ASM Virtual Technical Session
The Manufacturing Process of High-Tin Bronze Cymbals
Speaker: Joseph Paul Mitchell
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
Time: Login begins at 6:45 PM Presentation begins at 7:00 PM
Duration: Approximately one hour; questions and answers to follow
Registration: Please contact David Guisbert deguisbert@aol.com by February 17, 2025. Meeting login information will be sent to all who register.
Abstract:
The cymbal – an instrument which evolved in the distant past and yet remains vibrant in today's world of music, celebration, and religious ceremony – is examined through a lens of old-world manufacturing techniques and application of modern manufacturing technologies. Metallurgical analysis (chemistry, metallography, and hardness), of various stages of cymbal production is presented. Metal alloying, casting, heat treatment, and forming techniques and their effect on cymbal aesthetics and sound will also be discussed.
About the speaker:
Mr. Joseph Paul Mitchell is Director of Operations at The Avedis Zildjian Company (Norwell, MA), the world's premier cymbal manufacturer. With an onsite foundry, bronze is melted, cast, rolled, and cold-worked into beautiful looking and sounding instruments. Prior to employment at Zildjian, Mr. Mitchell was Director of Operations and Technical at The Miller Company (Meriden, CT), a service slitting center providing phosphor bronze and specialty alloys. Mr. Mitchell also worked as Plant Metallurgist for True Temper Sports (Amory, MS), the world's number one golf shaft manufacturer. Beginning his career with an AAS in Metallurgical Science Technology, Mr. Mitchell also earned a BS and MBA from Lawrence Technological University (Southfield, MI).
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David Guisbert
Associate
Quality Associates Metallurgical Services
Niles MI
(574) 485-9359
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