May 2021 Volume 3

FORGING RESEARCH

A SIFCO Co-Op Student’s Perspective on the Industry By Alexander King

The manufacturing environment is often incredibly immersive. To new eyes, the plant floor can be loud, flashing, and intimidating. That was my reaction upon my first steps, and I am surely not alone. Yet over time, I have come to associate these sights and sounds with a more intricate and curious understanding. It is here on the plant floor that the energy and work transform from raw, physical power into a finished product. One can see the culminating process of months and months of work, all in one location. To not only visualize the process of a part being made, but also be able to give direct input to its development, is a truly enticing promise. These skills were presented to me through my co-op experience at SIFCO Industries Inc.

discovered an industry that, despite its incredibly long history, is an ever-changing, critical environment, perfect for the execution of improvement projects, development, and introduction of new technologies. Unlike many new fields, forging holds a long tradition and record, providing extended sources of data and processes to be potentially improved. Manufacturing presents a unique set of challenges that pushes the limits of our understanding, from alloy composition to die design, elements that we thought were quite literally set in stone. The industry itself is constantly changing to meet the increasing demands of the aerospace and energy markets. Here, we can gain valuable insights into new, innovative approaches to unique challenges. It is this aspect that peaks and retains my interest in the industry. As a student, my education and curiosity have led me to question many aspects of technology that I had previously accepted. One such aspect that gained my interest was artificial intelligence and, consequently, machine learning. I am extremely interested in pursuing these fields, especially applied to the aerospace and forging industries. There exist unique potentials inherent to machine learning that often result in advanced predictive capabilities- especially concerning forging. My experience and discovery within this industry only serve to strengthen that bond, setting up an ideal connection for a distinctive application. Operational technology is always changing, seeking to increase uptime and reduce costs. Through my experience as a co-op, I have found that there are many avenues for applying this type of technology. Working at SIFCOhas introduced me to many new approaches that I had not previously considered. Their strong development and co-op program offer enticing learning prospects and exploration for students, through which I have gained valuable visibility to the aerospace industry. I would like to extend my thanks to Director of Engineering Don Fouse and Project Engineering Manager Jon Allen for their extended support, enthusiasm, and teachings. I am looking forward to applying this enthusiasm and introducing future technologies into this ‘new’ industry. ■

The “co-op” (cooperative education) is a career-oriented position, similar to an internship that requires immersive faculty mentorship, preparation, and student reflection in connection to a university. Strategic direction has proved to be an incredibly important element of progress, not only in an organization, but education as well. By participating in a career-focused environment, students, through this program, gain valuable insights and skills towards their future. I started this opportunity in August 2020 as a second-year student at the University of Cincinnati, studying Aerospace Engineering. Today, I would like to share with you my experience and thoughts on the industry from a different perspective. The process that parts must undergo is incredibly intensive and demanding- representative of a dynamic and evolving industry. This process establishes a direct connectionbetweendesign, development, and production, and branches across an incredibly diverse collection of fields, companies, and goals. My involvement as a co- operative education student has strengthened my understanding of this connection. It was through this experience that I discovered something new, something that I had previously not expected. I

Alexander King is an Aerospace Engineering student at the University of Cincinnati and a co-op student at SIFCO Industries, Inc. Alex is a 2021 applicant to the FIERF Finkl Scholarship program.

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FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021