November 2024 Volume 6

FORGING RESEARCH

FIERF IS NOW ACCEPTING RESEARCH GRANT APPLICATIONS

Time to Start Considering Research Topics The FIA Technical Committee facilitates, develops, and dissemi nates technical knowledge relative to the forging process and forging supply chain for the benefit of FIA Members while also working closely with Magnet Schools. After some discussion, the committee feels that there is a need in the industry for projects pertaining to: • Automation, Ergonomics & Robotics • Carbon Emission Reduction and Environmental, including Recycling • Die materials, surface technologies and die repair • Forging for Extreme Environments (hypersonics, chemical, nuclear, sub sea, space, and sub zero) • Forging Industry Equipment Lifecycle Extension • Forging Lubrication • Forging Specific Workforce Development • Industry 4.0 & Digital Manufacturing including AI or Machine Learning • Inspection Techniques • Lightweighting • Materials Characterization • Metallic Materials Development (additive, hybrid processes, metal matrix composites, and cast and wrought manufacturing)

• Metallurgical Processing and Process Design, from primary melting through forging, heat treatment and joining • Process simulation, including microstructural / mechanical property prediction Please Note: This list is not exclusive, and the committee invites proposals on all areas of forging research & technology. Contact FIA Technical Director, Dekland Barnum at dekland@ forging.org to discuss your research needs and to learn more about how the Forging Foundation can guide you through the organiza tional stages of the collaborative process and assist with the identi fication of possible funding sources. Grant Requests Due January 24, 2025 The Forging Foundation (FIERF) awards grants to universities and community colleges to advance the science of forging and to engage students and professors in industry-relevant research. The FIERF Board of Trustees has implemented the use of a Stage-Gate Process to manage industry research projects over $10,000 or one year in length. Grant requests of less than $10,000 and one year in length may complete the Micro Grant application. Visit www.FIERF.org to download the grant request forms. Please submit all requests to the Foundation Office at foundation@forging.org by January 24, 2025.

Industry Participation Necessary for Successful Projects

FIA Member companies play a vital role in the research projects funded by FIA’s Forging Foundation – FIERF. Company representatives interact with researchers, provide in-kind manufacturing/facilities support, review/approve project reports submitted by researchers, and provide internships. If you would like more information on how FIA members can get involved, see the Grant Policies and Procedures or contact the Foundation office at (216) 781-6260 or email Amanda Dureiko at amanda@forging.org for more information. Not an FIA Member? FIA has many additional benefits beyond research participation. To learn more about becoming an FIA Member, contact Tricia Abruzzino by email at tricia@forging.org or by phone at 216-781-6260.

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2024 61