The Australian Die Casting Association, (also known as ADCA), is the focal point for companies and people in the Die Casting and Forging industries to keep informed of new developments, technology, opportunities and contacts.
We have members from around the Asia-Pacific and work with other similar associations to bring about better knowledge and manufacturing efficiency.
Please check the calendar regularly in case of changes to dates, venues or topics.
Upcoming Events
20mayAll DayTour of Gekko Systems Ballarat
May 2026 Site Tour – Gekko Systems, Ballarat Wednesday 20th May , 2026 – START TIME 5PM SHARP 321 Learmonth Street, Mitchell Park, VIC 3355 We are excited to invite you to join us
Wednesday 20th May , 2026 – START TIME 5PM SHARP
321 Learmonth Street, Mitchell Park, VIC 3355
We are excited to invite you to join us on an exclusive tour of GEKKO Systems – Ballarat facility .
Gekko was co-founded by Elizabeth Lewis-Gray (Chair) and Sandy Gray (Technical Director) in 1996. Sandy Gray is the primary inventor behind their patented technologies, including the
Sandy has received the Clunies Ross Award and been inducted into the International Mining Hall of Fame. Headquartered in Ballarat, where they manufacture, they have offices in Perth, South Africa, North & South America and agents in Europe.
Key milestones:
Their Company mission: “To transform mining and the environment”—reflecting their focus on energy-efficient, lower-footprint processing solutions.
Gekko Systems is a globally recognised Australian engineering and manufacturing company headquartered in Ballarat, Victoria, specialising in innovative mineral processing technologies. Founded in 1996, the company designs and manufactures energy-efficient equipment and modular processing plants that improve resource recovery, reduce environmental impact, and enhance operational efficiency across the global mining sector. With more than 600 installations in over 40 countries, Gekko has built a strong reputation for combining advanced metallurgy, smart design, and high-quality in-house manufacturing to deliver practical, scalable solutions.
A tour of the Ballarat facility offers Australian Foundry Institute members a valuable opportunity to observe world-class regional manufacturing in action. Participants gain insight into advanced fabrication techniques, modular plant design, and the integration of digital instrumentation with physical equipment. The visit highlights parallels between mineral processing and metal casting, particularly in materials handling, process optimisation, and quality assurance systems.
Your participation in this tour will expose you to innovative engineering practices, sustainability principles such as low-energy processing and water efficiency, and real-world applications of research and development.
Participants will also benefit from cross-industry knowledge sharing, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, skills development, and adopting new technologies to strengthen Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability.
Following this exclusive tour join some of the Gekko team and the AFI contingent for a meal and the opportunity for a more in-depth Q & A session, not to mention catch up with other industry colleagues at the post tour dinner at the Lake View Hotel – 22 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree, 3350
When:
6:00pm Wednesday 20th May, 2026
Program:
4:45pm arrive on site at GEKKO
5:00pm SHARP – 6:00pm – Plant Tour
6:00-6:15 pm – Move to Lake View Hotel – 22 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree, 3350
6:30-7:00pm – Dinner followed by Q & A session
7:00-7:30 pm – Post site visit discussion and Networking
7:30-7:35pm – Close of meeting, Amber Maxwell
Where:
Site Tour – Gekko Systems, 321 Learmonth Street, Mitchell Park, VIC 3355 (directions)
Dinner – Lake View Hotel, 22 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree, 3350 (directions)
Cost:
ADCA and AFI members $50.00 per person
Non-members $70.00 per person.
Your meal is covered in the booking fee. Beverages available (at your cost).
Booking:
Please secure your booking via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DLYLX
You will be able to print a ticket and receipt immediately.
Contact:
Amber Maxwell 0488 068 989
All Day (Wednesday)
Gekko Systems, Ballarat
321 Learmonth Street
Past Events
22aprAll DayApplication of Campbell's Runner Systems at A.W. Bell by Dr. Kyle Metzloff
Application of Campbell’s Runner Systems at A.W. Bell by Dr. Kyle Metzloff This is a unique opportunity to talk face to face with a world class metal casting metallurgist and educator. Dr
Application of Campbell’s Runner Systems at A.W. Bell by Dr. Kyle Metzloff
This is a unique opportunity to talk face to face with a world class metal casting metallurgist and educator.
Dr Kyle Metzloff is the FEF/Waupaca Foundry Endowed Chair for Metalcasting, Department of Applied Engineering and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, USA.
Kyle is in Australia for 6 months working with AW Bell and RMIT University students. Kyle has a wealth of experience working with foundries in the USA and other countries applying John Campbell’s naturally pressurised runner systems.
This presentation will report on the early results from his work at AW Bell applying Campbell’s methods to investment casting of aluminium and titanium. Also results will be shown from modelling with Magma and the validation of velocities in the sprue and runner using sensors, plus actual measured flow rates compared to the designed rates.
Given the breadth of Kyle’s knowledge and experience in casting of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, this is a presentation that offers something for everyone.
When:
6:00pm Wednesday 22nd April, 2026
Program:
6:00 – 6:10pm – Welcome and Introduction
6:10 – 6:40pm – Presentation by Dr Kyle Metzloff
6:40 – 6:55pm – Questions from the floor and discussion
6:55 – 7:30pm – Dinner
7:30 – 7:35pm – Close of meeting, Amber Maxwell
7:40pm on – Networking
Where:
Dandenong RSL
44-50 Clow Street, Dandenong Victoria, 3175
GET DIRECTIONS
Cost:
ADCA and AFI members $50.00 per person
Non-members $70.00 per person.
Your meal is covered in the booking fee. Beverages available (at your cost).
Booking:
To assist with catering, please book your place online via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DKWQG
You will be able to print a ticket and receipt immediately.
Contact:
Alan Cooke 0427 777 061
All Day (Wednesday)
Dandenong RSL
44-50 Clow Street
18febAll DayAFI-ADCA Presentation: Group Buying of Energy
AFI-ADCA Presentation: Group Buying of Energy Wednesday 18th February 2026, 6:00pm start Presented by Mark Grenning In the recent past we have heard from several speakers about the large savings that can be
AFI-ADCA Presentation: Group Buying of Energy
Wednesday 18th February 2026, 6:00pm start
Presented by Mark Grenning
In the recent past we have heard from several speakers about the large savings that can be realised by companies when they work together on an energy contract.
However, there have usually been barriers which prevented implementation.
It is now possible to secure Group Buying for businesses with differing end dates of their current energy contracts and differing energy demands.
Mark Grenning, who has previously worked for Rio Tinto and Energy Users Association of Australia, has decades of experience in dealing with energy contracts. Through his presentation we will get gain a better understanding of the complex and costly electricity and gas markets and how casting companies can benefit.
Businesses that act on this presentation have the potential to save many thousands of dollars on their energy bills.
This is our first activity for 2026 and could be your most important!
When:
6:00pm Wednesday 18th February, 2026
Where:
Dandenong RSL
44-50 Clow Street, Dandenong Victoria, 3175
(Please note the change in venue)
GET DIRECTIONS
Cost:
ADCA and AFI members $50.00 per person
Non-members $70.00 per person.
Booking:
Please book and pay online at Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DJCLJ
Contact:
Alan Cooke 0427 777 061
All Day (Wednesday)
Dandenong RSL
44-50 Clow Street