The American Foundry Society (AFS) is a non-profit association serving members of the metalcasting supply chain both in the United States and abroad. Through various resources, AFS provides members with advocacy coordination and efforts in Washington, D.C., ongoing technical education through its Institute, as well as the transfer of innovative research and technology to the industry, its suppliers and those who buy castings. Membership is individual or corporate and is made up of three markets, including: metalcasters and producers of metal cast parts; metalcasting suppliers and casting buyers/original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s). Student membership is also extended to future leaders of the metalcasting industry at a nominal cost. The society was founded in 1896 and serves more than 700 corporate members and close to 8,000 individual members including metalcasting suppliers and OEM facilities in more than 41 countries worldwide, covering all metalcasting processes and materials.