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: Social Hour: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Dinner: 6:30 p.m.
Price: Member: $40.00 - Non-Member: $50.00, Student/Retiree: $30.00
Place: The Tannery at Dubois Country Club — 10 Lakeside Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801
Meeting Sponsor: Weiss Industrial Instruments
Speaker: Tony Busch
Topic: SCR’s Controlling Silicon Carbide Elements Without Transformers

BONUS: Any APMI member that attends 5 of the 7 West Penn technical sessions during the 2025–2026 season will be entered to win a complimentary full conference registration to attend WorldPM2026 / AMPM2026 / Tungsten2026, June 25–29 in Montreal, Canada!