Best of 2011: Education

This past year has featured some new developments in our education programming alongside traditional education, producing a great year for members and non-members alike.

Here is the recap:
Annual Meeting Education Courses

• Advanced Lubrication 301
• Basic Lubrication 101
• Basic Lubrication 102
• Biofuels & Lubes (*new course this year)
• Condition Monitoring 150: CM, An Overview
• Grease 101 - (co-hosted by NLGI)
• Hydraulics
• Metalworking Fluid Hot Topics (*new course this year) - click here to listen to the Summary presentation, to hear what you missed or to get ready for next year's panel discussion!
• Synthetics 203: Non-Petroleum Fluids and Their Uses
• Synthetics 204: Fluid Formulation and Application

*We also included a new live broadcast of a panel discussion to on-site and remote attendees (see the webinar listing below). Click here to see what's coming to next year's Annual Meeting.

Regional Courses

• TSI/STLE Joint Education Course hosted by the Tribology Society of India and put on by STLE instructors, held at IndianOil Institute of Petroleum Management in Gurgaon (Haryana), India
• Basic Lubrication and Hydraulic Fluids & Their Applications, both held at the IFPE (March)
• Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course, held in Southfield, MI at the Engineering Society of Detroit's facility

with more regional courses to come next year, including:

• Intro to Hydraulics: Lubrication Fundamentals, Hydraulic Fluids and Their Application - 1 day course co-hosted by AEM, near their HQ in Milwaukee, WI (USA), to be held March 27, 2012
• Education Course (topic TBD) at ASM International's Aeromat Conference, June 22, 2012
• Basic Lubrication for the Sales Professional - date TBA (July/August 2012)

If there is a challenge you're facing at work or you don't see something that fits your continuing education needs, let us know and we can make a regional course that centers around your problem. We can also bring the education to you with our on-site courses. Tell us what your staff need and we can tailor a course directly to your audience, educating them on-site, with no down time.

Online Courses

Released at the end of last year and updated throughout this year, here are some of the courses you may have missed. Starting in 2012, those who have purchased the course will also have access to quarterly Q&A/Discussion webcast sessions with the instructor of the course. See the calendar for dates. Once you purchase the course, the discussions are automatically available to you.

• Basic Lubrication Short Course - covers friction, lubrication and wear
• Fundamentals of Lubrication Certificate Course - more extensive than the Basic course, this includes knowledge check questions as you go, comes with a certificate at the end of the course, and allows you to learn the fundamental concepts associated with the field - friction, lubrication and wear
• Metalworking Fluids Short Course - includes modules on metal removal fluids and types and function of metalworking fluids
• Lubricant Composition Short Course - includes modules on additives, base oils and grease
• Fluid Management & Recycling Short Course - includes a case study, presents the business case for starting a program, and information you need to start your own program
• Seals & Sealing Devices - to be released soon! Covers packing, static seals and dynamic seals
• The Science of Shaft Sealing - coming next year!

Webinars: Highest Attended of 2011
Click here to see a list of all the webinars offered in the past year, and to preview next year's schedule. In 2012, all webinars will have an audio file (along with the slides) of the session to take along with you if you're traveling, so you can learn on the go.
The highest attended sessions included:

• Condition Monitoring Data Interpretation with Evan Zabawski. A new series will be available for 2012, featuring 6 separate webinars. Click here for details on the first event, which picks up where this event left off.
• Bearing Damage Analysis with Paul Shiller, great to take with the Basic Lubrication Short Course or Fundamentals of Lubrication Certificate Course to get an all-around look at wear and how it applies to bearings.
• Current Issues in Wind Energy Tribology - Panel Discussion broadcast live from the Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA. Panelists included: Gary Doll, Aaron Greco, Kevin Harrington, Shawn Sheng, David Van Langevelde, and Erwin Zaretsky
• Base Oils: Their Manufacture, Properties, Performance, and Applications with John Rosenbaum
• Grease and its Use in Food Processing with Wayne Mackwood (part of the Food Grade Lubrication Series, the other events are coming up in February and March)

January Webinars: VOCs from MWFs, Sales

As you start to plan out your holidays, keep upcoming education events in mind, whether it be for your own personal knowledge, for recertification (STLE's CLS, CMFS or OMA designations), or to help you with a specific issue you're facing right now at work, or will face when you get back from the holiday!

