February 12, 2015

SVSU professor wins national award for metalcasting research

The American Foundry Society has selected Bob Tuttle, professor of mechanical engineering at  Saginaw Valley State University, to receive its 2015 Applied Research Award for his “Ultrasonic Testing Gage R & R Study.”

The award recognizes projects that can be practically implemented into the metalcasting industry and on the factory floor. It emphasizes applicable research that has significant impact on metalcasting facilities, and on putting into practice solutions to problems those facilities are facing.

“I think what set Dr. Tuttle and his study apart from the other candidates was immediate relevance of the findings to help solve current problems and involvement with the industrial technical committee members and project participants,” said Thomas Prucha, technical director of the American Foundry Society.

Tuttle’s research involves the ultrasonic testing of steel castings and has helped make advancements in testing standards.  The project’s goal was to measure the repeatability and reproducibility of X-ray and ultrasonic testing readings for castings, and to compare the results. This information is now being used in participating foundries as a way to work on permitting ultrasonic testing, as opposed to X-ray standards.

Tuttle joined the SVSU faculty in 2004. He received SVSU’s highest honor for research, the Earl Warrick Award, in 2012. Tuttle’s scholarly work has been published in many academic journals and conference proceedings.  He completed a Ph.D. from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Tuttle will formally accept his award at the AFS Recognition Luncheon at the 119th Metalcasting Congress Tuesday, April 21, in Columbus, Ohio.