November 2025 Volume 7

FORGING RESEARCH

FIA EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Available for Members, Educators and Industry Partners By FIA Staff

T he Forging Industry Association (FIA) continues to expand its commitment to workforce development and technical education through a comprehensive suite of resources available to its members, partners, and the broader forging supply chain. With both traditional print materials and an extensive online learning platform, FIA provides multiple avenues for engineers, production professionals, managers, and students to deepen their expertise in the science and practice of forging. As the North American forging industry faces increased demand for highly skilled workers, FIA’s educational portfolio is designed to support companies in training their teams, onboarding new employees, and staying current with best practices. Two core pillars of FIA’s educational offerings stand out: its technical print publications and its eLearning platform, Forging University. A Tradition of Print-Based Learning FIA has long published authoritative materials that serve as go-to references for forging engineers, customers, and suppliers alike. These resources are particularly valuable for those who prefer quick-reference formats, detailed illustrations, and structured guidance. Among the most widely used is the "Product Design Guide for Forging , " a 240-page manual aimed at original equipment manufacturer (OEM) engineers and buyers. The guide provides practical “do’s and don’ts” for designing products to be forged, complete with graphics, tables, and photos. Its layout allows time-conscious users to quickly locate needed information, and it consolidates FIA’s Guideline Tolerance booklets into a single resource. Another cornerstone publication is "Open-Die Forging Technology , " which documents technical advancements in open-die forging methods. This handbook offers detailed information on manufacturing equipment, design considerations, and the production of seamless rolled rings. It is widely used for training employees, educating customers, and serving as a resource for students interested in the open-die sector. FIA also produces specialized tolerance guides that have become essential tools for both producers and purchasers: • "Facts & Guideline Tolerances for Precision Aluminum Forgings" – Designed to educate customers and engineers on aluminum forging processes and quality standards. • "Guideline Tolerances for Hot Forged Impression Die Forgings" – A reference for the design and purchase of closed-die forged parts. • "Facts & Guideline Allowances & Tolerances for Seamless Rolled Rings" – A detailed guide to processes, methods, and purchase criteria in the rolled ring sector.

These print resources have helped standardize communication between suppliers and customers, reducing errors in design and procurement while fostering greater understanding of forging capabilities across markets. Forging University: A Digital Gateway to Industry Training While print publications remain an important foundation, FIA has embraced digital learning to make training more accessible and adaptable to today’s workforce. Forging University, FIA’s online e-learning platform, offers more than 100 courses and recorded webinars across multiple categories, available 24/7 to members and subscribers. The platform is structured to support companies of all sizes—from small job shops to global producers—by allowing employees to complete training modules at their own pace. Topics are organized across disciplines critical to the forging industry: • Forging Manufacturing and Tooling: Courses such as Additive Manufacturing 101 for Forge Tooling and Engineering Forging Drawings provide technical instruction on emerging processes and traditional methods. Failure Analysis of Forging Problems equips learners with the ability to detect and resolve common defects. • Forging Materials: Modules like Aluminum and Titanium Metallurgy & Forging 101 and Ferrous Metallurgy give staff foundational knowledge of alloy behavior, microstructures, and heat-treatment processes. Short courses on induction heating, die care, and lubricants complement the technical curriculum. • Operations and Management: Forging University extends beyond the shop floor with resources on leadership, lean manufacturing, cost estimating, cybersecurity, automation, and government programs such as the Defense Production Act. Webinars featuring industry leaders and FIA partners provide both technical and strategic insight. • Human Resources and Safety: Recognizing the importance of workplace culture and compliance, the platform includes training on harassment prevention, conflict resolution, CPR/ AED awareness, workplace violence response, and safety practices for forging hammers and presses. • Sales and Marketing: Even customer-facing staff can benefit from courses such as the Sales Training Workshop , which focuses on communication skills, negotiation, and virtual selling strategies.

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2025 62