January marks the beginning of a new year and with it, we will feature 2 webinars per month, up from one per month this past year. The increased number will allow us to cover a larger number of topics throughout the year, including topics that impact you on a daily basis no matter what industry you're in. See below for the first two webinars taking place in January. If you'd like to see the entire year's schedule (still tentative), click here.

January 11, 2012: VOC Emissions from MWFs with Mike Morris & Uyen Uyen Vo, SCAQMD Short Abstract: The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is the local air pollution regulatory agency serving the South Coast Air Basin (Basin) consisting of portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties in California. The air quality in the Basin has been designated as extreme non-attainment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For that reason, AQMD often finds itself at the forefront of the nation’s emission reduction efforts. As part of these efforts, AQMD has been investigating volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions from metalworking fluids. One of the primary challenges has been to find a reliable test method to determine VOC content...click here to keep reading and to register.

Notice: In early 2012, AQMD and ILMA will sponsor a joint symposium on emerging low-VOC technologies, including water-dilutable, bio-based and paraffinic products, to further explore emission reduction opportunities.

January 18, 2012: Using NEADS Analysis to Get to "Yes" in Industrial Sales Short Abstract: We've all heard about the importance of identifying customers needs as a crucial part of the sales process. But how can you ask the right questions to uncover those needs? And what should you do with that information once you've acquired it? And, perhaps most important of all, how can knowing a customer's needs help you close more deals? These questions and more will be answered by the application of NEADS analysis to your sales process. NEADS analysis is a system of questions and methods that will help you guide prospects through the sales process and convert them into loyal clients. Click here to keep reading and to register.

Click here to view the flyer for both events, or click the event titles above to see the event listing and to register.

Interview with the Author: Lubrication & Maintenance of Industrial Machinery - Best Practices and Reliability

Join us this week as we talk to Robert Gresham, one of the editors of this invaluable book for maintenance and reliability professionals, which shows how lubrication maintenance fits into an overall proactive maintenance program. Written by leading industry experts, each chapter discusses an important aspect of lubrication, including deterioration, test methods, cleanliness, failure analysis, scheduling, handling and storage, conservation, and used oil recycling. The text also covers centralized lubrication systems, as well as the environmental implications associated with various lubricants. Click "play" in the slider bar above, click here to download/play the episode, or click here to read the transcript.

This book includes the following chapters:

• Full Circle Reliability, M. Castle


• The Degradation of Lubricants in Service Use, M.F. Fox


• Lubricant Properties and Test Methods, L.A. Toms and A.M. Toms


• Contamination Control and Failure Analysis, J. Stecki


• Environmental Implications and Sustainability Concepts for Lubricants, M.F. Fox


• Lubrication Program Development and Scheduling, M. Johnson


• Lubricant Storage, Handling, and Dispensing, M. Barnes


• Conservation of Lubricants and Energy, R.L. Johnson and J.C. Fitch


• Centralized Lubrication Systems—Theory and Practice, P. Conley and A. Grach


• Used Oil Recycling and Environmental Considerations, D.W. Brinkman and B.J. Parry
  

Click here to visit the STLE Store to purchase the book (available at a 20% discount for STLE members), or click here to read an excerpt of the book. This book is a handy reference for those looking to take STLE's Certified Lubrication Specialist® (CLS) exam, and a good desk reference for everyday troubleshooting and administration.

Aerospace in Tribology with Vern Wedeven

Join us this week as we talk to Vern Wedeven, who has been in the aerospace industry for more than 20 years. He highlights some neat aspects of his career, including the fact that he started at NASA the same week as the Apollo 13 mission, and different projects which have been memorable. He also covers some more recent work and projects, and provides detail on the boon of hiring in a certain sectors of aerospace.

For those interested in the field, Vern delineates aeronautics from astronautics, and details key concepts and terms one must know when discussing and working in the field. Given his experience, he also provides some of his best practices and advice to those working in the field.

Click here to listen or download the episode, click here to read the transcript, or click play in the slider bar above to play it in your screen. Be sure to visit the website for more news, information and research on the aerospace field. You can check out some of the articles we have on the subject on our website, or click the following links: Foil Air Bearing Technology Takes Flight, and two technical articles on particular applications: fighter engines and high speed civil transport. Feel free to leave comments on this interview, on other challenges or research questions you have, and resources you'd like us to offer.

