MIM2019 Keynote Speaker: Robert Dowding

On February 26, 2019, Robert Dowding, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, will open MIM2019: International Conference on Injection Molding of Metals, Ceramics and Carbides, as the keynote speaker. MIM2019 is a global conference and tabletop exhibition that highlights advances in the powder injection molding (PIM) industry. The conference will take place in Orlando, Florida, at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, February 25–27, 2019.

The keynote presentation, titled “Development of Particulate Materials and Their Processing for Army and Defense Applications,” will discuss the U.S. Army Research Laboratory’s engagement in the research of materials across all disciplines with the development of metallic compositions as an area of emphasis. The purpose and applications of these alloys ranges from ballistic protection of vehicles and personnel, armament and projectiles, aviation propulsion, to additive manufacturing in advanced locations. This keynote presentation will cover the synthesis of materials including Fe-Ni-Zr, Cu-Ta, and Ni-based alloys with highly stabilized nanocrystalline grain structure, and the fabrication of parts and components from them. High-energy ball milling and other synthesis methods will be discussed, as will field-assisted sintering technology (also called spark plasma sintering) and hot isostatic pressing. Lastly, the presentation will discuss the ARL Open Campus concept for working with and in the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.

Over the course of Dowding's tenure at ARL, much of his PM-based research and development work has been related to, or in support of, material and process development for tungsten and tungsten alloys. He has performed research examining strain aging in tungsten heavy alloys (WHA), the processing of novel tungsten-based compositions, and the re-spheroidization of tungsten grains in heavily cold-worked WHAs.

Dowding has been a strong leader in and supporter of the Army's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program since the mid-1980s. As the contracting officer's technical representative for more than 35 Phase I and Phase II contracts, his efforts have been leveraged to support multiple mission programs in the materials science and manufacturing of protection- and lethality-related applications. He has also promoted missile programs focusing on powder metallurgy (PM), tungsten research, nanomaterials, armor ceramics, and powder injection molding. In 2014, Dowding was recognized as a PM industry champion with the prestigious PM Vanguard Award.

Advance registration for MIM2019 ends on January 18. Don’t miss your chance to connect with PIM product designers, engineers, end users, researchers, and more on the latest R&D.

Learn more and register today at MIM2019.org.