Murphy Receives AFS Service Citation For Teaching Students About Metal Casting

Ken Murphy’s involvement in Foundry in a Box was also included in the April 2016 issue of Modern Castings. Read the story here.

AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company Manufacturing Engineer Ken Murphy was presented with the American Foundry Society’s (AFS) Service Citation at CastExpo’16 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on April 19. Murphy is being recognized for his work with the AFS Birmingham Chapter’s Foundry in a Box program, which has introduced the metal casting industry to thousands of students across Alabama.

Foundry in a Box is a table-top demonstration of metal casting designed to promote an understanding of the industry, while encouraging elementary school through college students to pursue a technical education. Murphy leads the Birmingham Chapter’s Foundry in a Box efforts. Since 2011, he and other volunteers have presented Foundry in a Box to more than 16,000 students, teachers and others in about 40 locations.

“Foundry in a Box is important because it shows students metal casting is a fulfilling career that allows them to work with their hands,” said Murphy. “We also want to encourage students to do their best in school and inspire them to pursue a career in engineering and manufacturing.”

Murphy’s involvement with AFS began more than 40 years ago as a student at the University of Alabama. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, Murphy began his career at AMERICAN. He has several published technical papers. He also consults for the Steel Founders’ Society of America on projects involving ultra-high strength steels.

The American Foundry Society is celebrating 120 years of serving members of the metal casting community in 2016. Through its various resources, AFS provides members with advocacy coordination, ongoing technical education and innovative research. For more information, visit www.afsinc.org.