The Future Looks Bright - A Student's Perspective on the Tribology & Lubrication Engineering Field

In this interview, we talk to Anna Mayo (pictured at right), a high school student who has completed a number of science fair projects related to tribology and lubrication engineering including studying different materials that reduce friction, viscosity levels for lubricity and mechanical applications and the role of a lubricant and its viscosity in that application (see photo: a project in process).

She has presented at the Annual Meeting of the Ohio Academy of Science and has had abstracts published in the Ohio Journal of Science – click here or here to read two of her poster abstracts. In addition to her research and projects, she is an active volunteer and has been very active at her school – participating in student council, basketball, softball and cheer leading. She is involved with the biomedical program at her school and absolutely loves science. While unsure of her ultimate career path, she knows she’d like to do something related to the field. Listen to this interview to hear about her projects and get her perspective about the field and her work.

Important to note is the role of a mentor from the society – (Jack) Mike Miller, Product Manager at Mid-State Industrial Lubricants. While the work is her own, Mike has been a good sounding board for Anna as she has progressed and as she comes up with new, more challenging projects for the Science Fair. Try your hand at mentoring - you may find it very rewarding. Read what two of our members have to say about the subject: Maureen Hunter and Noreen Cherry. You can mentor by contacting us at (847) 825-5536 or at information@stle.org. Our current President, Michael Dugger, also wrote an article on high school students and the importance of fostering the future generation and the field for December's TLT. Click here to read the current issue, and to view December's issue when it becomes available.

STLE is dedicated to developing new professionals and supporting students who are working in the tribology field. Visit our website for resources for both students and young professionals, and to join the community of tribology and lubrication professionals. If you are looking for a resource, or have ideas on resources or events we should offer, let us know via email or feedback.

Food Grade Lubrication Webinar Series - December, February and March

December's upcoming webinar is part of the Food Grade Lubrication Series. The other two events are coming up in February and March. See below for more information on the 2012 webinars, click here to see the current schedule, click here for December's event information, or click here to view the event flyer.

You can attend one of the following events for $39/59 member/non-member, or you can register for all 3, have access for a year, and get them all at a discount! For all 3 it is only $99 for members and $159 for non-members.

Title: Grease and its Use in Food Processing
Date/Time: December 14, 2011, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST with extended Q&A from 1-1:30 p.m.
Presenter: (pictured at right) Wayne Mackwood, Grease Technology Manager, Chemtura
Presentation Abstract: One of the most critical industries on the planet today is that of food production and any disruption in that industry can have significant impacts on the human population. Disruptions can include natural ones such as drought and blight to human caused ones such as contamination and can lead to a lack of product, product recall, sickness and even death. All of this can cause fear, panic, and anger in various populations particularly if negligence or worse, intentional acts were involved. Therefore it is imperative that all stages of the food process be managed in a safe and effective manner. Grease and proper lubrication are a small but critical part of all stages of that process...click here to read the full abstract.

Title: Food Grade Lubricants
Date/Time: February 15, 2012, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST with extended Q&A from 1-1:30 p.m.
Presenter: Lawrence Ludwig, Chief Chemist Technical Director at Schaeffer Manufacturing Company

Title: Food Grade Lubricants and Their Regulation

Date/Time: March 21, 2012, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST with extended Q&A from 1-1:30 p.m.

Presenter: Jessica Evans, Business Unit Manager - Nonfood Compounds, NSF International

Recap of the UEIL Metal Removal Fluid Symposium with Greg Foltz and John Burke

Listen to this week's episode as we talk to both Greg Foltz (right), Engineering and Development Manager at Cimcool Industrial Products and John Burke (lower left), Director of Engineering Services at Houghton International Inc. Greg and John were 2 of the 3 chairs for the technical tracks at the conference. The tracks included Innovation, Application and Regulation. Greg and John covered the first two, with John addressing Innovation and Greg covering Application. Listen to the highlights and key take-aways, and their recommendations for moving the industry forward.

Click on the slider bar to play the episode in your screen, click here to download the episode (you have the option to open it to play immediately or save it and listen later), or click here to read (and translate) the transcript of the interviews.

