ASTM International’s committee on magnetic properties (A06) presented its top annual award – the Award of Merit – to Steve Sprague, general manager, Proto Lam, LLC, in Santa Fe Springs, California, USA. The prestigious award, which includes the accompanying title of fellow, is ASTM’s highest recognition for individual contributions to developing standards. 

The committee honored Sprague for outstanding leadership in developing standards related to magnetic materials and in the overall operation of the committee. The ASTM International committee on magnetic properties (A06) was established in 1903. The volunteer members of the committee develop and maintain material specifications, test methods, and terminology pertaining to the magnetic properties of soft and hard magnetic materials.

An ASTM International member since 2010, Sprague is also a member of the committees on aircraft systems (F39) and additive manufacturing technologies (F42). He has served as the sub-chairman for subcommittees within ASTM’s committee on magnetic properties (A06) since 2013. Sprague has been praised for being a thoughtful author and speaker on both materials and standards, as well as providing his extensive knowledge gained from 35 years of experience in the field of magnetic alloys.

Sprague has held his current position with Proto Lam, LLC, since 2017, having previously served in roles with Proto Laminations, Inc., Lamsco West, Blaisdell Manufacturing, and University of California, Irvine. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in studio art from the University of California, Irvine. 

In addition to ASTM International, Sprague served as a member of the Electric Motor Education and Research Foundation (2000-2011) and is currently a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Motion Control and Motors Association.

Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel+1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org 

Release #10808