Welcome to the Home Page of the

AFSearchTM Service

of the American Foundry Society!!

What does the AFSearch Service offer to the metalcasting industry?
What kind of information is in the AFS abstract data base?
How do I use the AFSearch System?
Begin a search of the AFS abstract data base.
How do I order the full documents that I have selected?

 Begin a search of the AFS abstract data base.

The development and maintenance of this abstract data base system is supported in part by the Defense Logistics Agency through the American Metalcasting Consortium.

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions on the content, usability, or format of this search engine, please mail , FAX or e-mail your thoughts to: American Foundry Society 1695 Penny Lane / Schaumburg, IL 60173-4555 USA Fax: 847.824.7848

E-Mail: library@afsinc.org

Information for the Metal Casting Professional

Information is a key element in designing, fabricating, marketing and using metal castings. In the global market place, there are rapid changes in technology, markets, government regulations, environmental developments, and safety issues. Current information is published in a wide variety of technical journals, trade publications, and general magazines. These same publications contain a wealth of historical information, which is still pertinent to the technical and marketing challenges facing the metal casting community. Given the amount of information that is published monthly and is archived in past publications, how can the metal casting professional find the critical information he needs in a rapid and cost-effective manner? AFSearch is such a tool.

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The AFS Abstract Data Base

The AFSearch Service offers the metal casting professional (designer, user, supplier, manufacturer, academic) a real-time, precision tool to locate both current and historical information necessary for their technical, production and marketing decisions. The AFS abstract data base currently contains over 31,000 article citations going back to 1967 covering over 100 journals and all the pertinent books. The reviewed publications include technical and academic journals, trade magazines, and manufacturing/business publications. Both U.S. and foreign sources are included, and the data base is updated monthly by experienced professionals who review and write focused, detailed abstracts on the key articles and publications. The abstracts cover a wide range of topics, including:

  • Cast irons 
  • Casting processes 
  • Cleaning and finishing 
  • Computer applications 
  • Environmental control 
  • General interest 
  • Management 
  • Melting 
  • Molding and core making 
  • Nonferrous alloys 
  • Plant engineering 
  • Quality control 
  • Safety & health 
  • Sand technology 
  • Steel 

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AFSearch abstracts contains periodic literature from technical and trade publications as well as research reports, special technical publications, thesis, and dissertations. The Society abstracts from over sixty periodicals. These sources are updated annually to assure the latest and best technology is available to our membership.

The AFSearch Engine

The AFSearch engine has a full-text search capability. You are not limited to a key word list that a reviewer may have assigned to a specific article. You select one or more key words and the search engine pulls up the abstracts that contain the key words anywhere in the document --in the title, the journal name, the author list, or the abstract text itself. This provides you a powerful tool to rapidly focus your search on the key abstracts that you need.

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Ordering a Full Document

When your abstract search is completed and you have selected the articles you want, you can order the documents from the AFS technical library. You can order by FAX, phone, or regular mail. The fees for ordering documents are:

ARTICLE  FEES
AFS Corporate Affiliates 
AFS Personal Members
Supporting Patners Members
Article Fee ( 1-10 pages)
$15.00/article 
$20.00/article 
$30.00/article 
Extra Page Fee ( more than 10 pages)
$0.50/page 
$0.50/page 
$1.00/page 
Mailing1 & Handling Fee 
$10.00/order on all orders US/Canada all others $15.00
FAX Fees  
(For Prepaid North American Orders)
$5.00 for the first 5 pages Over 5 pages, add $1/page 
Abstract Search Service
(1 hr. maximum)
$50.00/hr
Free on-line
$50.00/hr
Free on-line
$75.00 /hr.
Other Library staff assistance2
$50.00/hr
$50.00/hr
$75.00/hr
1 first-class mail— expedited delivery additional
2 Library staff assistance for research and photocopying

Library policy relating to AFS Membership

  • Access to the AFS Library and AFSearch are limited to AFS members only.
  • Non- members who request specific material from the AFS library will be allowed to purchase at list price.
  • Non- members can request a specific search of the AFSearch database,and will be charged at list price. AFS Librarian will perform the search and send copies of the abstracts that are found in the search.
  • AFS Corporate members involved in litigation may request access to library facilities for their legal counsel. Access must be scheduled in advance through the AFS Technical Department. Hourly charges for library assistance and articles purchased will apply at the member price.

  • For member discounts AFS membership number must appear on order form or purchase order. An AFS Membership form is attached to the Order Form.
  • North American delivery by FAX or mail.
  • Payment required in U.S. dollars or equivalent.
  • Prices subject to change.
  • Where applicable, article fees cover copywrite fees.

To Select Documents

  • Click on the FAX Order Form and keep it open to "copy and paste" the
    • AFS Article Number
    • Title
    • First Author
  • Print the FAX Order Form (press "Control + P" on your keyboard) with your abstract selections. Complete the sections with your address and payment information. (If you have more than five selection, open a second FAX Order Form)
    • FAX the completed order form to AFS at: 847.824.7848
    • Or call your order in to AFS at: 800.537.4237 or 847.824.0181
    • Or mail your order to:

        American Foundry Society
        Library
        1695 Penny Lane
        Schaumburg, IL 60173-4555 USA

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Begin a search of the AFS abstract data base.

All information and artwork is copyright 1997-2001,
American Foundry Society
1695 Penny Lane / Schaumburg, IL 60173-4555 USA
800/537-4237 (US and Canada)
Phone: 847/824-0181 / Fax: 847/824-7848

Maintained by
American Foundry Society

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