Robert Gresham, one of STLE's staff members was also present at the symposium. Be sure to read Bob's upcoming article in the December issue of TLT to get his take on the symposium. You can easily stay updated by reading TLT online, with the digital version. Click here to read this month's issue. You can also check out the UEIL website for more information on the Symposium, including the list of presentations by track. Be sure to visit our website for a number of resources on MWFs and related topics. We have started to compile some of the MWF resources available through STLE here, but you can also conduct a search. If you have suggestions as to content we should provide, let us know.

November Webinar: Base Oils - Their Manufacture, Properties, Performance, and Applications with John Rosenbaum

Join us on November 22, 2011 for this month's webinar on Base Oils: Their Manufacture, Properties, Performance, and Applications with Dr. John Rosenbaum, Senior Product Development Engineer at Chevron Global Base Oils.

Abstract: This presentation will feature a discussion of the new types of base oils that have been introduced in recent years. These include high quality mineral oils, specialty PAOs and vegetable oil-derived esters, as well as gas-to-liquid (GTL) base oils. See the event listing for more.

Bio: Throughout his 30-year career at Chevron Global Base Oils, STLE member Dr. John Rosenbaum has stayed on the cusp of technological development for producing higher performing fuels and lubricants. In his early days as a research engineer in synthetic fuels and mineral-processing programs, he managed projects in coal cleaning, tar sands, extraction of complex sulfide ores and direct reduction of iron ores. After 3 years in minerals research, John spent the next 17 years research catalysts and process technologies for improving the chemical and physical properties of fuels and lubricant base oils. During that time, he also spearheaded Chevron's experimental program to make liquid fuels and lubricant base oil from natural gas. John has served as a member of the original development team for Chevron's ISODEWAXING Catalyst System that revolutionized the production of cost-effective, high-purity, premium base oils, so he is well-versed in base oils and all they are associated with. John received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from San Diego State University and a doctorate in materials science and mineral engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. He is the author and co-author of over 50 U.S. patents and several publications.

The registration deadline is November 21, 2011. With your purchase, you will be able to attend the live event (and ask all the questions you can think of), receive a copy of the recording, a transcript of the Q&A Session, access to reading/reference materials on the subject, presentation slides, and access to the assessment for use in the recertification process. Cost to attend is $39 for members and $59 for non-members.

See the event flyer for more information or click here to visit the event listing on http://www.stle.org/. To register and secure your seat, click here. This link will take you to the STLE Store, and once there, you will need to log in and then click "add to your products" to start the purchase process. If you have any questions or would to register multiple people, please contact us at (847) 825-5536 or at klemar@stle.org.

Space Tribology with Chris DellaCorte, Senior Research Tribologist, NASA

In this interview, we talk to Chris DellaCorte, Senior Research Tribologist at NASA's Glenn Research Center. We cover some background and definitions including the difference between solid and liquid lubricants, as well as research updates - his work on Nitinol, a new material for bearings, the S.A.R.J. relubrication project (pictured at right), new developments in the field, and what changes might come about as a result of the conclusion of the Shuttle Program. Listen to the episode for more details (click the link to open or save the file), click the play button above, or read/translate the transcript.

Visit our website for more information on space tribology, including two articles that Chris has written: History's Ultimate Lube Job, and A Blue Moon for Tribology. If you're interested in more information on space tribology, you can listen to the previous interview we did with Brandon Krick, a graduate student working on MISSE7 (Materials on the International Space Station Experiment).

October Webinar: Synthetics - Existing and Emerging Materials with Ken Hope

Join us on October 19, 2011 for this month's webinar on Synthetics: Existing and Emerging Materials given by Dr. Ken Hope.

Bio: Ken has almost 20 years of experience in the lubricant industry. Ken is the PAO Technology Research Fellow at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company and is responsible for the product development, process improvement and technical service for PAO Technology. With STLE, among many other activities, he has organized the Lube School in Houston and participated as an instructor at the Houston, Chicago, and Oklahoma sections as well as instructed the synthetics module of the Basic Lubricants course at the Annual Meeting for the last 13 years.

Abstract: This presentation will provide an overview of the synthetic base oils that are currently in use, including a brief history of synthetics, the physical and chemical properties of synthetics, and advantages/disadvantages with regard to current and potential applications. Ken will also cover several new products that have come to the market within the last year such as polyalphaolefins and polyalkalene glycols, and take a look at future trends in lubricant applications as it applies to synthetics.

