November 2023 Volume 5

FOUNDATION NEWS

FIERF Forging Competition Also kicked-off in 2023, the FIERF Forging Competition is a new initiative that brings students together to work on a forging project, immerse themselves in the process, and participate in a little friendly competition. For 2023, ten teams were challenged with making two tuning forks and having them reach an assigned frequency. Winners were announced at Forge Fair on May 26, 2023, in Cleveland, OH. • Best Process: Colorado School of Mines For 2024, the competing teams will be challenged to creatively design and forge a functioning version of a Halligan bar – a multipurpose tool used by firefighters to gain access to building spaces, vehicles, and for a multitude of other emergency uses. Each bar will be put through a series of tests appropriate to the application. You can expect the bar to be tested in prying, punching, twisting, and striking. All submissions should include a Halligan bar, a project video and technical report documenting the design and manufacturing process. Industry Partnerships: FIA Member companies are invited to participate as industry partners for student teams. Industry partners are asked to work with a team of competing students to provide guidance, materials, and information about forging. • Closest to the Frequency: University of North Texas • People’s Choice Award: University of Cincinnati

If your company is interested in being an industry partner, please contact Amanda Dureiko at amanda@forging.org to be connected with a competing team. Schedule of Events: Friday, December 1, 2023 Proposed teams, and preliminary plan due. Friday, March 29, 2024 Project video, technical report, and Halligan Bar due. Thursday, April 25, 2024 Performance testing and awards in Milwaukee, WI. Prizes: Each Halligan Bar entry will be eligible for five awards and a Grand Prize: 1. Best design and process 2. Best authentic Halligan Bar design for the form, fit and functions, but the team can use any materials they wish for their entry 3. Best forging 4. Best project video documenting the project 5. Best performance based on testing and expert evaluation

Pictured: Students that competed in the Forging Competition at the awards ceremony at Forge Fair with Keynote Speaker Ben Abbott.

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2023 73