MIM2018 concludes with record attendance
March 16, 2018
The MPIF stated that MIM2018 saw over 180 attendees representing 104 companies from sixteen countries (Courtesy MPIF)
MIM2018, the International Conference on Injection Molding of Metals, Ceramics and Carbides, this year held in Irvine, California, March-5-7, concluded last week with record-breaking attendance. The yearly conference is organised by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF), which stated that this year’s event saw the previous attendance record broken by over 15%, with over 180 attendees representing 104 companies from sixteen countries.
The technical conference was launched with a keynote address by Benedikt Blitz, SMR Premium, who highlighted the recent developments in the world of remelted steels. In addition to technical sessions, thirty companies showcased their products and services during a tabletop exhibit, sponsored by PIM International, on Tuesday, March 6. Twenty-four exhibitors also provided ‘infomercials’ for their companies intermittently throughout the event.
Following the successful launch of a student grant program at MIM2017, the Metal Injection Molding Association again provided seven students with a grant to attend MIM2018 and present a technical presentation. Grant recipients were given the opportunity to attend the presentations, network with professionals in the field and gain exposure to the MIM industry. Each also provided a presentation on work underway at their universities.
Prior to the conference, Rand German, Professor Emeritus of San Diego State University, presented his Powder Injection Molding (PIM) Tutorial to fifty students– a 30% increase over last year’s tutorial.
According to the MPIF, the attendance breakdown this year consisted of 23% equipment & service providers, 17% powder & feedstock suppliers, 14% end users/consumers, 35% parts manufacturers and 11% other. MIM2019 will be held in Orlando, Florida, February 25–27, 2019.