For more details, view the event flyer or event listing. Registration deadline is October 17. The event will take place on October 19, 2011, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. CDT with a bonus Q&A session from 1-1:30 p.m. - this means you get more content for your time, and all the time you need for questions. If you need to leave at the end of the hour, you can always access the additional questions and answers through your Training Menu as we make the transcript available for the Q&A portion. You will attend this event through your STLE University Training Menu. Access information is sent to you upon purchase. Pricing is $39/$59 for members/non-members. You must log in to see the correct pricing. Your purchase includes access to the live event, reading/reference materials, presentation slides, a recording of the event, the Q&A Session Summary (for easy reference later), and access to the assessment, which allows you to earn Education Credits (ECs), which can be applied in the recertification process.

Be sure to join us for this educational event featuring an expert in the field. We hope to see you online! Click here to register and secure your seat today. To register, visit the STLE Store, find the event listing and click "Add to your products" to start the purchase process. If you have any quesitons or would like to register multiple people, please contact us at (847) 825-5536 or at klemar@stle.org.

A Love/Hate Relationship with Oil Analysis

In the latest episode, Charles Gay, Senior Data Analyst at Analysts, Inc. discusses oil sampling and analysis. He covers his article released in the August issue of TLT, and expands on the subject matter, going into detail on the existence of a love/hate relationship with oil analysis. Sometimes, oil analysis and sampling can be misunderstood or misused, and Charles offers solutions to get a good sample, every time.

Charles started in the industry over 35 years ago, and has been an STLE member for over 25 years. He provides training and technical support both internally and externally for staff and customers at Analysts, Inc. He has presented at local STLE sections, is currently the Chair of the Atlanta section, and is CLS and OMA certified.

Click the slider bar to play the episode in your screen, download the episode, or read the transcript. Make sure you read the TLT article, "20 Minutes with Charles Gay" which appeared in the August issue of TLT. You can also click here to view the most recent issue and explore the online archives. Visit our website for more information, articles and research on oil sampling and analysis. You can get a taste of some of the articles that have been written on the subject by reading: "Strategic Oil Analysis: Lubricant Sampling for Quality Results."

Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course - Reg Deadline, Oct 7!

Don't forget to register for STLE's upcoming Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course! This course is a great way to stay updated and to have proof of your expertise in the field (with an optional post-exam covering course concepts). Make sure to refer this information to your colleagues, as the pre-registration deadline is coming up very quickly - October 7, 2011! If you register by this date, you will get a free copy of the STLE White Paper, Development of Guildines for Using and Maintaining Metalworking Fluids. Be sure to get in while there's still time. The final deadline to register is October 25.

Also, if you'd like to sit for a certification exam (CMFS, CLS, or OMA I/II), you will need to register by October 14 (3 weeks before the date, to ensure there is enough participation to hold the exam sitting).

The instructors include Fred Passman and Gary Rodak. STLE staff will also be present for any administrative or course facilitation needs. Look for both Alicia and Kara at the course. We hope to see you there!

Metalworking Fluid Additvies: Amines & Microbicides with Jerry Byers

In this episode, Jerry Byers, Manager of Product Research & Development at Cimcool, discusses metalworking fluid additives, amines, microbicides, and the chemistry used to make these products. Given the fear that additives sometimes elicit (speaking specifically about diethanolamide), Jerry tries to dispel any misconceptions and argues for the proper use of both amines and microbicides. Download the episode, click on the play button above, or read the transcript to listen to our discussion.

Visit our website for more information about MWFs, additives, amines and microbicides. If you want to learn more about microbicides, check out Microbial Problems in MWFs or Current Trends in MWF Microbicides. You can also purchase the webinar given by Dr. Fred Passman on the subject of Biofilm Control. For a primer, you can purchase the Metalworking Fluids online course, or read the Lubricant Fundamentals article (which appears in TLT), Basics of MWFs.

For more information, check out these articles, as suggested by Jerry: Selecting the 'Perfect' Metalworking Fluid, A Watchful Eye on Amines, and Debunking the Myths about Formaldehyde Condensates and Metalworking Fluids. Jerry has also written a book, Metalworking Fluids, Second Edition - click here to read the review.

