PCE News
GVSU Hosts and Competes in National Metal Casting Competition
April 20, 2026
GVSU's Padnos College of Engineering hosted the 2026 Cast In Steel competition in mid-April at the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center. Once again GVSU's Casting Club student organization took part and were among 58 teams from 18 states, France and Mexico that were on hand for the event, in which teams design, cast and test a fully functional metal tool or weapon.
The competition is judged by industry experts, where teams put their cast creations to the test in a series of physical and performance challenges. Teams must also submit a technical report and a video featuring their work. The entire event was recorded as part of a television series that is currently in development. This year's challenge was a Horseman's Axe and the GVSU team spent months creating their entry. GVSU finished second in the report category and also got special mention for using AI in their video. The Horseman’s Axe, originated in the 14th century and was frequently employed as a weapon and features a narrow, curved blade and a spike on the back side.
Dr. Abishek Balsamy-Kamaraj, Assistant Professor, Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering, serves as the student org’s faculty advisor. Eagle Alloy, Inc. in Muskegon, Michigan is the industry partner that supports the team.