Request for support on NFPA 79 Electrical Standard
NFPA is organizing for another cycle of updating the Electrical Standard NFPA 79. AMT holds a seat on the Standards Development Group that is responsible for performing this update. For the past number of revisions, MAG has held this position. We are asking if another member company would like to take on this role.
To qualify, you must be an electrical engineer involved in the design of electrical systems. This effort requires attendance at a number of meetings over the next few years, as well as work on the development and review of proposed changes to the standard.
If you would like to be considered for this role or if you have questions, please contact Paul Warndorf at 703-827-5291 or e-mail at pwarndorf@AMTonline.org.
MPETAC Chair changes hands
After more than a decade of serving on and leading the Materials Processing and Equipment Technical Advisory Committee (MPETAC) of the Department of Commerce (DOC), AMT has passed the chair position to Paul Webster, Engineering Manager at FANUC FA (Hoffman Estates, Ill). AMT will continue to play a role and will continue to participate in the group to help in the success of committee work such as:
Introduction and discussion on adopting some level of decontrol for certain 5-axis machine tools. It is now hopeful that an agreement will be achieved that will allow certain 5-axis machines to be sold outside the United States without an export license.
AMT recently lead, and the MPETAC submitted a proposal to delete the requirement to get an export license for specially designed components and parts of deep-hole drilling machines.
There has been discussion over the last 4 years on whether there is a need to introduce export controls on additive materials manufacturing equipment. The proposal is to require that any machine builder using metal powders receive an export license before a sale outside the United States.
AMT welcomes Mr. Webster to the chair position and offers assistance to him as needed. He will be in charge of the remaining 2012 meetings of the MPETAC, tentatively scheduled for May 22, August 7 and November 13. These meetings are open to the public and all are invited to attend. Topics planned for discussion include 5-axis machines, aerostatic bearings, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and probes and additive materials manufacturing (AMM), as well as other areas covered under Category 2 of the Wassenaar Arrangement. Your technical assistance and participation provides invaluable insight from the industry to support recommended changes. It is critical that export control regulations remain effective in our ever-changing manufacturing environment as new products are constantly being introduced.
For more information, please contact Paul Warndorf at 703-827-5291 or e-mail at pwarndorf@AMTonline.org.
Defense Manufacturing Conference - 2012
It is not too early to plan to attend this year’s Defense Manufacturing Conference. Somehow, each year, this event just keeps getting better. DMC 2012 will be held Nov. 26-29 at the Marriott Orlando World Center in Orlando, Fla. This is one of the best forums to get visibility with key program managers, defense contractors and to understand manufacturing developments being supported by the DoD ManTech program.
For more information go to www.dmc2012.com.
Future B11 Standards meeting
B11 ASC – July 23-24, 2012 – Seattle, Wash.
If you have an interest in participating in this meeting or would like more information, contact David Felinski at dfelinski@B11standards.org.