STLE Online Education Feature - Short Courses: Lubricant Composition and Metalworking Fluids

As we approach the Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course in November - if you are looking to attend the course, or if you just want to gain a background on metalworking fluids, take a look at our Short Courses - both the Lubricant Composition short course (which includes a discussion on additives, as well as other discussions on base oils and greases), and the Metalworking Fluids short course. The MWF Short Course covers the types and functions of metalworking fluids and guidelines for recommending a specific application, as well as metal removal fluids. In addition, a module on Metal Forming will be released soon. If you're looking to lay a good foundation of knowledge before the MWF Course or create a good jumping off point for your career, these are two good places to start. You can also take a look at our other short courses available including Basic Lubrication and Fluid Management & Recycling. These courses are not just good resources, but they can also be applied towards recertification, aiding your career in more ways than one. See below for screenshots from the Metalworking Fluids Short Course.

Extending Rolling Element Bearing Life: The Interdependence of Lubrication, Environment and Material with Dan Snyder

In this episode, we talk to Dan Snyder who discusses the interrelated forces that come into play when selecting and utilizing bearings. Having worked in the industry for 50 years, Dan has seen many changes and improvements that have greatly affected bearing performance. We take advantage of his experience while covering his thoughts on ISO 281:2007, bearing life factors, things to consider for different applications, and his advice for OEMs and end users. Click on the slider bar to play the episode in your screen, download the episode, or read and translate the transcript.

Dan's best practices for extending bearing life: "Be sure you identify the actual operating conditions for the bearing and select your lubrication accordingly. Use a good quality bearing from a reputable supplier, use recommended practices for both installation and lubrication and be aware how changes in machine use can affect bearing life. Today, maintaining the proper lubricant quality and cleanness through a rigorous condition monitoring program can go a long way."

What are your best practices?

STLE is dedicated to providing you with up-to-date information on the latest developments in the tribology community. Visit our website for more news and information on extending bearing life, and look below for resources to spark further discussion and debate, or just get informed on the key issues and concepts.

Resources

• Article: Selecting Rolling Element Bearings for Modern Applications - includes a quick-reference list of factors to consider at each stage of the bearing selection process


• Article: Optimizing Bearing Service Life - offers specific strategies on how to extend bearing life in practice


• Article: When Bad Things Happen to Good Bearings - key questions that form a simple guide you can use to diagnose a problem


• Article: Updating DaVinci: The Role of Computers in Bearing Design - includes interviews with 5 STLE members on their perspective and the evolution of bearing design


• Article: Lubricant Selection: Bearings, Gear Drives and Hydraulics - includes detail on lubricants and additives to use with different bearing types


• Article: An Engineering Guide for Bearing Selection - covers a different perspective on selection, including information on all types of bearings


• Article: ISO 281:2007 Bearing Life Standard: And the Answer Is? - an interview with some of those involved with the development of the standard, presenting their case in favor of it


• Article: In Search of a Fatigue Limit: A Critique of ISO 281:2007 - presents the argument for a lack of data to support the standard, and why it should be withdrawn


• Book: Life Factors for Rolling Bearings (on CD) - edited by Erwin Zaretsky and covers failure modes, materials and processing, bearing load, lubrication, and application of life factors. 300 pages. Available for purchase in the STLE Store


• Webinar: Bearing Damage Analysis with Dr. Paul Shiller - presentation covering how to analyze, diagnose and prevent bearing damage. Available for purchase in the STLE Store

Upcoming Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course - Registration Now Open!

Join us in Southfield, Michigan (USA) for the 2011 STLE Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course. The course gives you updated knowledge, techniques and best practices, as well as proof of your continuing education to take back to your workplace!

Registration is now open! Register now to ensure your place in this very popular education course. View the flyer, event details, or read the overview below for more details. Click here to register.

When: November 1-3, 2011 (2 1/2 day course)

Where: Engineering Society of Detroit, 20700 Civic Center Drive, Suite 450, Southfield, MI

Instructors: Fred Passman (bottom right) and Gary Rodak (top right)

Registration Deadline: October 1, 2011

Cost: $550 for members, $650 for non-members

A Certification Exam sitting will be offered the day after the course concludes on November 4. Click here to register (registration closes 2 weeks prior to exam date).

