May 2026 Volume 8

INDUSTRY NEWS

FIA UPCOMING EVENTS

Forging Industry Technical Conference May 19-20, 2026 | Macomb University (Warren, MI)

M ay 19-20 2026

The Forging Industry Technical Conference is designed to showcase the best in forging technology with a diversity of presentations of interest to different processes, materials, and end-use markets; report out FIERF funded research projects and industry collaborative group results; provide a forum for students and professors to present their forging research; and provide a networking opportunity between industry, academia, and research partners.

FIERF Forging Competition May 21, 2026 | DAUCH (Fraser, MI)

M ay 21 2026

The 2026 Forging Competition challenges students to creatively design and forge a functioning American Felling Axe. Axe’s have a minimum weight requirement of 3.5 and cannot exceed 6 lbs. Axe’s have to have a 36” handle. Each axe will be put through a series of tests appropriate to the application. All submissions should include an axe, a project video and technical report documenting the design and manufacturing process. Management Development Institute (MDI) FIA Headquarters (Independence, OH)

J une 8-10 2026

Session 1: June 8-10, 2026 Session 2: August 3-5, 2026 Session 3: October 5-7, 2026

This training is a comprehensive leadership development program for mid-level managers in the forging industry, designed to prepare participants for greater responsibility through a three-part series of sessions on team leadership, business law, communication, human resources, manufacturing strategy, marketing and sales, financial management, industrial AI, and professional networking. Blending lectures, case studies, discussions, plant tours, and networking, the program helps managers build practical skills in leading teams, improving operations, making sound business decisions, and navigating the evolving demands of manufacturing leadership, with a strong focus on career growth and long-term organizational impact.

Theory and Applications of Forging & Die Design July 14-17, 2026 | FIA Headquarters (Independence, OH)

J uly 14-17 2026

This training provides a practical, end-to-end foundation in forging theory and die design, teaching participants how to understand core forging processes and terminology, choose suitable materials and equipment, evaluate the mechanical and thermal behavior that drives metal flow, estimate forging loads, and design durable, cost-effective dies. It also emphasizes preventing defects and die failures, using simulation tools to improve designs before production, and applying these principles collaboratively to real industry problems, making it especially valuable for engineers, tooling personnel, supervisors, quality staff, and others involved in forging operations or die development.

FIERF Forge the Future Summer Camp July 27-30, 2026 | Cuyahoga Community College (Cleveland, OH)

J uly 27-30 2026

Explore the world of forging through the Forging Foundation's four-day Forge the Future Summer Camp. Students 11-15 years old will have the opportunity to tour a forging facility, participate in STEM and team building activities, and learn how to forge. Plus, campers will get to take home their own forging!

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2026 70