November 2025 Volume 7

FORGING RESEARCH

Looking Ahead FIA continues to expand both its digital and print offerings. New course development is ongoing, with input from member companies and industry experts. Members are invited to suggest additional topics to ensure the platform evolves alongside industry needs. As the forging sector faces rapid technological change— automation, additive manufacturing, and advanced metallurgy among them—FIA’s dual approach of maintaining print references and expanding online learning ensures that members have access to both timeless knowledge and cutting-edge training. The Forging Industry Association’s investment in educational resources reflects its mission to help North American forging companies compete and thrive. With a portfolio that spans practical print manuals and an ever-expanding online learning hub, FIA provides its members and partners with the tools to train their workforce, improve operational excellence, and prepare for the future. From the shop floor to the executive suite, FIA’s resources are designed to be both practical and adaptable—ensuring that companies have what they need to meet the challenges of today’s competitive manufacturing landscape. Visit www.forging.org for more information and access to resources. Contact Angela Gibian at angela@forging.org to suggest new content or curriculum.

Pricing for non-members is structured to allow both individual and companywide access, but for FIA members, Forging University is included at no additional cost. Students, educators, and military personnel with eligible email addresses (.edu, .gov, .mil) can also receive complimentary access. Leveraging Resources for Workforce Development For companies facing ongoing recruitment and retention challenges, FIA’s educational resources serve as practical solutions for training new hires and upskilling existing staff. Onboarding and Skill Development Forging University’s modular courses can be assigned to new employees to help them quickly grasp industry fundamentals, from the basics of forging processes to the nuances of die maintenance. The Fundamentals of Forging 101 course, for instance, includes eight modules that cover equipment, mechanics, Engineers and operators seeking deeper knowledge can turn to FIA’s technical handbooks and tolerance guides, ensuring they meet customer specifications with fewer errors. Courses such as Heat Treatment of Carbon Steel Forgings and Lubricants in Forging build on those concepts with practical applications. Supporting Leadership and Management Training Supervisors and managers can benefit from leadership-focused webinars and resources, ranging from succession planning to financial literacy for forging operations. FIA’s offerings, such as the Next Gen Webinar: Intentional Leadership , also serve to inspire the next generation of leaders within member companies. Promoting a Culture of Safety and Respect By incorporating FIA’s workplace harassment and safety training modules into regular employee education, companies can reinforce compliance, reduce liability, and create safer working environments. Member Advantages For FIA members, the value proposition is clear. Not only do members receive complimentary access to Forging University, but they also gain discounts on print materials and access to FIA’s broader programming, including in-person technical seminars and benchmarking surveys. Members are encouraged to integrate Forging University into their training plans by assigning courses to staff at all levels— from entry-level hires to seasoned engineers—and to utilize print publications as reference guides within their operations and engineering departments. Industrywide Impact Beyond individual companies, FIA’s educational resources play a critical role in strengthening the North American forging industry as a whole. By raising the baseline knowledge of forging practices across producers, suppliers, educators, and customers, these tools help ensure that the industry remains globally competitive. Students and educators, in particular, benefit from free access to Forging University, aligning with FIA’s workforce development mission to attract and prepare the next generation of forging professionals. defect prevention, and die failure. Enhancing Technical Expertise

SHOP FIA ONLINE NOW! Available Publications: • Product Design Guide for Forging • Guideline Tolerances For Hot Forged Impressions Die Forgings • Forging: Where, Why, How? • And more!

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FORGING Where, Why, How?

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2025 63