A hotel block has been set up at the Westin Southfield, which is only a 10 minute walk or 3 minute drive from the Engineering Society of Detroit's facility. Click here to see the map. The block rate is $105/night.

If you need some background or would like something extra - you can pick up the Metalworking Fluids, Second Edition, textbook, written by Jerry P. Byers. Click here to read a review of the book.

September Webinar: The USDA's BioPreferred Program with Rudy Pruszko

Join us on September 21, 2011 for this month's webinar on the USDA's BioPreferred Program, given by Rudy Pruszko. Rudy is an Industrial Specialist with the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University. He is currently working on the program as a project manager to assist in the development and implementation of supporting systems in the program, including the area of complex assemblies. The presentation will provide a brief background of the BioPreferred Program and the new USDA Labeling Program. For more details, view the flyer, event listing, or read the overview below.

What: USDA BioPreferred Program Certification - Double Your Market Advantage

Who: Rudy Pruszko, Industrial Specialist, CIRAS at Iowa State University

When: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CDT, with bonus Q&A 1-1:30 p.m.

Where: STLE University, broadcast directly to your computer

Abstract: See the event listing for more information

Cost: $39 for members, $59 for non-members

The registration deadline is Monday, September 19, 2011. Please note that there is limited space available, so register early to ensure your seat. To register, visit the STLE Store, find the event listing and click "Add to your products" to start the purchase process. Your purchase includes reading and/or reference materials, presentation slides, a recording of the event, the Q&A Session Summary (for easy reference later), and access to the assessment, which allows you to earn Education Credits (ECs), which can be applied in the recertification process. We hope to see you there! If you have questions, or would like to register multiple people, contact us at (847) 825-5536 or at klemar@stle.org.

The 2011 International Joint Tribology Conference

Attending the IJTC? Not sure yet? Have no idea what the IJTC is? This interview will provide all the information you might need. Our interviewee, Q. Jane Wang, is a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Northwestern University. She is currently serving as the Chair of the ASME/STLE Conference Planning Committee for the IJTC, making her well acquainted with the event both as part of the committee, but also a past attendee and presenter. She covers all the ins and outs of the conference including the different components - the keynote, symposia, technical tracks, presentations and exhibits.

Click on the slider bar above to play the episode in your screen, download the episode, or read and translate the transcript. You can read the article on the keynote speaker in the August issue of TLT. There are also other articles you can read on the IJTC to give you a sense of past events and highlights and developments from the last few years.

Visit our website for more news and information about the IJTC. New information is posted often, so be sure to bookmark the page to stay updated. On our website, you can register online, make hotel reservations, find information for authors and presenters, view photos from last year, and even get information on sponsorship if you're a company looking for some exposure at this truly unique meeting. Don't forget about Early Bird Registration, which can save you $100 on your meeting registration. It expires September 26.

Advanced Ultra High-Strength Steel, continuing the discussion from TLT with Ted McClure

In this episode, we talk to Ted McClure, Manager at TribSys LLC, who discusses his interview for the feature article on advanced ultra high-strength steel (A-UHSS) that appeared in the July issue of Tribology & Lubrication Technology. We get some more information on some of his recent work including the project with the Auto-Steel Partnership, providing more depth on the article.

To provide some background, A-UHSS is revolutionizing the auto industry due to low weight, high strength and ability to absorb and repel energy. Its unique properties allow it to meet new requirements and standards, yet this material requires specialized lubrication considerations. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, "advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) require less energy and emissions to produce than other automotive structural materials, make lighter parts that reduce vehicle weight and increase fuel economy, and are fully recyclable."

To the right, you can see part of Ted's contribution to the article, highlighting the various testing that can be done on a material and the benefits or drawbacks to each.

To find out more about this unique material, click the slider bar above to play the episode now, download the episode, or read (and translate) the transcript. You can read the article here, or read the entire issue and explore the archives here.

Helpful links:

• STLE website for articles, research and information on A-UHSS and related topics


• American Iron and Steel Institute


• Steel Market Development Institute


• Presentation that highlights some of Ted's work with the Auto-Steel Partnership


• Ted's Metalforming chapter, in the STLE Tribology Data Handbook, 2nd Edition


• TLT article on "Energy Efficient Automobiles," covering other methods that manufacturers and suppliers are developing to increase energy efficiency