November 2025 Volume 7

FOUNDATION NEWS

NSF HAMMER-ERC LAUNCHES NEW FORGING CURRICULUM THROUGH

IACMI METAL By Samantha R. Trzinski

H ybrid Autonomous Manufacturing – Moving from Evolution to Revolution (HAMMER) is an engineering research center sponsored by the National Science Foundation. NSF HAMMER-ERC is developing new approaches to manufacturing in the forging industry by putting product needs first and then finding manufacturing pathways based on the abilities of artisans and reproducibility of machines. HAMMER has developed in partnership with the Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program advanced forging curriculum that is intended to expand and upskill the current forging workforce in America. Led by IACMI – The Composites Institute® with funding from the Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, METAL strengthens and diversifies the U.S. metal manufacturing workforce, focusing on casting and forging. This collaboration advances cutting-edge training and curriculum in forging technologies as part of a national effort to strengthen and diversify the U.S. metal manufacturing industry. Overview of Course This course launched at the start of November 2025 through METAL’s learning management system, and it is free to access

online. The class is comprised of 15 modules, each of which feature a recorded lecture, slideshow presentation, a knowledge check and additional resources, including readings, videos and activities. It covers a wide range of topics relevant to the forging industry, including: • Foundational materials science and engineering • Hot forging processes • Cold and warm forging processes • Tool design • Forging presses • Industry 4.0 • Digital simulation software • Careers in forging These areas of focus were chosen to ensure that the course provides a strong foundation in forging that people can continue to build upon with additional professional and technical development. Additionally, people who complete the course receive a forging certification from IACMI METAL and a Credly badge that can be shared virtually. Because this course can be completed self-paced

Figure 1: Image from METAL forging course lecture.

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