In this Bulletin we mark the beginning of our series of articles on specific themes. In a similar way to last year we will be covering metals processing, non metallic materials, sustainable materials and research of interest at Universities and other research bodies.

This Bulletin is focussing on metals processing. It also reinforces the fact that we are able to give substantial space for our member companies to highlight their work and activities.

Thus we have contributions from TWI and the Institute of Metal Finishing, both of whom are member companies. In addition we are pleased to allow Testing Solutions Wales to contribute thereby reinforcing our commitment to be a conduit for Materials Technology in Wales.The Bulletin also covers our usual topics including a link to websites that may be of use to our members, a technology alert section and important dates for the diary. I would remind everyone that the bulletin also appears on our website where additional information including the Members only page can be found. The Members only page is useful for communicating ideas and for influencing the future direction of the MTFW.

During the year we also have planned a range of seminars and events with many of these being recorded in the Diary section. One of these is our postponed prestigious event ‘Elegant and Ethical - Sustainable Architectural Materials’.This event did not take place in May because of unforeseen circumstances but will now be held on Tuesday, 28th September at St Fagans.The same speakers - Mr Graham Phillips (Foster Group), Professor Richard Weston (Welsh School of Architecture),

Dr Michael Benfield (Benfield ATT) and KnowHow Wales – have all agreed to participate on the new date. I look forward to meeting you all on that prestigious occasion.

Finally a comment on membership which is growing at a very encouraging rate. Membership brings many advantages and not least of these is free attendance at our events and seminars. In addition there is access to our members only web page, an opportunity to present your company in the Bulletin and access to qualified technical and financial expertise should you require it.At the same time the MTFW is committed to the promotion of materials and their application within the Welsh economy and while we have a number of large companies on our membership list, we would still argue that one of our major drivers is to support the SME sector. So please think carefully about taking up membership, attending relevant events and of course influencing the future of the Materials Technology Forum in Wales.